China’s Top Official: ‘We Need to Hold Onto Bottom Line of National Security For the Development of Hong Kong”
Daniel Kim Views
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A high-ranking Chinese government official in charge of Hong Kong policy emphasized the legitimacy of the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law (Hong Kong National Security Law), which went into full effect last March.
According to Reuters on the 15th, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council of China, attended the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day event in Hong Kong and said, “We need to tightly hold onto the bottom line of national security to safeguard the high-quality development of Hong Kong.”
The Hong Kong National Security Law, which has been in effect since the 23rd of last month, includes 39 security crimes, such as national division and subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces, and the punishment for each. For example, even in relatively minor offenses such as spreading false or misleading information, a prison sentence of up to 10 years can be imposed. In particular, if there is a collusion with foreign forces such as overseas governments, political parties, international organizations, and overseas institutions pursuing political purposes, the sentence can be extended up to 14 years.
Director Xia Baolong said there is a spread of concerns about the Hong Kong National Security Law, mainly among overseas governments and corporations, “This law protects the rights, freedoms, property, and investments of ordinary Hong Kong citizens and foreign investors.” He added, “Foreign investors can come to Hong Kong and invest in new businesses without worries.” He said, “Hong Kong remains the best place in the world to do business, make money, and realize dreams.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong announced on the same day that travelers entering Hong Kong should be more careful as the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisories for various countries on the 13th.
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