Question: There is the view that the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law, besides applying to Hong Kong residents, also targets governments, non-governmental organisations and citizens of foreign countries, which may threaten the safety of foreign institutions and personnel in Hong Kong, create a "chilling effect", undermine the confidence of international investors in Hong Kong and accelerate the outflow of foreign capital and talent from the city. What is your comment ?
Embassy spokesperson: China is a law-based country, and rule of law is a hallmark of Hong Kong society. The legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law targets a minority of criminals who seriously endanger national security, and it is by no means targeting specific foreign governments, non-governmental organisations, or individuals. The boundary between activities constituting crimes endangering national security and normal business engagements, as well as economic, cultural, and technological activities, is clear. The UK itself has enacted at least 14 laws on safeguarding national security, and as recent as in last year, introduced the National Security Act 2023. Deliberately stigmatising and demonizing the legislation on Article 23 is blatant political manipulation.
Security is the prerequisite for development, and only with a high level of security can high-quality development and high-standard opening-up be guaranteed. Completing the legislation on Article 23 in a timely manner would better safeguard the lives and property of all residents in Hong Kong, including foreigners, and better protect their basic rights and freedoms. As a highly open and international city, Hong Kong hosts numerous foreign institutions and individuals whose normal activities are protected by law and are not restricted.
The past three years since the Hong Kong National Security Law was enacted and came into force have been three years during which Hong Kong has restored order and is set to thrive, as well as three years during which the international community has cast its vote of confidence in Hong Kong's prospects. Hong Kong continues to be selected by numerous international institutions as one of the world's freest economies and one of the most competitive regions. It ranks high in the Global Financial Centres Index, the Global Innovation Index, and the Human Development Index. Foreign chambers of commerce and enterprises in Hong Kong generally express satisfaction with the improvement in the city’s political and legal environment. A recent survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong shows that 79% of surveyed American companies expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law, and many foreign corporate executives who left Hong Kong during the pandemic are now returning. These are undeniable facts.
The disturbance over proposed legislative amendments in Hong Kong, which happened a few years ago and brought protracted social unrest and street violence, is always a wake-up call. It is precisely because of the chaos and pain we experienced that we cherish even more the peace and harmony that has not come easily in Hong Kong. Completing this legislation in a timely manner, and eliminating the uncertainties in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong will help consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's business environment and protect the interests of investors from all countries in the city. Both the vast majority of Hong Kong citizens and international investors there stand to benefit from this. We are full of confidence in Hong Kong's bright future.
