Hong Kong's National Security Act Is Ready To Go Into Effect Tomorrow Following Signing By Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping (Source: Commons Wikimedia)

JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a national security law that has been created specifically for Hong Kong. This was reported by Chinese state media, Xinhua.

Launched SCMP, Tuesday, June 30, in a statement Xinhua confirmed the new law has been passed by Beijing's leading legislature. These laws, among others, prohibit acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces that endanger national security.

The law consists of six chapters and 66 articles and clearly establishes the responsibilities of the agency responsible for maintaining national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and defines four offenses. Xinhua also reported that Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, described the law as "a reflection of the will of comrades across the country, including Hong Kong."

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam spoke via video link to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva. He urged the international community to "respect the right of states to safeguard national security." He also said the law would not undermine Hong Kong's autonomy or its independent judiciary.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the law is aimed at some "troublemakers". In addition, the enforcement of these laws will not affect the rights and freedoms, or the interests of investors.

This law is expected to take effect tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1. The commemoration of the return of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China is expected to invite pro-democracy protests.

Hong Kong demonstrators wear masks to protect themselves from tear gas (Twitter / @ galileocheng)

International response

The President of the Council of Europe, Charles Michel, said that the law "risks seriously undermining Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and will adversely affect the judiciary and rule of law and we regret this decision."

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: It is clear that China does not share our values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law. Meanwhile, Japan called the law very regrettable. Taiwan even warned its citizens about the risks of visiting Hong Kong.

The United States (US) began removing Hong Kong's special status under US legislation on Monday, June 29 in opposition to the enactment of the national security law. The US also stopped exports of defense equipment and restricted Hong Kong's technology access.

The Chinese side claims to retaliate against the US position. This has become a new problem after the US clashed with China over trade, the South China Sea and the new corona virus or COVID-19.