Hong Kong's deputy justice secretary, Cheung Kwok-kwan, has passionately defended the newly passed Article 23 national security legislation at the UN Human Rights Council, calling it a vital step toward stability and rejecting international criticism as \"double standards.\"
Speaking in Geneva, Cheung emphasized that the law aligns with global practices, noting: \"Every sovereign state has the right to safeguard national security—the U.S. has 21 laws, the UK 14, and Singapore 6.\" 🌐 The legislation passed on March 19 aims to address modern geopolitical risks while protecting Hongkongers' rights, he asserted.
Why Article 23 Matters Now
With rising global tensions, Cheung argued the law will \"better protect the country from genuine threats\" while maintaining freedoms under Hong Kong’s Basic Law. 🔒 The legislation explicitly preserves civil liberties under international covenants and includes legal safeguards to prevent accidental violations by residents.
Countering \"Misguided\" Criticisms
Cheung dismissed foreign objections as \"ignoring basic facts and law,\" adding: \"Our laws are clear, fair, and supported by most Hong Kong people.\" 📜 He highlighted that over 90% of public consultations backed the bill.
As debates continue, local authorities stress that Article 23 strengthens Hong Kong’s role as a global hub by ensuring long-term security—a move they say benefits businesses and residents alike. 💼✨
