TGT On-The-Go: New National Security Law in Hong Kong | By Vikrant Sharma

TGT On-The-Go

New National Security Law in Hong Kong

By Vikrant Sharma

Founder-Editor, The Global Telescope

Beijing has introduced a new national security law in Hong Kong that has created geopolitical ripples all over the world. On 1 July 1997 Hong Kong was handed over by the British to China, with a 1-Country, 2-Systems principle in place to manage Hong Kong and Macau (formerly under Portugal till 1999) as Special Administrative Regions of China.

This system promised greater autonomy to the regions. This includes their own currency, as well as various economic and legal mechanisms; however foreign policy and defense remained under Chinese control. This system is meant to stay in place for 50 years from the date of transfer.

Hong Kong is one of the most important business destinations in Asia, as well as globally. USA has a special status devoted to Hong Kong that means different tariffs for business through Hong Kong, with reference to China- this is particularly relevant due to the trade war between the two countries. Since April last year, Hong Kong has seen massive protests that have refused to die down as Beijing would have hoped. Now, with this new national security law, the protests have again flared up, and not just within the public. 

Pro-democracy legislators in Hong Kong are also furious at the imposition of this law on Hong Kong without any approval from the lawmakers in Hong Kong. The draft law has been approved by China’s legislature and is expected to be finalised and implemented in the next few months.

As The Guardian reports, this anti-sedition law is meant to ban ‘“any acts or activities” that endanger China’s national security, including separatism, subversion and terrorism’. It would also “national security agencies” from the mainland to operate in the territory. Another bill being discussed aims to criminalise disrespect to the national anthem of China. It is feared that these measures are being taken to stamp out dissent in Hong Kong, including the protests that have continued for over a year, and to exercise greater control of Beijing over the territory.

USA has severely criticised the law, and has even tried to take the matter up at the UN Security Council (UNSC)- a move that was blocked by China. It has hinted that it might revoke the special status it has given to Hong Kong. UK, Canada and Australia have also expressed concern through a common letter issued by the three. China maintains that Hong Kong’s security is an internal matter of the country.

With more protests expected in the near future and riot police making its way into the city, let us hope that the situation remains peaceful.

 

Hong Kong

Update After Original Publication (30 May 2020): US President Donald Trump has announced that he has decided to amend US policy and withdraw the special status given to Hong Kong, and change the current special trade tariff considerations as well as status of extradition with Hong Kong. He has accused China of trying to exercise greater control over the region in contravention of its treaty obligations to UK.

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Reference:

Lily Kuo, Chinese parliament approves controversial Hong Kong security law, The Guardian (28 May 2020) | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/28/china-vote-npc-national-security-laws-hong-kong-us-protest

Stanly Johny, Explained- What is China’s One Country Two Systems policy?, The Hindu (28 August 2019) | https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/explained-what-is-chinas-one-country-two-systems-policy/article29279828.ece

Prashant Dhawan, China Blocks U.S. Call For UN Security Council Hong Kong Meeting Current Affairs 2020, Study IQ YouTube Channel (28 May 2020) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FmqeamncLo