Beijing's national security law to enter force in Hong Kong

National Security Law coming to Hong Kong. Image from the Stand News.

The National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee in Beijing has unanimously approved a national security law for Hong Kong — a move many expect to effectively end the autonomy the city enjoyed under “One Country, Two Systems.”

Throughout the legislative process, Beijing has refused to reveal to the public the draft of the law that will take effect in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, the 23rd anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China.

Sources in Beijing have briefed media that under the new law, individuals convicted of “collusion with foreign forces” will face a lifetime in jail.

During the past few weeks, public figures within Hong Kong's establishment, such as university intellectuals, have been pressured to express their support for Beijing’s imposition of the national security law on the city.

Pro-Beijing groups claim that they have collected 2.9 million citizens’ signatures supporting the controversial legislation.

Yet this so-called support is blind faith — none of these supporters have even seen the draft text.