On March 19, the Legislative Council of Hong Kong passed the Safeguarding National Security Bill, which came into effect four days later. The speed at which the bill was passed was remarkable, considering that it was only submitted to the Legislative Council by the government on March 8. Members of the Legislative Council, who were in Beijing during the National People’s Congress, were summoned back to Hong Kong to review the draft. Over the weekend of March 16 and 17, the Legislative Council swiftly passed the bill.
From an objective standpoint, it is difficult to identify any significant national security gaps in Hong Kong that required urgent address through this legislation. In 2020, the Chinese government imposed the National Security Law in Hong Kong, leading to the suppression of anti-government activists, the closure of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, and the exclusion of pro-democracy parties from Hong Kong politics. Many argue that the new law was unnecessary given the existence of the National Security Law.
So, why the rush to pass this legislation? Speculation suggests that it was primarily a response to anticipated foreign criticism. Western media and politicians had started to express concerns about the bill, prompting the Chinese government to push for its quick approval in order to avoid further international backlash and potential sanctions.
For the Hong Kong government, the new law aimed to put an end to the crackdown and allow a shift in focus towards economic development. The passing of this bill relieved the Hong Kong government of the burden of continuously dealing with national security issues.
However, the transition from national security to economic development through the enactment of a law that reinforces national security seems unrealistic. The Secretary for Security has noted that the new law is defensive in nature and ideally should not need to be enforced.
The Safeguarding National Security Bill has further eroded civil society in Hong Kong. The introduction of the crime of possessing seditious publications has instilled fear among citizens, leading many to rid themselves of materials deemed anti-government. This self-censorship is a result of the shrinking space for dissent in Hong Kong.
In contrast to past policies following violent protests, the implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Bill on March 25, 2024, demonstrates a stricter approach towards national security offenders.
In order for Hong Kong to progress economically, rebuilding trust with the West and restoring local faith in the government are essential. The recent legislation appears to be a step in the wrong direction in achieving these goals.
KURATA Toru is a professor at Rikkyo University.