New Law Already Proving To Be A Deterrent: Top Cop

Police Commissioner Chris Tang has told state media that the newly enacted national security law is already having a deterrent effect, saying activists who are anti-China and cause chaos in Hong Kong are now backing down.

The police chief told state broadcaster CCTV that with the new national security law, the force now have the legal basis to tackle crimes that they couldn't in the past year during the often violent protests.

Tang said there is ample evidence to show after the new law came into existence, some activists who are anti-China have changed their tune.

"A person who once said he's proud to be finally arrested along with other teenagers now tells you advocating Hong Kong independence is dangerous and violence should not be used. A person who advocated 'localism' now tells you the idea was hijacked by independence advocates and now he's quitting the social movement," he said.

The police commissioner added that the security law could play a key role in maintaining social stability and has boosted the force's confidence in safeguarding national security.

Ten people were arrested last Wednesday on suspicion of violating the new law, a day after it was passed in Beijing.

The police department has also set up a new unit to investigate offences linked to national security.