China plans to Establish National Security Bureau in Hong Kong

On 28^th May 2020, Beijing passed legislation that empowered the Chinese Parliament to draft security laws for Hong Kong. Now China continues to tighten its grip on Honk Kong by planning to establish a ‘Special Bureau- National Security Office’ in Hong Kong that will have the rights to deal with criminal cases and analyze intelligence that is related to the national security

Establishing a National Security Bureau in Hong Kong was confirmed after a three day (from 18^th June to 20^th June) meeting of the Legislative Affairs Commission (Top lawmaking committee in China). On 19^th June 2020, it was also reported in Chinese media that all departments under the Hong Kong government will be directly answerable to Beijing once the legislation is implemented.

Despite protests throughout Hong Kong and the international community, China seems determined to suppress democracy in Hong Kong. The Chinese legislation is likely to be implemented next week when the Standing Committee would meet in Beijing from 28^th to 30^th June 2020. Once it’s implemented, the controversial legislation is likely to override the existing laws in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China since 1997 when the former colony was returned by Britain to China.  Matters related to foreign affairs and defense of Hong Kong are controlled by China, rest it has its own- Executive, Legislative, and Independent Judicial Power.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020