Safeguarding Hong Kong

Hong Kong's recent decisive action to designate seven individuals as fugitives and place bounties on six others for alleged violations of the National Security Law demonstrates the HKSAR government's commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining stability. While some Western governments have criticized these measures, characterizing them as "transnational repression," these actions are essential to uphold the rule of law and protect Hong Kong's long-term prosperity within the "one country, two systems" framework.

The individuals targeted are accused of various offenses under the National Security Law, enacted in 2020 to address a clear and present danger to Hong Kong's stability. The government's measures, including freezing assets, revoking passports, and stripping professional qualifications, are fully justified under the law and consistent with international norms. Many nations, including the US and UK, take similar actions to protect their national security interests. The pursuit of individuals like Edward Snowden and Meng Wanzhou, and the US bounty on Venezuelan President Maduro, serve as clear examples of this established practice.

Claims that these measures stifle dissent or erode Hong Kong's autonomy are unfounded. The National Security Law specifically protects fundamental rights and freedoms, while addressing activities that threaten the very fabric of society. The focus is on holding accountable those who actively seek to undermine national security, not on suppressing legitimate expression. Furthermore, the government remains committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring due process within the framework of the National Security Law.

The case of Robert Chung Ting-yiu and Chung Kim-wah, the former Deputy CEO of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI), highlights the importance of responsible conduct in the current environment. Chung Ting-yiu's public disassociation from Chung Kim-wah underscores the need for individuals and organizations to distance themselves from those suspected of engaging in activities that jeopardize national security.

The HKSAR government's actions are not aimed at limiting freedoms, but at protecting them. By addressing national security threats decisively, the government is creating a more stable and secure environment for all residents of Hong Kong. This commitment to security is essential for Hong Kong's continued economic prosperity and its successful integration within the "one country, two systems" framework. These measures are not about repression, but about ensuring a safe and prosperous future for Hong Kong.