A legislative draft will be presented to the National People's Congress, China's parliament, on Friday, citing unnamed sources for the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The Chinese action is a restructuring of the previous course, which was based on allowing the Hong Kong Legislative Assembly itself to decide when and how to put the disputed 23rd article in the Hong Kong Constitution into practice. Article 23 states that Hong Kong must introduce national security legislation prohibiting, for example, treason and incitement, but not when or how.

"Dramatic move"

If China realizes the plans, the consequences for Hong Kong's relative independence could go far, according to Hong Kong scientist Tim Rühlig, who is active at the Foreign Policy Institute (UI).

- It would be a dramatic move. Partly because Article 23 has an incredibly symbolic significance when it triggered the mass protests in 2003, and partly because it could mean serious restrictions on civil society, he tells TT.

In recent weeks, fighting has erupted several times in the Hong Kong Legislative Assembly, where pro-democrats and China-believers have been arguing over the appointment of a chair in a powerful committee.

More far-reaching

However, the Chinese bill goes much further than that. In 2003, the Hong Kong government was forced to put plans on a similar change on the shelf since close to half a million people joined in protests against the proposal.

"It was seen as such a restriction on freedom and rights that even the Hong Kong elites who traditionally support Beijing rejected it," says Rühlig.

The Beijing government now seems to have concluded that it is not possible to get its will on the issue through the Hong Kong Legislative Assembly. The reason is the political climate in the city, says a source with transparency in Beijing's Hong Kong policy for the SCMP.

"Doubtful rose"

-I have been discussing this issue with China-friendly lawyers for several years. Even they have seen it as impossible for Beijing to do this, as it would violate Hong Kong's constitution. So legally, it is a very questionable step, he says.

Elections to the Hong Kong Legislative Assembly are expected in September. Opposition parties are mobilizing with full force to try to reach a majority so that new laws can be blocked from Beijing-friendly Chief Minister Carrie Lam's regime, writes the SCMP.