Security Law Is A Gift From Beijing: Zhang Xiaoming

A deputy head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said on Wednesday that the new national security law will allow Beijing to have a firmer grasp on Hong Kong and a more active role in the SAR's development.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Zhang Xiaoming described the legislation as a “birthday gift” to the city on the 23rd anniversary of the handover.

Zhang cited a lawmaker from Hong Kong as telling him that a friend who had been intimidated by violence on the SAR's streets had planned to move to Singapore until the new law was announced.

When he heard about the national security legislation, he tore up his immigration documents and proclaimed “Hong Kong will be saved!” Zhang said.

He also said that the office to be established in Hong Kong to oversee national security issues will not be subject to Article 22 of the Basic Law which prohibits interference in SAR affairs by mainland bodies.

He said the office will not be a mainland “department” as covered under Article 22 and will belong directly to the central government.

Zhang said this is to make sure the office can perform its duties, which may exceed the scope of the extent of the SAR's autonomy.

The Beijing official rejected claims by critics that the law has destroyed One Country, Two Systems saying “no one has more power than us to define and interpret” the principle.

As for countries threatening sanctions against China over its move, Zhang said the legislation is entirely an internal affair and other governments should “mind their own business”.