'Security Law Will Lead To More Democracy In HK'

A leader of Beijing's top think tank on Hong Kong, Lau Siu-kai, said on Tuesday that the imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong will lead to more democracy and improve people's livelihoods.

Lau, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said the central government has made a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure One Country, Two Systems can run smoothly, and the national security law will be a major step towards restoring stability in the SAR.

"The overall purpose is to prevent local and foreign, hostile forces from undermining One Country, Two Systems," he said.

Lau said that once the law is in place and there is "more powerful, effective governance", Beijing will be less worried about Hong Kong being a "base of subversion".

"Beijing will be more comfortable and less anxious about Hong Kong becoming more democratic … Beijing will become more comfortable about political development in Hong Kong, including political reform."

Asked whether he believes the SAR's Chief Executive could be elected through universal suffrage in future, Lau said that first One Country, Two Systems must be implemented in the manner envisaged by late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping.