The law is not an end in itself but a means for China to bring Hong Kong to heel - it means whatever Beijing wants it to mean.
Similar laws are used in mainland China to jail critics of the Chinese Communist Party. Chinese security agencies will be able to operate in Hong Kong itself.
This was enshrined in Hong Kong's Basic Law, which serves as a constitution. Under that, Hong Kong is supposed to legislate on its own affairs, apart from foreign affairs and defence. In May, China shocked the world by announcing it would impose a national security law directly on Hong Kong, by adding it to an annex of the Basic Law.The law must be voted on by the Standing Committee, added to the annex of the Basic Law, then announced by gazette in Hong Kong itself. These are all formalities; afterwards, the law will be in effect and we will finally know the detail.
The law means whatever Beijing wants it to mean, so its implementation is the most important aspect. When the first cases are brought, people in Hong Kong will have a better understanding of the law's true impact.What does this mean for the Hong Kong protests?
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hong Kong fears freedoms will end as new law loomsWith Beijing’s sweeping security law set to pass this week, many protesters accept that ‘one country, two systems’ is over
Read more »
Wild west replica 'town' for sale in New Zealand attracts interest in US – and Hong KongAttractions include a lack of coronavirus cases and the chance to avoid foreign investment restrictions
Read more »
Dozens arrested during Hong Kong peaceful protest against national security lawsSilent protest ends in scuffles with police as Beijing prepares to approve controversial legislation
Read more »
Hong Kong riot police arrest dozens of anti-Beijing protestersArmed riot police were present as a crowd of several hundred moved from Jordan to Mong Kok in the Kowloon district, staging what was intended as a 'silent protest' against the planned law.
Read more »
Hong Kong riot police arrest dozens of anti-Beijing protestersArmed riot police were present as a crowd of several hundred moved from Jordan to Mong Kok in the Kowloon district, staging what was intended as a 'silent protest' against the planned law.
Read more »
Dozens arrested during Hong Kong peaceful protest against national security lawsSilent protest ends in scuffles with police as Beijing prepares to approve controversial legislation
Read more »