state security - hong kong

• • Protests arose in 2019 from Beijing's plans to allow extraditions to mainland China for accused criminals. 
  • Whilst the bill was later withdrawn due to the extreme disconnect, protests would still continue for cries for utmost democracy and independent injury from the police force, of which was criticised for its excessive force against protestors. 

  Such of the violence inflicted included the ‘volleys of tear gas’ and ‘water cannons’ (Washington Post).
• • Amnesty International has criticised the force’s ‘reckless and indiscriminate tactics’ and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (Times)
• • According to Reuter Investigates, 2019, there were an estimated 12,000 Chinese troops in Hong Kong. 
  • They all play a pivotal role in ‘not sit[ting] idly by’ to the protests that pose a threat to ‘the country’s sovereignty’ (Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office)
• • In 2020, The National Security Law was bypassed by Beijing. It effectively criminalises and aims to ‘prevent, stop, and punish’ crimes of ‘secession, supervision, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces’. 

  SUCCESSION: separating the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or any other part of the People’s Republic of China from the People’s Republic of China.
• • In 2021, China’s top legislative body unanimously approved the ‘patriots government Hong Kong’ resolution. 
  • It seeks to diminish democratic representation, as legislative members will be selected by the Election Committee, which has simultaneously been increased to house 300 new representatives from members of China’s top political advisory body. 
  • Moreover, the police national security unit will help vet candidates for the legislature, the chief executive and the Election Committee that cannot be appealed.
  • This is to ensure that only ‘patriots’ can stand as representatives of Hong Kong. 
• In March 2024, a new security law was introduced for the imperative of stability. Article 23 allows for the following changes to security laws, according to the BBC:

  • Allows for closed door trials and detention of suspects up to 16 days. 
  • Organisations and companies can be banned from operating in Hong Kong, should they be found ‘working for foreign forces’
• Amnesty International has described Hong’s new Security law as ‘repressive’ and ‘a crushing blow to human rights in the city’. 
• • Whilst China’s endeavours have been underscored as a necessity to serve development, security and ethnic harmony, China has faced criticism from the international community regarding China’s treatment of not only Hong Kong, but also Tibet and Xinjiang. 
  • A 2024 MERIC’s article details how the UNHRC (non-governmental organisation) counted ‘at least’ 50 countries who raised specific concerns about these areas. 
  • The CCP’s self-styled image as a responsible global power is jeopardised by investigations into human rights violations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.