HK Terrorism Shows Need For New Law, Say Authorities

Police pointed to their recent series of "explosives finds" on Monday as they welcomed Beijing's move to impose a national security law on Hong Kong, while Security Secretary John Lee said the city's "growing terrorism" and calls for independence show why the legislation is needed.

"In the past year, the violence in Hong Kong has been escalating, with many cases involving explosives and genuine firearms. Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as 'Hong Kong independence', become more rampant," Lee said.

The security secretary also condemned "rioters" who he said had gone on a rampage on Sunday injuring a number of innocent citizens and police officers, as some called for Hong Kong independence.

"Today's [sic] incident proves the need and urgency of the decision to be deliberated by the NPC," Monday's statement said.

"I fully support the NPC's draft Decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security which allows Hong Kong to be back on track, ensuring its long-term prosperity and stability," Lee was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Chris Tang said Beijing's move would help his officers combat the force of “Hong Kong independence”, and restore social order.

A separate statement to announce his support for the new legislation said that since last June, there have been 14 cases "involving explosives" and five cases "involving seizure of genuine firearms and ammunition".

"The explosives seized were commonly used in terrorist attacks overseas," the statement said.

"Facing the riots and extreme separation forces of 'Hong Kong Independence' stemmed from the social incidents against the extradition bill, police deeply realised that Hong Kong is at the risk point of national security and there is a need to take effective measures to prevent the situation from deteriorating."

In further statements issued on Monday, Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Hermes Tang and Commissioner of Correctional Services Woo Ying-ming also said they welcomed the new national security law being drawn up by Beijing.