“Hong Kong will disappear in Hong Kong” Impact of “national security legislation” June 5, 20:36
"National security legislation" in Hong Kong, which was decided to be introduced at the National People's Congress in China. It is also pointed out that the "one country, two systems" that guarantees a high degree of autonomy and recognizes a system different from China, although it is a part of China. There is an unprecedented sense of crisis among Hong Kong citizens that “Hong Kong will disappear in Hong Kong”.
(Masaki Wakatsuki, Director of Hong Kong Bureau)
People who came out to the city again
"Protect Hong Kong!" "Don't forgive bad laws!"
May 24 afternoon. It was Sunday immediately after China announced its policy of introducing "national security legislation" in Hong Kong. In the downtown area of Hong Kong Island, the anger of the citizens was aroused.
I was skeptical about how many people would get together until I got there.
This is because in Hong Kong, gathering more than nine people is prohibited to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, and it is guilty of just gathering.
However, I was surprised when I left the subway station. The more people could get stuck on the street, the more people gathered and screamed, "The "one-country-two system" will disappear."
What is the "national security legislation" decided by China?
"National security legislation" in Hong Kong, which China decided to introduce for the NPC.
He said he would crack down on "division of the nation," "overthrow of government," "terrorism," and "interference by foreign powers."
In addition, the Chinese security department will set up a branch office in Hong Kong to carry out activities as necessary.
It is clear that the aim is to curb protests in Hong Kong since June last year.
A sense of crisis of collapse of "one country, two systems"
The reason why the sense of crisis with the collapse of the "one-country-two system" increases is that it will be decided by China and will be out of the reach of Hong Kong people.
Originally, in Hong Kong, where a high degree of autonomy is permitted, mainland Chinese law does not apply.
But this time it's an exception. According to the basic law, which is the constitution of Hong Kong, the law of mainland China can be applied exceptionally by adding it as an “appendix” to the basic law, and the procedure will be carried out accordingly.
It is also China that decides what the crimes are, what punishment to do, and the specific provisions. For Hong Kong, despite the law that applies to them, it will be imposed by China as it is.
Will you not be able to demo? Is SNS also monitored?
"Only a small part of the crackdown is targeted. It has no effect on many citizens," said
Hong Kong's head of administration, Chung Yue Hao, Secretary-General of Hong Kong. But how many citizens believe that word? Many feel that freedom of speech is compromised and assembly and demonstrations are limited.
For example, in 1989, a memorial meeting was held to commemorate the victims of the “Tiananmen Incident,” when the movement of students seeking democratization in Beijing was suppressed by force. Although not allowed in mainland China, it has been held every year in Hong Kong. However, it is feared that it will be banned from next year onwards by the "national security legislation".
Moreover, there is growing concern that writing on the SNS may be monitored and subject to crackdowns.
Mr. Tou Zou, a senior executive of a civil society,
“An organization like us who is in memory of the Tiananmen Incident will no longer be able to do its work. What's even more scary is that the new law will scare society and silence people. To let it happen.''
Hong Kong police tighten tightening
Against this backdrop, Hong Kong police are tightening the protests even more. It seems as if to anticipate the introduction of the "national security legislation."
At the moment of the protests, there are almost no radical acts like the vandalism of the shops. Still, every time protests are called, hundreds of people are arrested at one time for participating in illegal rallies.
Police have issued a policy to curb demonstrations early, and it is common to see armed police officers everywhere in the city. At the scene of the protest, Toshiyu Ko, a legislator who was temporarily detained, points out that the police are using excessive force as never before.
Mr. Shun Kou
"If police power is abused and becomes a police society, it is a big blow that damages the image of Hong Kong. If you are trying to scare us, that is a mistake."
Claims of “Hong Kong Independence” Some young people do not hide
There are many people who continue to resist even with a hard move.
Mr. Xuan Xuan (26) is working at an office of a lawmaker who is critical of the Chinese government, and he goes out to the town every week to participate in protests.
Mr. Kozen Xiao
"Another year, I didn't think I would continue to protest for such a long time. However, if I stop speaking, the oppression will increase. So I can't stop the fight. I am ready to be sent to."
The protests that Xiao also participates in have changed the arguments of the participants. The phrase "Hong Kong Independence" has become prominent in the slogan. Many are no longer hiding the hesitant claim to independence.
People who feel helpless
On the other hand, some people are starting to give up.
Taku Kuni (26), who runs an advertising production company. In November of last year, he was charged with being involved in a riot near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where there was a violent clash between police and young people, and he is now on trial.
The maximum sentence for "riot crime" is 10 years in prison. Although he was released on bail, he had to go to the police station once a week to report his whereabouts, and he could not go abroad for work. In consideration of the impact on the trial, I decided to stop participating in protests for the time being.
Takakuni Yuki:
“I have no regrets about participating in the protests, but my life is off the rails. But what is more scary is what will happen to the future of Hong Kong due to the national security legislation. Hong Kong was hunted down to the dead end."
Democratic groups Supporting the international community with hope
Protest voices suppressed by overwhelming power. Citizens do not have many options.
Due to fears about the future, the movement to leave Hong Kong is also starting to occur, and inquiries are being inundated with companies acting on behalf of immigration procedures such as Taiwan and Europe.
It is the support of the international community that people who continue to resist have hope. Democratic groups, which have always called on the United States to step up pressure on China, hold daily press conferences and call for support.
Democratic activist Huang Huang said,
“Hong Kong is an international city, and China cannot ignore the opposition and opposition of the international community. If the United States and other countries impose sanctions, it will inevitably affect Hong Kong, but Responsibility should rest with the Chinese leadership.''
Intensifying U.S.-China conflict Hong Kong's future
On May 29, President Trump of the United States stated that "China has changed "one country, two systems" into "one country, one system"" and aims to stop the preferential treatment such as trade that has been recognized in Hong Kong until now. Announced to start the procedure. It also showed a policy of imposing sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials, clarifying the confrontation stance.
On the other hand, China expressed a repulsive allegation that it was internal politics interference, and expressed the idea that it would not stop its countermeasures. The confrontation between the United States and China is intensifying.
The "national security legislation" is expected to determine how it will be operated this summer.
In any case, the freedom of Hong Kong that the people of Hong Kong have been trying to protect through protests since June last year will be narrowed.
There is no doubt that its whereabouts will have a great impact on the international community surrounding China and the United States.
Hong Kong bureau chief
Machi Wakatsuki
International Department, Seoul bureau,
through the Toyamahosokyoku
Hong Kong bureau from 2018