Title: Hong Kong plans to develop its own national security law in 2024 to protect its autonomy from external intervention
Introduction :
During his annual policy address, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that Hong Kong will draft its own national security law in 2024. The move aims to preserve the city’s autonomy while strengthening its control mechanisms. This announcement comes 4 years after Beijing imposed a national security law to suppress dissent in Hong Kong.
A need to protect Hong Kong’s autonomy:
Since Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997, the city has benefited from a system of partial autonomy called “one country, two systems”. However, the implementation of the national security law in 2020 has raised concerns about attacks on this autonomy. John Lee declared that “some countries are undermining China and the implementation of one country, two systems.” The statement reflects Hong Kong’s concerns about external interference.
Response to outside interference:
John Lee affirmed that Hong Kong will continue to safeguard its national security and improve its legal system and control mechanisms. He also stressed that outside forces continued to interfere in the city’s affairs. This desire to strengthen control mechanisms and protect Hong Kong’s autonomy is illustrated by the development of a national security law specific to the city.
The impact of the current national security law:
Since the national security law came into force, Hong Kong has seen major pro-democracy protests in 2019. Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated to demand greater freedoms and autonomy from of mainland China. In response, Beijing has cracked down on dissent by arresting activists and sentencing some to lengthy prison terms. This situation also led to the flight of some activists abroad.
The development of patriotic education:
Along with the development of the national security law, Hong Kong also plans to develop patriotic education to strengthen national identity. John Lee announced the creation of a task force to make progress in this area and align with the Patriotic Education Law of the People’s Republic of China. This decision echoes the recent law promulgated by Beijing aimed at strengthening the patriotic education of children and families.
Conclusion :
Hong Kong takes steps to protect its autonomy and guard against external intervention. The development of a national security law specific to the city, as well as the development of patriotic education, demonstrate the desire to strengthen Hong Kong’s national identity while preserving its autonomy. These measures highlight the importance of maintaining the balance between national security and the democratic rights of the people of Hong Kong.