Hong Kong was once Asia’s world city, a global financial hub and business gateway to China. But the passage of new national security laws is the latest sign the door is closing.by Hong Kong’s unicameral, opposition-free parliament. The law covers newly defined acts of treason, espionage, theft of state secrets, sedition and foreign interference.
Some business groups had expressed particular concern about broad definitions in the new law, particularly around definitions of state secrets and espionage. UK foreign secretary, David Cameron, said it would “make it harder for those who live, work and do business in Hong Kong”. The government rejects claims that the laws will affect international business and investment. Lee says the national security laws will help. “All economic and social activities require a secure and stable environment,” he said in February.
Lau said enacting domestic national security legislation was a constitutional requirement – and in fact two decades overdue – but she said the rush of article 23 was unlike anything she’d seen in her 25-years as a legislator, and she had major concerns about the lack of response to parties like the UN human rights commissioner.