Chinese embassy slams British security minister for ‘groundless attack’ on Hong Kong’s coming domestic national security law

The minister also said it was absurd for the Hong Kong government to assert that the new legislation would guarantee prosperity for the city, according to the broadcaster.

The government released a 110-page consultation paper on Tuesday in its second attempt to legislate Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, which requires Hong Kong to enact its own national security law.

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The first attempt, dating back to 2003, failed in the face of massive public opposition. The new legislation is expected to be approved within this year.

The embassy spokesman on Thursday said the legislation was “a due obligation” for the Hong Kong government to fulfil its constitutional responsibility, stressing that preventing, curbing and punishing acts and activities that endangered national security was a pressing task for the city.

“The legislation will protect the fundamental well-being of all [Hong Kong] residents and the interests of global investors in Hong Kong, and better safeguard its long-term stability and security,” the spokesman said.

“The UK just introduced its new National Security Act last year, yet now it is pointing fingers at the [enactment of national security legislation in Hong Kong]. This is nothing but sheer double standards.”

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The United Kingdom passed the act on July 11, 2023, to increase the authority of British law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat hostile foreign states.

“We urge UK politicians to stop making irresponsible remarks [about] Article 23 legislation and stop interfering in China’s internal affairs,” the spokesman said.

The proposed legislation for Article 23, which aims to complement the Beijing-imposed national security law, targets five major activities: treason; insurrection, incitement to mutiny and disaffection, and acts with seditious intention; sabotage; foreign interference; theft of state secrets and espionage.