What is the Hong Kong National Security Law... Possible Sanctions and Punishments for Acts of National Division

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] On the 30th, as the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China passed the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law), attention is focused on the main contents and scope of application of this law.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on the day, the NPC Standing Committee unanimously passed the draft of the Hong Kong Security Law at the meeting.

Once the Hong Kong Security Law is enforced, the Chinese government will establish a 'National Security Office' in Hong Kong. This organization, as a national security agency of the central government of China, will analyze Hong Kong's security situation and have the authority to propose opinions on the formulation of security strategies and policies, supervise, guide, and cooperate.

It also specifies the establishment of a cooperative system with Hong Kong's judicial institutions and law enforcement agencies, and it is expected to take on the role of overseeing Hong Kong's security functions in practice.

Although there is no direct mention of judicial and law enforcement authority, under the support of pro-China Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the Hong Kong National Security Office could influence investigations and punishments against anti-government forces.

The Hong Kong Security Law focuses on punishing anti-China forces advocating Hong Kong's autonomy.

Specifically, it includes ▲ sanctions and punishments for acts of secession ▲ prevention of subversion of state power ▲ sanctions for acts damaging national security such as terrorist activities ▲ punishment for fostering interference by external forces in Hong Kong affairs.

Last year, anti-China protesters triggered by opposition to the 'Fugitive Offenders Ordinance' (Extradition Law) raised slogans such as 'Hong Kong independence' and 'Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times.' Once the Security Law is enforced, such protests will all be subject to punishment.

Also, radical protesters whom the Hong Kong government defined as engaging in violent acts will be classified as 'terrorist activities' and may be punished.

Furthermore, Joshua Wong's actions, who urged the US Congress to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (Hong Kong Human Rights Act) during the anti-Extradition Law protests, could be punishable for colluding with external forces to foster interference in Hong Kong affairs.

While the severity of punishment and the scope of application are also of interest, they have not yet been specifically disclosed.

It is reported that the maximum sentence has been decided to be at least 30 years. Macau's National Security Law, enacted earlier in 2009, stipulates a maximum sentence of 30 years, and under the criminal law of mainland China, acts of subversion and secession can be punished with a maximum life sentence.

If this law is applied retroactively to existing criminal acts, punishment of Hong Kong democracy figures such as Joshua Wong and Jimmy Lai will also be possible.

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