China: "Hong Kong National Security Law, an Important Milestone for Hong Kong... Will Return to Normal"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] While Western countries including the United States are urging China to withdraw the Hong Kong National Security Law, China claims that the law can be an important milestone in improving the "One Country, Two Systems" framework.

According to China Central Television (CCTV) and the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 1st, Zhang Xiaoming, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, stated at a press conference, "The Hong Kong National Security Law is an important milestone set by the central government of China for Hong Kong," emphasizing, "It is the most meaningful measure taken by the central government of China regarding Hong Kong affairs." He explained, "The Hong Kong National Security Law is a guardian that protects Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," adding, "This law will be a turning point that puts Hong Kong's development back on the normal track."

He added, "The surge in people leaving Hong Kong so far was because 'black violence' had taken over the city following the anti-government protests that occurred in June last year," and "All unrest will disappear over time."

Regarding the flood of criticism against China over the Hong Kong National Security Law, he expressed discomfort. He said, "(Because of the Hong Kong National Security Law) some countries have imposed sanctions on China," "but we have only enacted a law for one administrative region of China. The era when China cared about others' opinions is over," he stated.

China is emphasizing the legitimacy of the enacted Hong Kong National Security Law through state-run media. On the same day, the Global Times editorial pointed out, "The four crimes stipulated as punishable under the Hong Kong National Security Law have nothing to do with freedom of the press or assembly. The claim that this law was enacted to strengthen control over Hong Kong is a biased interpretation or malicious propaganda."

The newspaper stated, "The Chinese government intends to continue maintaining 'One Country, Two Systems,'" adding, "One Country, Two Systems does not mean allowing radical forces to collude with external forces or letting violent protests continue. The Hong Kong National Security Law can protect 'One Country, Two Systems' and prevent Hong Kong from becoming the most chaotic city in Asia. Healing the severe wounds Hong Kong has suffered is the core mission of the Hong Kong National Security Law."

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China unanimously passed the Hong Kong National Security Law the day before and it came into effect at 11 p.m. The punishable crimes under the law are broadly categorized into four: ▲secession, ▲subversion of state power, ▲terrorist activities, and ▲collusion with foreign forces. In serious cases, the maximum sentence can be life imprisonment, and not only Hong Kong residents but also foreigners and foreign companies can be punished for illegal acts. Investigations into violations of the law are conducted by Hong Kong authorities, but the central government of China has overall jurisdiction and can intervene.

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