More clarity needed on Hong Kong’s Article 23 domestic security law to reassure investors, say legal experts and business chambers
- Secretary for Security Chris Tang seeks to allay concerns over proposed law by rebutting what he calls misconceptions
- European Chamber of Commerce says it will pay ‘particular attention’ to issues potentially concerning Hong Kong’s ‘core values’
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung on Wednesday sought to allay concerns over the proposed law by rebutting what he called misconceptions, as officials began their explanatory work by meeting members of the financial and news industries as well as politicians.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing also threw its weight behind local authorities’ efforts, calling the legislation an “urgent requirement” for Hong Kong’s stability.
The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office also wrote an article published by Xinhua, saying the proposed legislation was widely supported locally because residents were reasonable, understood national security threats following the 2019 social unrest and also longed for development.
The city on Tuesday launched a 30-day consultation exercise to gather public feedback on the sweeping domestic national security legislation that targets treason, insurrection, sabotage, foreign interference, theft of state secrets and espionage.
Beijing’s response came after Britain echoed the European Union in saying it was closely monitoring the issue as the city’s “freedoms had been significantly eroded under the guise of national security”.
“It is important that new legislation aligns with international standards and upholds the rights promised to the people of Hong Kong,” the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.