Hong Kong must ‘decisively’ introduce Article 23 security law to end all ‘causes of chaos’: Beijing’s top intelligence agency

Hong Kong can only eradicate all “causes of chaos” and get back on the right track if it “decisively” finalises its domestic national security legislation, Beijing’s top intelligence agency has said.

The Ministry of State Security on Monday also accused foreign politicians of having double standards by opposing the coming law, warning that no other countries had the right to interfere in China’s internal affairs.

Hong Kong last Wednesday wrapped up its one-month consultation for the legislation, which is required under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.

The legislation will complement the national security law that Beijing imposed in 2020, outlawing five new types of offences – treason, insurrection, sabotage and external interference, as well as theft of state secrets and espionage.

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The ministry took to WeChat on Monday and wrote that despite the introduction of the Beijing-decreed law, there were still some “worms” looking for opportunities to create trouble in Hong Kong.

“The evil nature of the anti-China and anti-Hong Kong forces, which have been entrenched in Hong Kong for a long time, is hard to change,” it wrote.

“[Only] by decisively completing the Article 23 legislation can Hong Kong eliminate all causes of chaos and evil roots, uphold the rule of law and justice, restore social integrity and return to the right track.”

The intelligence agency also slammed some foreign politicians for maliciously smearing and attacking Hong Kong’s legislative efforts, saying the move had exposed the latter’s “hypocrisy and double standards”.

It noted that similar legislation was common in many countries, such as the United Kingdom and Singapore, which respectively enforced the National Security Act 2023 and Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021.

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Hong Kong’s implementation of a domestic national security law came under China’s internal affairs and no other countries had a right to interfere, the ministry said.

It added that the legislation on Article 23 should be completed in a swift manner since it was conducive to creating a stable and safe business environment, protecting the fundamental well-being of Hong Kong residents and allowing global investors in the city to prosper.

The ministry also referred to the public consultation results, citing figures from Hong Kong authorities that about 99 per cent of the 13,147 submissions had spoken in support of the legislation.

National People’s Congress spokesman Lou Qinjian says Hong Kong is legally bound to implement the decision by China’s top legislature. Photo: AFP

Over in Beijing, National People’s Congress spokesman Lou Qinjian said the body would continue to closely monitor and fully support Hong Kong in its legislative efforts regarding the security law.

Hong Kong was legally bound to implement the decision by China’s top legislature to establish and improve the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security.

Hong Kong launched the 30-day consultation period for the controversial legislation at the end of January. A full draft of the proposed law has yet to be completed.

United States, Britain and Australia are among the countries that have issued statements opposing the legislation, raising concerns that it could potentially curb freedom of expression and strain diplomatic activities.