China approves national security law for Hong Kong amidst tension. The National People's Congress (NPC) voted 2,878 to 1 in favor of the bill.
NPC, China’s parliament, is officially paving the way for the finalization and implementation of a new national security law for Hong Kong after its approval. Only six abstained from the vote.
The bill will be sent to the Standing Committee, a smaller decision-making body. The committee will lay out the details of the legislation and then it will be implemented in Hong Kong.
According to Premier Li Keqiang, the country’s second-in-command, the decision to carry out the law was “designed for steady implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ and Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.”
Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is said to be observing a “one country, two systems” principle. This means the city can enjoy freedoms that those on the mainland do not practice. These freedoms include limited election rights, self-governing power, and a unique legal and economic policies from mainland China.
Before the approval made by China on the national security law in Hong Kong, protests in the island emerged.
There are no definite details about the law yet. However, according to China, it will address secession, subversion of state power, terrorism activities and foreign interference. Beijing's move bypasses Hong Kong’s legislature and may take a few months before it takes effect in the island.
Lam's reaction
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam told the public that their rights and freedoms will still be intact. In a statement about China's approval of the bill, she explained that the national security law “aims to prevent, curb and sanction an extremely small minority of criminals who threaten national security, safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and maintaining ‘One Country, Two Systems.’”
“It will not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. ‘One Country, Two Systems’ has been Hong Kong’s top advantage, and a stable and safe society will provide a favourable business and investment environment,” her statement read.
Earlier this week, Lam told Hong Kongers that they should not be alarmed with the law. She did not mention any specific fears but pointed out the law had yet to be drafted.
“There is no need for us to worry because in the last 23 years whenever people worried about Hong Kong’s freedoms of speech and freedoms of expressions and protest, time and again Hong Kong has proven that we uphold and preserve those values,” she said.
“I think the best thing is to see the legislation in front of us, and to understand why at this point in time Hong Kong needs this piece of legislation, for the bigger benefit of the great majority of Hong Kong people.”
Chen Daoxiang, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) commander in Hong Kong, previously expressed the message.
He stressed that the PLA will uphold “national sovereignty” in Hong Kong.
“Garrison officers and soldiers are determined, confident, and capable of safeguarding national sovereignty and development interests and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong,” said Chen. He noted that the Hong Kong Garrison sees the national security law as “conducive to deter separatist forces and external intervention.”
