DotDotWeekly | LegCo begins first reading draft national security ordinance on Friday

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Weekly Highlights

GBA integration a focus of attention at CPPCC

Alongside various policies promoting cross-border connections and the one-hour life circle taking shape, the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has grown with leaps and bounds.

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session.

On Monday, the nation's top political adviser Wang Huning also mentioned that the advisory body has commenced research into the better integration of youngsters from Hong Kong and Macao into the national development.

He said it is also looking into how to deepen exchanges between the Chinese mainland and the two cities.

Wang, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, made the remarks when he delivered a report to the opening of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He underscored the significance of leveraging united front organizations to strengthen relations among political parties, ethnic groups, religions, and social groups and foster harmonious relations among compatriots both within and outside the country.

Xia Baolong urges deputies to better perform duties

Xia Baolong, the nation's top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs, told Hong Kong deputies to the nation's top legislature on Monday to be courageous in combating foreign interference and other challenges that threaten to undermine the city.

A day before the opening of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with the delegation of Hong Kong NPC deputies in Beijing, following a similar exchange with the nation's top political advisers from the two special administrative regions.

During the meeting, Xia expressed his hope that the city would complete the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law. He also emphasized that the Central Government values Hong Kong's roles as an international financial center, shipping center, trade center, and innovation hub.

John Lee attends opening session of NPC

The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, opened its second session Tuesday morning (March 5) in Beijing. Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, attended the opening meeting. Lee said the city will faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" principle while proactively aligning itself with the country's development as the nation enters a key year of its 14th five-year plan.

Speaking in Beijing after Premier Li Qiang delivered his work report to the NPC, Lee felt "encouraged" by the Premier's support for Hong Kong to continue upholding the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and "patriots governing HK," while maintaining a high degree of autonomy.

Chris Tang slams double standards of Western politicians over national security legislation

On Tuesday, Security Secretary Chris Tang announced that the government had received 13,489 contributions for the consultation on national security legislation outlined in Basic Law Article 23. He said that most people support enacting such legislation, as seen by the 98.6% of comments that supported the proposal.

Tang said around half of the 97 opposing comments came from people who didn't include their names. 

Tang also rejected criticism of the proposals from British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who called on the SAR government last week to reconsider legislation plans.

Chris Tang also accused the US Consul General in Hong Kong, Gregory May, of having double standards after he said American companies used burner phones and laptops while operating in the SAR.

"We hear different opinions about whether some legal definitions can be clear and have more details. We will include all those opinions and see how we can enhance the legislation," Tang said

HK government has no intention to ban any social media

The Legislative Council (LegCo) held a joint meeting on March 6 to discuss Basic Law Article 23 legislation. Legislative Council Member Ip Lau Suk-yee expressed that in the paper submitted by the government to the Legislative Council, there were views in the community that "social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram should be banned from use in Hong Kong", and that some foreign media had even directly reported on them as the government's views, spreading fake news.

In response, Paul Lam said, "I can say very categorically that there is absolutely no intention whatsoever to ban any social media."

"Hong Kong is an international city. In finance and other activities, we need freedom of information. This is our unique strength, we need to strengthen and safeguard such freedom," He said.

Leung Chun-ying: HK could assist to 'better complete last mile'

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC and former leader of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said in an interview that with its unique advantages, Hong Kong could assist the country as a whole to 'better complete the last mile' in achieving high-quality development.

He also encouraged CPPCC National Committee members from Hong Kong to visit provinces and regions on the Chinese mainland to gain a better understanding of the nation's latest developments and to provide valuable suggestions for the development of the country. 

HK's national security bill introduced into legislature for first and second reading

The Legislative Council (LegCo) held a meeting today (March 8) at 11 am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Safeguarding National Security Bill was introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading.