Topic
Latest news and updates on Beijing’s national security law for Hong Kong. The legislation, which was passed by Beijing by promulgation on June 30, 2020, aims to prevent, stop and punish secession, subversion of state power, terrorism and foreign interference. Opposition politicians and critics warn it could be used to suppress dissent and erode freedom in the city. Read the full text of the law here
As the city marks National Security Education Day, it hears it has to remain vigilant to internal and external threats, and strive for better economic and social achievements.
The city’s success and prosperity, now as in the past, depends on maintaining the rule of law both as a matter of perception and reality.
Scrutinising policies and questioning funding requests can help a Legislative Council full of ‘patriots’ shed the rubber stamp impression and act more as a check and balance on government.
People in Hong Kong, particularly the media, should still be allowed to voice diverse opinions and criticism without fear of retribution – as long as it is fair and fact-based. This will help mitigate the concern of people considering a move here and show that ‘one country, two systems’ is still alive and well.
- New subject curriculum replaces controversial liberal studies and focuses on national security as well as China’s development
- Teachers say test mainly required candidates to elaborate on answers based on source text instead of expressing personal opinions
Beijing’s foreign ministry arm in Hong Kong condemns UK report, accuses Britain of smearing ‘one country, two systems’ and national security legal framework.
Britain is blatantly interfering with Hong Kong affairs in a futile attempt to undermine the city’s prosperity and stability, government says.
Analysts say call signals central government expects local officials take more proactive approach to boosting economy and tackling deep-rooted issues.
Media mogul had proposed a ‘purification scheme’ seeking to de-escalate violence that had gripped the city, prosecution witness Wayland Chan says.
Vigilance is required because of the ‘sudden’ and ‘persistent’ nature of national security risks, he says.
Director of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Xia Baolong says ‘one country, two systems’ governing principle will ‘not need to change’.
Chief Executive John Lee, also addressing National Security Education Day ceremony, reminds residents to remain vigilant over persistent risks.
City’s first awareness day following implementation of domestic national security law will be held on Monday and is set to be biggest since 2021 launch.
Commissioner’s office of China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong says advisories defame city’s national security laws and tarnish human rights situation in city.
Zheng Yanxiong, director of central government’s liaison office, says Article 23 law safeguarding national security will enable transition from stability to prosperity.
Paralegal Wayland Chan explains his links to tycoon Jimmy Lai, his right-hand man Mark Simon and activist Andy Li at West Kowloon Court.
Joseph John, a UK resident of Portuguese nationality, sentenced to five years in jail for posting seditious material online which called for return to British rule.
Activist turned prosecution witness Andy Li tells media mogul’s defence lawyers about unsuccessful escape attempt to Taiwan in late August 2020.
Andy Li tells court he had no direct contact with Apple Daily founder before or after Beijing-decreed national security law took effect in June 2020.
Zheng Yanxiong, director of central government’s liaison office, says Hong Kong should stick to its ‘superconnector’ role to ensure economic growth.
Activist turned prosecution witness Andy Li exchanged messages with middleman linked to media tycoon, discussed opposition camp’s future after 2020 security law.
Lobbyist Andy Li said he worked with Japanese legislator, a political activist and a financier, both based in Britain, to have sanctions applied.
Dick Lee, who headed force between 2003 and 2007, tells police youth group modern Chinese history vital to understanding need for national security.
Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has prompted concerns from some foreign investors over its possible implications, even as officials stress its stabilising impact.
Customs chief Ho Pui-shan says department will also provide training so officers can better detect materials that endanger national security.
Zheng Yanxiong, director of central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, is expected to offer key takeaways from last month’s ‘two sessions’ in Beijing.
From Biden’s State of the Union and TikTok to fury over Hong Kong’s security law and anger over a possible TikTok ‘ban’, here are a few highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents from March 2024
