Hong Kong’s Chief executive, John Lee, has raised concerns about potential threats to the city’s stability, leading authorities to propose new laws that would classify almost everything as a state secret. These proposed laws, known as Article 23, would criminalize the theft or unlawful disclosure of state secrets, but the term state secrets is so vaguely defined that it could encompass a wide range of information. Critics argue that this move would give the government unchecked power to determine what constitutes a state secret. Lee’s rhetoric is reminiscent of Beijing’s propaganda line, which portrays society as besieged by suspicious activity that threatens national security.
In a document submitted to the city legislature, authorities recommend expanding the definition of state secrets to include information on China and Hong Kong’s economic, social, and technological development, as well as other potentially sensitive information. The government would have the authority to decide what information endangers national security, making it the sole arbiter of what is classified as a state secret.
These actions parallel Beijing’s efforts to tighten control over state secrets and expand the scope of what is deemed sensitive information. China’s counterespionage law was recently revised to include a catch-all phrase that covers not just state secrets and intelligence, but also other documents, data, materials, or items related to national security.
While authorities plan to hold a 100-day public consultation on the proposed legislation, the absence of opposition politicians and activists, many of whom are either imprisoned or in exile, undermines the notion of genuine public dialogue. Any public demonstration against the government is likely to be met with severe punishment, further stifling dissent.
The proposed laws raise concerns about Hong Kong’s eroding freedoms and the potential for abuse of power by the government. Critics argue that these measures would give authorities a dangerous degree of control and potentially infringe on the rights of citizens. As the consultation period begins, those opposed to the proposed legislation face an uphill battle in protecting Hong Kong’s democratic principles and defending civil liberties.
In conclusion, Hong Kong’s government, under the leadership of Chief executive John Lee, aims to expand the definition of state secrets, encompassing a wide range of information that could endanger national security if unlawfully disclosed. Critics argue that the vagueness of this definition and the concentration of power in the hands of the government undermine Hong Kong’s democratic principles and civil liberties. As the city faces increasing encroachment from Beijing, the proposed legislation is viewed by many as another step towards an erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
