Why does Hong Kong need a “Bill on Protecting National Security”? – Dainik Savera Times

The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region unanimously passed the “Bill on Safeguarding National Security” and successfully implemented Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law. But some in the West, including the Council of the European Union and British Foreign and Development Minister David Cameron, commented on it as irresponsible and raised so-called “questions” over Hong Kong’s business environment.

Why is there a need for “Bill on Protecting National Security”? What does this mean for Hong Kong? Today, when people remember the massive “Hong Kong independence” chaos and raging “black violence” during the Hong Kong “extradition bill storm,” one can deeply understand the need for this bill. In 2020, the Hong Kong National Security Law was issued, which became the foundation of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. More than three years have passed, and Hong Kong’s governance remains stable. However, the national security challenges in Hong Kong are still complex and serious. The Hong Kong National Security Law and other existing laws are not sufficient to comprehensively respond to various actions and activities that threaten national security. The passage of the “Bill on Protecting National Security” is fundamentally linked to the already implemented Hong Kong national security law, which makes up for Hong Kong’s shortcomings in protecting national security, and actually safeguards Hong Kong’s long-term peace and stability. and ensure long-term sustainability of “one country, two systems”.

Some people in the West talk about so-called “rights” and “freedoms”, but if there are no basic protections, where do “rights” and “freedoms” come from? Almost all the countries of the world give great importance to security law. Western countries like America, Britain, France, Germany, Canada and Australia have made strict national security laws. When it comes to China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, how does it affect “rights” and “freedoms”? The rhetoric of some people in the West is very hypocritical and contains “double standards”.

In fact, “protecting human rights” runs through every part of Hong Kong’s “Bill on Protecting National Security.” The Bill clearly considers respect and protection of human rights as an important principle and protects the various rights and freedoms set out in the Basic Law. Whereas the provisions of relevant international treaties in force in Hong Kong remain valid. These bills target a small number of criminals who threaten national security. For most Hong Kong residents and international investors, the Bill is a “guardian” protecting their rights and freedoms, property and investments.

Security is a prerequisite for development. Hong Kong’s “Bill on Safeguarding National Security” not only ensures security, but also safeguards development. As Chang Nyenshang, President of the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said, a stable business environment is vital for business operations. The enactment of national security laws will provide the necessary protection for the development of the industrial and commercial community.

According to the plan, Hong Kong’s “Bill on Protecting National Security” will take effect on March 23. With high-level security and high-quality development, Hong Kong’s future will be better, and the world will also have more “Hong Kong opportunities”.

(Courtesy-China Media Group, Beijing)