Tensions between China and the US trigger proposed amendments to Hong Kong's subsidiary laws, emphasizing local 'stability'.
Rewritten Article:
Proposing a Clearer Pathway for National Security Legislation
There's a growing call for more clarity in the procedures involved when new bills are introduced, particularly when the Office for Safeguarding National Security (OSNS) takes charge. This suggestion comes from a prominent legal scholar.
This week, the Security Bureau and the Department of Justice cited potential national security threats as they proposed secondary legislation. They explained that this move was necessary "given the intricate geopolitical scenario" to ensure effective national security safeguards "at the earliest opportunity."
The proposed legislation includes several noteworthy aspects. For instance, it declares the premises of the OSNS in Hong Kong as restricted zones, and details the powers of the office when it assumes jurisdiction over cases of a grave and heinous nature.
Hong Kong speedily passes domestic national security bill, a legislative measure that's been on the backburner for two decades.
Ronny Tong Ka-wah, a seasoned barrister and a member of the city's Executive Council, a top advisory body, believes the timing of the authorities' action is calculated. This strategic move comes a year after the domestic security law, known as Article 23 of the Basic Law, was enforced in March 2024.
Background Insights:
The national security law in Hong Kong, officially named the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," came into force on June 30, 2020. This law, imposed by Beijing, targets four primary offenses: secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Critics argue that it undermines Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms [5].
The OSNS, Beijing's national security office in Hong Kong, plays a pivotal role in enforcing the national security law, handling national security cases primarily. The OSNS operates under the direct control of the Central People's Government, granting it significant powers for investigation and intelligence gathering within Hong Kong [2].
Recent amendments to the law, enacted in May 2025, broaden the reach of Beijing's national security apparatus in Hong Kong. Key changes include designating certain premises as restricted zones, allowing mainland China to exercise jurisdiction over specific national security cases, and imposing severe penalties for the disclosure of information related to OSNS investigations [1][2].
These amendments underscore the growing influence of Beijing in Hong Kong's legal and political landscape, particularly in matters of national security. Critics argue that these changes infringe on judicial independence and narrow the scope of freedom in Hong Kong [2].
- The escalating demand for transparency in the process of new legislation, particularly when it involves the Office for Safeguarding National Security (OSNS), reflects a concern within society about the balance between maintaining national security and upholding the rule of law.
- Discussions about the proposed legislation, including its implications on general-news topics like society, politics, and the law, are now at the forefront of public discourse, as they question the boundaries of national security measures and potential impacts on Hong Kong's autonomy.
