It is a law that tramples on the "high degree of autonomy" of free and open Hong Kong. China's action is utterly unacceptable as it breaks its international pledge to allow "one country, two systems" and steps up its intervention in Hong Kong.
The National People's Congress, or China's parliament, has passed and enacted a national security law aimed mainly at cracking down on dissident activities in Hong Kong.
The law prohibits "secession," "subversion," "terrorist activities" and "collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security." Chinese security authorities will set up a local office in Hong Kong, allowing for police activities beyond the reach of the Hong Kong authorities.
The right to interpret the law falls to China. It is unclear what specific actions will violate the law.
The move is clearly aimed at intimidating Hong Kong society and containing criticism of Chinese and Hong Kong authorities. Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong seeking support from Western human rights groups or being interviewed by foreign media could be seen as "collusion with a foreign country."
The Hong Kong government's top leader, the chief executive, will appoint a judge to examine actions related to the security law. The chief executive is under the leadership of the Chinese government. Doesn't this negate Hong Kong's judicial independence?
Guaranteed by the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, the concept of "one country, two systems" allows Hong Kong to engage in capitalism as it did under British rule, for 50 years after its return to socialist China. The security law breaches the promise between the two nations.
Despite mounting international criticism, China moved for the early enactment of the law. Hong Kong's parliamentary elections are scheduled for September and registration for candidates will start in mid-July. China is apparently trying to clamp down on pro-democracy activists and secure victory for the pro-Chinese forces in the elections.
There is a possibility that candidates could be forced to pledge their loyalty to China based on the security law. Such a forcible application of the law would further undermine China's international credibility.
The security law can be described as a challenge to universal values, such as the rule of law, human rights and democracy. Expressing regret, Japan "will deal with the issue in cooperation with relevant countries," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. Japan must align with the United States and Europe to urge China to change its hard-line stance.
Some pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have already stopped their activities or voluntarily refrained from doing so. An increasing number of people want to get out of Hong Kong due to fear of the progression of "Chinafication."
Hong Kong's status as an international financial and trade center, which takes advantage of its economic freedom, is at stake. The United States is pushing ahead with sanctions to remove preferential treatment for Hong Kong. The administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping should realize the huge losses on China's part.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on July 1, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
