Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has underscored the necessity for a “forward-looking” national security law, addressing emerging risks posed by evolving technologies. During a weekly press conference on Tuesday, Lee expressed the city’s commitment to employing the “most effective means” for the legislative work associated with Article 23, Hong Kong’s own national security legislation.
In Cantonese, Lee emphasized the importance of thorough consideration to ensure that the proposed law can adapt to the ever-changing and unpredictable risks, particularly those arising from technological advancements or new methodologies.
Article 23 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law mandates the enactment of a security law to prohibit seven types of offenses, including treason, subversion against the central government, and theft of state secrets. This law operates independently from Beijing’s national security law, passed in June 2020 in the aftermath of the 2019 protests, criminalizing secession, subversion, foreign collusion, and terrorism, with potential life imprisonment for offenders.
Lee addressed inquiries from reporters regarding Article 23 during the press conference, following the release of the annual Legislative Council agenda last week, which confirmed that the Safeguarding National Security Bill would be discussed by lawmakers this year. The agenda, however, did not specify whether the discussions would occur in the first or second half of the year.
When questioned about the timeline for public consultation and legislative work, Lee mentioned that these processes would commence when relevant government departments were prepared. He further stated that Hong Kong would draw insights from national security laws of other countries, especially those with newer legislation that demonstrates foresight in handling unforeseen risks to national security.
Despite the assurance from Hong Kong authorities that legislative work for Article 23 would commence this year, critics express concerns about potential limitations on civil liberties. They point to the arrests of activists and the closure of independent newsrooms following Beijing’s security legislation in the city.
Lee acknowledged the city’s experience of “risks and harms” during the 2019 extradition-bill protests, describing them as a “Hong Kong version coloured revolution and black-clad violence.” He reiterated the importance of protecting national security, emphasizing that the city would employ the “most effective means” for the legislative work, alluding to the need for a comprehensive security framework.
It is worth noting that legislation of Article 23 failed in 2003 due to mass protests. However, authorities argue that the Beijing-imposed security law in 2020 highlighted the need for additional security legislation to address existing loopholes.