In Hong Kong, the National Security Ordinance, which cracks down on acts that threaten national security such as espionage, came into effect on the 23rd. There are concerns that the ordinance will further tighten control over Hong Kong society, as the definition of criminal acts is broad and ambiguous and can be applied arbitrarily.
Hong Kong's ``National Security Ordinance'' supplements the ``Hong Kong National Security Law,'' which came into force four years ago, and is intended to protect against ▼theft of ``
state secrets'' and espionage,
▼incitement to rebellion, and
▼crime by foreign forces. It stipulates that interference is a crime, and
violating the law is punishable by up to life in prison.
In response to the Hong Kong Parliament and Legislative Council passing an ordinance on the 19th of this month, Hong Kong's top government chief executive Li Jiachao signed the ordinance on the 22nd, stating, ``National security in Hong Kong will be more strongly protected starting tomorrow.'' "It will be done," he said.
The ordinance came into effect on the 23rd.
This ordinance has broad and ambiguous definitions of criminal acts, such as ``state secrets'' and ``interference by a foreign power,'' and has been criticized by foreign companies, including Japanese companies, as having the ability to operate arbitrarily by authorities. There are voices of concern.
Furthermore, ``seditious acts'' that incite hatred and dissatisfaction with the Chinese and Hong Kong governments are also prohibited, and citizens' posts on SNS and publications are also subject to crackdowns, raising concerns about further tightening of social control.
Expert: ``Big concern that it will cause a chilling effect''
Professor Toru Kurata of Rikkyo University, an expert on Hong Kong politics, said, ``There is a big concern that this ordinance will have a chilling effect.The definition of state secrets is very broad and ambiguous.``China's economic situation is bad.'' There will be growing concerns about whether it is safe to convey such information."
Furthermore, ``Collusion with foreign organizations is also a crime. This may include foreign NGOs. Hong Kong has been an important base in Asia for internationally known human rights and environmental organizations. There is a possibility that our activities will become difficult in the future and we may move our base outside of Hong Kong."
He added, ``The Hong Kong government has explained that maintaining national security through this ordinance is a major prerequisite for economic prosperity, but it is extremely questionable whether it will actually have a positive effect on economic activity.'' What is important for an international financial city like Hong Kong is freedom of information and economic freedom where everyone can operate freely without discrimination against foreigners.If a law is enacted that threatens this freedom, "It is hard to imagine that this will be beneficial to the international financial city."