Editorial | Reaction to Hong Kong national security law shows more needs to be done to ease concerns
- The unveiling of legislation has raised some legitimate fears and, although freedoms are guaranteed under the Basic Law, Hong Kong and Beijing need to restore mutual trust and confidence
Hong Kong entered a new era with mixed feelings after the national security law came into effect on the eve of the 23rd anniversary of reunification with China. Promises had been made that the new statute, seen by many as tough and sweeping, would restore the stability and economic prosperity shaken by last year’s social unrest.
But legitimate concerns were raised over a wide range of issues as soon as the full text was unveiled. As a result, further explanations and assurances are required to improve understanding and compliance.
A lot more also needs to be done in the longer term for the city and Beijing to restore mutual trust and confidence.
The importance of safeguarding national security has been made plain in the law’s 66 articles, which cover offences relating to secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign countries.
As the second major statute enacted for Hong Kong by Beijing following the promulgation of the Basic Law, it sets out the overall requirements for the accurate and comprehensive implementation of “one country, two systems”, and seeks to “legalise” the principle with particular emphasis on “one country”.