China Quietly Expands Scope of Hong Kong Security Law... Protest Activities Also Subject to Punishment

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Ahead of the vote on the "Hong Kong National Security Law" (Hong Kong Security Law) scheduled for the 28th, the Chinese government has revised the draft bill to expand the scope of punishable offenses.

On the 27th, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing sources, that the Hong Kong Security Law was revised the previous day to prohibit and punish activities that seriously endanger national security.

Although the specific details of the revisions have not yet been disclosed, it was explained that the original bill’s scope, which aimed to prevent and punish substantial actions threatening national security, has been expanded to include related activities and movements. This revision is an unexpected measure but has already received approval from former NPC Standing Committee Chairman Li Zhanshu and is now awaiting the full vote.

The revised Hong Kong Security Law bill will be voted on at 3 p.m. local time on the 28th during the closing session of the National People's Congress, which is equivalent to South Korea’s National Assembly. Afterwards, it will undergo detailed legislative procedures through the NPC Standing Committee, China’s highest legislative body.

This revision process comes amid large-scale protests being organized in Hong Kong ahead of the Legislative Council (Hong Kong’s parliament) discussion on the national law that includes provisions to punish acts of desecration against the Hong Kong Security Law and the Chinese national anthem, the March of the Volunteers. Amid strong anti-government sentiment, students have announced class boycotts, and labor unions have warned of general strikes. There are also movements advocating protests involving road blockades and traffic disruptions.

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