Hong Kong Special Administrative Region after the National Security Legislation: Prospects and Challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (04) ◽  
pp. 107-121
Author(s):  
Victor TEO

The National Security Law has unequivocally clarified that Hong Kong’s “autonomy” is a bestowed privilege rather than an absolute political right. While effective in stabilising Hong Kong politics, the Law has also effectively rolled back democratisation and raised a number of serious questions about Hong Kong’s future. Going forward, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region faces a difficult task of maintaining its unique identity, lifestyle and exceptionalism as a truly global city while attempting to align with China’s plans and interests.

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Simon N.M. Young

The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (NSL) was passed on June 30, 2020 by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC). It did not have immediate direct effect in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). After consulting the Committee for the Basic Law of the HKSAR (BLC) and the Government of the HKSAR (HKSARG), the NPCSC added the NSL to Annex III of The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (Basic Law) before the Chief Executive of the HKSAR (Chief Executive) promulgated the NSL for local application. All this happened on June 30, enabling the NSL to enter into force at 11 p.m., just ahead of the twenty-third anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR on July 1, 2020.


2021 ◽  
pp. 79-89
Author(s):  
Vesna Ćorić ◽  
Jankov Fernandez

The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was passed in June 2020 provoking the global outcry. The aim of this paper is to assess the compliance of the said law with the sources of international law, which are most relevant for the assessment of the problematic points of new legislation. In providing the analysis, the paper will not be focused only on the sources of international law, which are currently applicable. Instead, the previous relevant legal framework will also be taken into consideration where appropriate.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siu-kai Lau

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the major political and social effects of the Hong Kong National Security Law on Hong Kong. It is argued that the enactment of this Law allows Hong Kong not only to end its protracted political turmoil since its return to China in 1997, but also will generate the favorable conditions for long-term stability and effective governance in the territory.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the author’s close observation of what had happened in Hong Kong in the year since the Hong Kong National Security Law came into effect on 1 July 2020.FindingsThe Hong Kong National Security Law has brought about significant changes in the political psychology of Hongkongers, the balance of power among different political forces, the ability of external forces to interfere in Hong Kong politics, the way Hong Kong is governed, the relationship between the government and the legislature, the activities in the educational and cultural sectors, and the behavior of the judiciary.Originality/valueThis paper would be of interest to scholars and people who are interested in the implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) as well as Beijing’s new policy towards Hong Kong in the aftermath of Hong Kong’s unprecedented riots and violence.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 372-384
Author(s):  
Chung Fun Steven Hung

Purpose After direct elections were instituted in Hong Kong and the sovereignty was transferred from Britain to China, politicization inevitably followed democratization. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the pro-democratic political parties’ politics in Hong Kong in recent history. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted through a historical comparative analysis, within the context of Hong Kong after the sovereignty handover and the interim period of crucial democratization. Findings With the implementation of “One country, Two systems,” political democratization was hindered in Hong Kong’s transformation. The democratic forces have no alternative but to seek more radicalized politics, which has caused a decisive and ineluctable fragmentation of the local political parties. Originality/value This paper explores and evaluates the political history of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under “One country, Two systems” and the ways in which the limited democratization hinders the progress of Hong Kong’s transformation.


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