John Lee: a 'made in Hong Kong' security law in 2024

In his second 'political' speech, the governor assures that a 'long overdue' law, expected since the return of the former British colony to China, will be enacted next year. More than 280 people have been arrested so far under the draconian law imposed by Beijing. Group of activists promote a protest. The 'Sinicisation' of Hong Kong also in schools and culture.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - By 2024, Hong Kong will have a hand-written "National Security Law", four years after the controversial law imposed by Beijing to crush pro-democracy and rights protests, repressing internal dissent.

This was announced today by Governor John Lee, in the second "political" speech since the former security chief's rise to power, in which he underlined that "some countries are undermining" China's leadership and the "application" of the principle “one nation, two systems”.

“External forces - he continued - continue to meddle in internal affairs”, but the city “will continue to safeguard national security and improve its legal system and enforcement mechanisms”.

The introduction of a "proper" national security law was one of the "constitutional responsibilities" entrusted to the city government at the time the former British colony passed to Beijing's control. However, over 25 years later the task has not yet been carried out and this is - also - why, in 2020, China intervened by imposing its own while waiting for the governorate to promulgate its own.

The Hong Kong authorities had tried to pass a law in 2003, but the attempt was shelved following protests by pro-democracy activists who, at the time, had brought over half a million inhabitants to the streets.

A small group of five Democrats promoted a protest in conjunction with the governor's speech, asking for the establishment of universal suffrage. A number far lower than the crowds of the past, also due to the fear of new arrests and repression by the police forces.

The president of the League of Social Democrats Chan Po-ying recalled that "the policies" of a government that has "no mandate from the citizens, nor checks and balances" and "does not take into account public consultations" benefit "business owners and conglomerates who hold the votes."

The LSD leader then added that Hong Kong "needs" "democracy", a principle that is "at the basis" of citizens' lives, but which the current leadership is unable to defend and guarantee.

Claims quashed by John Lee, who warned that the executive is working intensely to "develop effective legislative options" and will complete the regulatory process to create a decree by 2024 to "fulfill our constitutional duty". Under the Basic Law - the city's mini-constitution - Hong Kong is required to make a law combating seven security crimes, including treason and espionage.

The latest mass pro-democracy protests date back to 2019 and pushed hundreds of thousands of people into the streets to demand greater freedom and autonomy from Beijing. The repression, supported by the security law imposed by China, led to over 280 people arrested and also affected authoritative Catholic and Church figures, including the bishop emeritus Card. Joseph Zen.

Not just security: among the various proposals that have emerged today, there is also the proposal to "convert" the Coastal Defense Museum into a Resistance War Museum, which will present, among others, China's battle against Japan during the Second World War. A patriotic project, to guarantee "continuity from generation to generation" as the governor underlined today in his speech.

Two programs will then be established to help promote the company's national identity and appreciation of Chinese culture. Patriotic education, concluded John Lee, will be integrated into the existing education system with a series of inter-scholastic activities under the motto "Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 2.0".

• Hong Kong
• Security Law