Hong Kong subsidiary law push prompted by Sino-US tensions, ‘muted society'
Uncertainty surrounding escalating US-China tensions and a 'relatively muted society' may have prompted Hong Kong authorities
to propose new subsidiary legislation for safeguarding national security, observers have said, although they dismissed speculation the law targets ongoing high-profile cases.
In addition, a legal scholar called for more procedural clarity when introducing bills, particularly in circumstances when the central government's Office for Safeguarding National Security takes over cases.
On Monday, the Security Bureau and the Department of Justice cited national security risks amid the 'complicated geopolitical situation' in proposing the subsidiary legislation to safeguard national security effectively 'as early as possible'.
Key aspects of the legislation included declaring the premises of the Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong as 'prohibited places' and specifying powers of the office when it exercises jurisdiction over cases that were of 'a serious and egregious nature'.
04:19
Hong Kong passes domestic national security law, fast-tracking legislation shelved for 2 decades
Hong Kong passes domestic national security law, fast-tracking legislation shelved for 2 decades
Ronny Tong Ka-wah, a senior counsel and a member of the Executive Council, a key decision-making body advising the city leader, argued that the timing of the authorities' move was strategic, occurring a year after the domestic security law, known as Article 23 of the Basic Law, took effect in March 2024.
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