Hong Kong is an international city and everyone has a stake in its future. Hong Kong was in the Western camp before 1997 and its unique position allowed the city to stay out of most political turmoil. Now, with the imposition of the national security law, western countries are loudly criticising China’s human rights records and offering safe havens to the people of Hong Kong (“ China lashes out at Five Eyes as Britain, Australia offer to help Hongkongers ”, July 2). China could meet the challenge head on by hosting a multilateral meeting, inviting all the Western noisemakers and stepping up our communication with them on why, in our eyes, the law is necessary for Hong Kong. I would suggest China leave aside the issue of face, stop arguing with the West about their intervention in our internal affairs, and stop being caught in a punishing cycle. China could send a delegation of Hong Kong leaders to the West to cool the temperature, and counter the stirring of the pot by the US. Beijing might even consider a minor change to the national security law to deliberately show we are accommodative and not as aggressive as the US has tried to paint us. China needs to step up diplomatic action, instead of debating with the West and falling into the traps set by anti-China US politicians. Simon Yam, Mid-Levels Carrie Lam was right to warn about fugitives’ paradise The arrival of the Hong Kong-style national security law appears to have scared the living daylights out of many world leaders. Countries such as Britain , the United States, Canada and Australia have all reacted in similar fashion, standing ready to end extradition agreements with Hong Kong. The remarks from our chief executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, that Hong Kong would become a fugitives’ paradise if her ill-fated extradition bill was not enacted – back when she was still trying to push for the controversial law last year – are still ringing in our ears. Lam cites urgency of Taiwan murder case, dismisses consultation call Though that attempt proved unsuccessful, a more stringent national security law tailor-made for Hong Kong has kicked in. This, pursuant to Mrs Lam’s logic, would prevent criminals from hiding out in our city. Nonetheless, with the suspension of extradition agreements by the above-mentioned nations, Hong Kong is very likely to turn into a most attractive hideout for thugs, and worse. Our city will soon have a very significant role to play internationally: it would become a haven for law-defying people. Not long ago, the anti-mask law was imposed, supposedly to deter violence. Now, ironically, with the invasion of Covid-19, the ban has been forgotten in favour of compulsory mask wearing . Mrs Lam proudly said she had more than accomplished the mission she set for herself in her election campaign. However, every Hong Kong resident can clearly see what has been achieved. Foreign nations have started granting Hongkongers right of abode. And, paradoxically, her warning is coming true: Hong Kong could well be turning into a paradise for fugitives. Randy Lee, Ma On Shan