Han Jeong, Deputy Prime Minister, "Hong Kong Security Law Targets Only Some"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Han Zheng, Vice Premier of China, stated on the 23rd that the Hong Kong National Security Law will target only a small group of people to address the legal loopholes revealed by violent anti-government protests.

According to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP), Han, who is in charge of Hong Kong affairs, made these remarks during a meeting with members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on the same day.

The draft of the Hong Kong National Security Law, which prohibits separatism, subversion, and terrorism in Hong Kong, was introduced at the opening ceremony of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC) the day before.

China plans to enact this law through the Standing Committee of the NPC, the highest legislative body, bypassing the Hong Kong Legislative Council.

The draft law also includes a provision stating that "the central government's national security-related agencies may establish offices in Hong Kong as necessary."

At the meeting, Vice Premier Han explained that the law aims to close legal loopholes, improve the business environment, and better protect citizens by targeting "only a small group of people who harm national security."

He also emphasized the urgent need to enact the Hong Kong National Security Law, saying, "There is no place in the world without national security-related laws, but there is a gap in Hong Kong."

Han further stated that the central government bears the "ultimate responsibility" for this matter.

Meanwhile, local Hong Kong media reported that an anti-National Security Law protest will be held in Hong Kong on Sunday, the 24th. The protest group plans to hold a street march on Hong Kong Island at 1 p.m. that day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.