Amid international debate, Hong Kong is advancing its Article 23 legislation, designed to uphold national security under the Basic Law. The U.S. recently raised concerns about the law’s potential impact on American interests, calling it “vaguely defined” and a risk to the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. China swiftly countered, with foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating that safeguarding national security is Hong Kong’s “constitutional responsibility.” 🇨🇳
Article 23 mandates Hong Kong to enact laws against acts like treason and secession—a requirement pending since the 1997 handover. While the 2020 National Security Law provided a federal framework, local legislation under Article 23 remains essential to fulfill the region’s obligations. Critics argue the move could affect freedoms, but Chinese officials stress it aligns with international commitments and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. 🤝
Experts like constitutional law scholar Zhu Zheng emphasize that the legislation is “not a threat” but a step toward legal clarity. As Hong Kong navigates global scrutiny, the debate highlights the delicate balance between security priorities and maintaining its unique status. 💬✨
