Hong Kong Police Arrest Over 360 Protesters Opposing National Security Law and National Law

Protests Across Hong Kong Ahead of Security Law Vote on 28th
Temperature Difference Compared to Last Year's Tens of Thousands Gathering for Songhwan Law Protests

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Young-shin] Hong Kong media outlets including the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Ming Pao reported on the 28th that over 360 protesters opposing Hong Kong's 'National Security Law (Security Law) and National Law' were arrested by Hong Kong police on the 27th.

However, compared to last year's protests against the 'Extradition Bill' which saw tens of thousands take to the streets, the scale shows a difference, suggesting that the intensity of Hong Kong protests could significantly impact US-China relations.

On the same day at 3 PM (local time), China's National People's Congress held the '13th NPC 3rd Plenary Session' at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to vote on the draft of the Security Law. The law is expected to pass unanimously.

SCMP and Ming Pao reported that protesters clashed with Hong Kong police until late afternoon on the 27th, and police arrested more than 360 protesters carrying illegal weapons on the spot. Over 3,000 police officers were deployed to suppress the protests, and police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, according to Hong Kong media. The initial response by Hong Kong police prevented a large-scale protest, the media added.

The protest on this day was largely in opposition to the deliberation of the National Law. The National Law punishes acts that insult the Chinese national anthem, the March of the Volunteers, and the Hong Kong Legislative Council is scheduled to pass the National Law on the 4th of next month.

There are differing interpretations regarding the turnout of this rally. It is noted that the scale differs from the protests against the Extradition Bill which involved tens of thousands. Some mention the sense of powerlessness among Hong Kong citizens. A Hong Kong citizen who participated in the protest said, "Unlike before, it feels like we can no longer do anything. It seems like we have achieved nothing," expressing the difficulty of continuing to fight for democracy.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) also appears to have had an impact. Given the high risk of infectious disease spread, it is difficult for Hong Kong citizens to participate in protests en masse as they did last year. Additionally, economic hardships caused by COVID-19 are also analyzed to have influenced participation. Alongside this, there are indications that some resistance to the 'One China' principle is also diminishing.

Hong Kong's richest tycoon, Li Ka-shing, former chairman of Cheung Kong Group, publicly supported the Security Law in an interview with the Hong Kong Wen Wei Po, stating, "Every country has the authority to legislate on national security laws. There is no need to over-interpret the Security Law." He added that in the long term, it will have a positive effect on Hong Kong's stability and development.

Pro-China Hong Kong officials also support the Security Law, saying, "The Security Law will create a stable and predictable business environment in Hong Kong." However, after the Security Law passes on the 28th, there remains the possibility that Hong Kong protests could reignite and spread on a large scale. As the Chinese government reiterates the justification for enacting the Security Law, if protests escalate, there is a risk it could escalate into a large-scale bloody incident.

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