Shades Off | If national security is about silencing dissent, why not make it clear?

Name: National security law one year on: Hong Kong activists still testing political ‘red lines’
Uploaded: 2021-07-13T00:30:05.000Z
Duration: 6 min 44 s
Description: National security law one year on: Hong Kong activists still testing political ‘red lines’

The security laws would seem to be mainly about silencing opposition to the Communist Party. If this is so, wouldn’t explaining why this is necessary and how Hong Kong would benefit be a good way of easing concerns?

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A cultural performance as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, at the Bird’s Nest national stadium in Beijing on June 28. Photo: AFP

Peter Kammerer

Published: 8:30am, 13 Jul 2021Updated: 8:30am, 13 Jul 2021

Beijing and its Hong Kong government proxies have given all manner of reasons for the national security law. The provisions covering secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers implemented a year ago are not enough, we are now being told, and enacting Article 23 of the Basic Law, long-delayed local legislation protecting Beijing from subversive, treacherous acts, is now firmly on the agenda.

There would seem to be a lot of overlap in existing domestic laws, including those recently introduced, and the ones that are planned. Hongkongers have been told it is all in the name of protecting sovereignty and putting in place stability and a system of representation that ensures the city runs smoothly and prosperously.

These are noble aims and no one could have qualms about wanting Hong Kong to return to its peaceful and thriving old ways. The city was not so long ago a vibrant financial magnet, a draw for mainland Chinese and foreign companies, investors and talented workers. The biggest names in luxury and fashion had regional bases, the airport was among the world’s busiest with visitors flocking to shop, sight-see, do business, and participate in trade shows and conventions.

Then came the protests, the violent clashes with police, the vandalism and Covid-19, casting a shadow that makes the glory days seem far away and unattainable.

Hong Kong authorities were unwilling to step in with a political solution. If they had done so in a timely manner, circumstances may have been markedly different.

06:44

National security law one year on: Hong Kong activists still testing political ‘red lines’

Government inaction gave Beijing the green light to intervene and it has done so with force and determination, using police to enforce the strategy. Peace has been restored, but to some people, it has been accompanied by intimidation, fear, tensions and an even greater polarisation of society.

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.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Shades Off | If national security is about silencing dissent, why not make it clear?

Shades Off | If national security is about silencing dissent, why not make it clear?