Hong Kong Opposition Threatened To Violate New National Security Law

Illustration of the enactment of the new National Security Law in Hong Kong (Chromatograp / unsplash)

JAKARTA - The opposition Hong Kong has held a voting process, in the primary election for candidates from democratic parties who will compete in the legislative elections, in September. The preliminary elections were conducted under the shadow of a new national security law enacted by China's central government.

The results of the primaries held over the weekend showed a group of young democrats, or "localists", had the most support, gaining more than 600,000 votes, according to Reuters on Tuesday. The results also reflect the possibility of a more radical shift in Chinese authorities.

Many observers saw the election as a symbolic protest against the new security laws. The National Security Law is known to be harsh because it can punish what China considers subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign groups.

"The aim of the organizers Benny Tai and the opposition camp is to seize control of Hong Kong and carry out a Hong Kong version of the revolution," a Liaison Office spokesman said in a statement before midnight on Monday.

Luo Huining, head of the China Liaison Office in Hong Kong, said he would oversee the implementation of the controversial National Security Act as best he could. This means that mainland Chinese security agencies can officially enforce the law in Hong Kong.

Critics of the law fear the National Security Law will destroy the freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it returns to Chinese rule in 1997. While proponents of the law say it will bring stability to Hong Kong after a year full of violent anti-government protests.

The National Security Act has come under fire from Western countries. The European Union said it was working to punish China for the move, including a possible reconsideration of the European government's 'extradition' treaty and offering more visas to Hong Kong citizens.

Meanwhile Britain and Canada warned their nationals against the risk of arbitrary detention in Hong Kong and possible extradition to China. Australia has also suspended an extradition treaty with Hong Kong and offers Hong Kong citizens who are students, graduates and workers in Australia temporary visas the opportunity to live and work.