Hong Kong Strengthens National Security Legislation, Expands Beijing’s Influence

Hong Kong Strengthens National Security Legislation, Expands Beijing’s Influence

Due to the “present complicated geopolitical situation,” the Hong Kong government has decided the city needs even more national security. New legislation was introduced in the Legislative Council on Tuesday and rapidly enacted on Wednesday. It expands upon Hong Kong’s homegrown “Article 23” national security law (the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance) from last March that targets treason, insurrection, sabotage, external interference, sed…

Hong Kong Enacts Article 23 Subsidiary Legislation with 7-Year Jail Term, 6 Prohibited Sites, and Police Blocking Journalists

Hong Kong has enacted new subsidiary legislation under its homegrown national security law, specifically strengthening Article 23. The legislation imposes a maximum jail term of seven years for disclosing investigations conducted by Beijing's national security office. Six locations associated with Beijing's national security office, including four hotels and future permanent sites in Kowloon, have been declared "prohibited places." Hong Kong pol…