The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has taken a significant step in safeguarding national security by enacting the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), fulfilling the mandate of Article 23 of the Basic Law. After extensive deliberations, the Legislative Council passed the legislation on March 19, nearly 27 years after Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997.
The passage of the SNSO marks the completion of Hong Kong’s national security legislation, addressing areas such as sedition, espionage, treason, and introducing new measures against insurrection, technological threats, sabotage, and foreign interference. This comprehensive legal framework aims to protect the city from activities that endanger national security and undermine the “one country, two systems” principle.
Previous attempts to enact similar legislation in 2003 encountered significant public opposition, resulting in a legal vacuum that was exploited by elements seeking to destabilize Hong Kong. The unrest in 2014 and the widespread protests in 2019 highlighted the need for robust legal protections to maintain social order and national security.
In 2020, the enactment of the national security law (NSL) for Hong Kong restored stability, but further measures were deemed necessary to address evolving security challenges comprehensively. With the SNSO now in place, Hong Kong possesses an updated legal arsenal comparable to national security laws in other jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom’s National Security Act of 2023.
While concerns have been raised by some Western critics regarding the potential impact on rights and freedoms, the HKSAR government has emphasized that the SNSO upholds the rights enshrined in the Basic Law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and association will continue to be protected under the new legislation.
The completion of Hong Kong’s national security legislation through the SNSO is a pivotal moment for the city, aiming to ensure long-term stability and prosperity. By bolstering its legal framework, Hong Kong seeks to safeguard its residents and uphold the rule of law within the context of the “one country, two systems” arrangement.
Reference(s):
Safeguarding national security: Hong Kong completes its defenses
cgtn.com
