China Passes Hong Kong Security Law Unanimously... Swift and Decisive Action (Comprehensive)

Processed in 15 Minutes of Meeting
Xi Jinping Immediately Signs Presidential Order

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] It has been reported that China took about 15 minutes to pass the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law) on the 30th (local time). Despite opposition from the United States and the European Union (EU), it was forcibly passed. Especially since the U.S. declared a tough response, including revoking Hong Kong's special treatment, the confrontation between the U.S. and China triggered by the trade war is expanding on all fronts.

According to local media such as the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency and foreign media on the day, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's decision-making body, unanimously passed the Hong Kong Security Law in a plenary session held at 9 a.m. in about 15 minutes. A total of 162 members attended the NPC Standing Committee meeting.

Immediately after the passage of the Hong Kong Security Law, President Xi signed Presidential Order No. 49. In this regard, the Hong Kong government plans to implement the law within the day.

Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, said, "We will complete the necessary procedures for the promulgation of the Hong Kong Security Law as soon as possible," adding, "The Hong Kong Security Law will come into effect later today."

Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said after the vote, "The unanimous vote today fully reflects the common will of the people nationwide, including our compatriots in Hong Kong," and "This legislation represents public sentiment and the general trend."

The Hong Kong Security Law had already been approved at the NPC plenary session during the Two Sessions (National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) held at the end of last month, so its final passage was only a matter of time.

The Hong Kong Security Law is known to prohibit and punish collusion with foreign forces, acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, and to establish institutions in Hong Kong to enforce these provisions. Specific details have not yet been disclosed.

The pro-democracy camp in Hong Kong and Western countries expressed concerns that the passage of the Hong Kong Security Law would eliminate Hong Kong's function as a financial and business hub, erode political freedoms, and undermine the principle of "one country, two systems."

The United States, the United Kingdom, and others warned China that the Hong Kong Security Law seriously infringes on the autonomy granted to Hong Kong at the time of its handover on July 1, 1997.

On the 29th (local time), the U.S. Department of Commerce declared sanctions against China, stating that it would revoke Hong Kong's special treatment in relation to the Hong Kong Security Law.

In response, the Chinese government hinted at retaliatory measures against the United States. Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the day, "China will take necessary countermeasures against the U.S.'s wrongful actions."

Public opinion in Hong Kong regarding the Security Law is also divided. According to Hong Kong Ming Pao and the South China Morning Post (SCMP), about ten Hong Kong citizens held an anti-Hong Kong Security Law protest inside the Landmark shopping mall in the Central district, Hong Kong's largest downtown area. Conversely, pro-China citizens held demonstrations supporting the Security Law.

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