#nationalsecuritylaw

[tmarshconnors]

1997 Hong Kong Handover 

On July 1, 1997, the world watched as Hong Kong was handed over from British rule to Chinese sovereignty.  This significant moment was filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. As time has passed, many, including myself, reflect on this event with a sense of regret. Here's why I wish the Hong Kong handover never happened. 

1. Loss of Freedoms 

Before the handover, Hong Kong enjoyed a unique status as a global financial hub with a high degree of autonomy. The "one country, two systems" principle was supposed to preserve this. However, over the years, we've seen a steady erosion of freedoms. Freedom of speech, press, and assembly have been significantly restricted. 

2. Political Instability 

The political landscape in Hong Kong has become increasingly unstable. Pro-democracy protests, often met with harsh responses from authorities, have become a common sight. The 2019 protests, sparked by an extradition bill, were a clear indication of the growing discontent among Hongkongers. The resulting clashes have left scars on the city's social fabric. 

3. Economic Uncertainty 

Hong Kong's reputation as a financial powerhouse is under threat. Political unrest has driven away investors and created economic instability. The National Security Law imposed in 2020 further exacerbated these issues, leading to concerns over Hong Kong's future as a free-market economy. 

4. Cultural Assimilation 

Hong Kong's unique cultural identity is at risk. The blending of Eastern and Western influences created a vibrant and distinct culture. However, there are fears that this unique identity is being overshadowed by a push towards cultural assimilation with mainland China. This loss of cultural diversity is a significant blow to the spirit of Hong Kong. 

5. Impact on the Younger Generation 

The younger generation of Hongkongers faces an uncertain future. With limited freedoms and opportunities, many are contemplating leaving their homeland in search of a better life. This brain drain could have long-term negative impacts on Hong Kong's development and innovation. 

While the handover was meant to be a peaceful transition, the reality has been far from ideal. The hopes of maintaining Hong Kong's unique status have been overshadowed by increasing control and restrictions. As someone who cherishes freedom, democracy, and cultural diversity, I can't help but wish that the handover never happened.

Maybe then, Hong Kong would still be the vibrant, autonomous city it once was.  After 2047, mainland China is no longer obliged to grant Hong Kong the autonomy agreed on with Britain before the 1997 handover, leaving the city's fate unclear.

[thxnews]

UK Condemns Trial of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong

A Critical Perspective on Hong Kong's National Security Law

An Overview of the Case As the trial of British national Jimmy Lai commences in Hong Kong on December 18, the case has drawn significant international attention, especially from the United Kingdom. Lai, 76, has been detained since December 2020, facing charges of foreign collusion under the National Security Law and sedition, in addition to a fraud conviction. His British citizenship adds complexity to the case, as China, recognizing only Chinese nationality for those of Chinese heritage born in China, does not acknowledge his dual nationality.   Background of the National Security Law The National Security Law, imposed by Beijing on June 30, 2020, has been a point of contention, particularly between the UK and China. On July 2, 2020, the UK declared the law's imposition a breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Subsequently, on March 13, 2021, the UK acknowledged China's ongoing non-compliance with this declaration. In response, the UK has taken steps such as introducing a new immigration path for British Nationals (Overseas), suspending the extradition treaty and extending its arms embargo on China to include Hong Kong.   UK Foreign Office's Stance David Cameron, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Secretary, has strongly criticized the National Security Law, labeling it a clear breach of international commitments by China. He expressed grave concerns over the politically motivated prosecution of Lai, underscoring the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. Cameron emphasized Lai's role as a journalist and publisher, pointing out the attempts to silence his freedom of expression and association. He urged the Chinese authorities to repeal the law and called for the release of Lai.  

Analysis of the Situation

The trial of Jimmy Lai under the National Security Law highlights several critical issues. Firstly, it underscores the tension between China's legal system and the concept of dual nationality. Additionally, it raises questions about the freedom of the press and expression in Hong Kong. The UK's response reflects broader concerns about China's adherence to international agreements and the future of Hong Kong's autonomy.   Implications for UK-China Relations Consequently, the UK's stance on Lai's trial and the National Security Law could have significant implications for its diplomatic relations with China. Moreover, the UK's steadfast support for Lai and its firm condemnation of the law might lead to heightened tensions between the two nations. As a result, this strain could impact various aspects of their bilateral relationship, including trade and diplomatic exchanges. Furthermore, these developments could serve as a barometer for future interactions and policy decisions between the UK and China.  

Balancing International Relations and Human Rights

The trial of Jimmy Lai represents a delicate balance between international relations and the advocacy for human rights and freedoms. It challenges the global community to address these complex issues while maintaining diplomatic relations. As the trial progresses, it will continue to draw international attention and potentially influence the dynamics of global diplomacy.   Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & The Rt Hon Lord Cameron. Read the full article

[crimemore]

Press freedom in Hong Kong has declined for yet another year, with most local outlets now hesitant to criticize the Chinese government, according to a recent survey by the city's journalists.

[instadw]

Hong Kong police arrest nine suspected of terrorist activities

[wetheworldmagz]

As the US, UK, Australia, and Canada jointly condemned the mass arrests of over 50 politicians and activists in Hong Kong (HK) under Beijing's draconian National Security Law, the HK government has responded that the countries are guilty of having 'double standards' by criticizing the mass arrests.

[decorwiselove]

#FreeAgnes #周庭氏 #周庭さんの無理逮捕に抗議します #NationalSecurityLaw #StandWithHongKong #国安法違反容疑 #FreeAgnes https://www.instagram.com/p/CDxFKqRJdoL/?igshid=16t8wwbmh97dj

[lwttd]

11-08-2020 the day after Jimmy Lai got arrested under the #nationalsecuritylaw #wecannotbesilent #wecannotbesilenced #weneedappledaily 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 #supportappledaily 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 #撐蕷果 #撐蕷果日報 #撐香港 https://www.instagram.com/p/CDvZ87Bhi3r/?igshid=c50yc45ywun5

[ovaltheglobal]

July 15 - In less than a minute, get the TOP 5 UPDATES from around the world 🌐🌏🌎🌍🗺️ 𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐏𝐄 👉 👉🏿👉🏾👉🏽 Follow us @ovaltheglobal to get #insights on more such stories from each and every continent! 🔶Google to invest $4.5 billion in Jio Platforms, buying a 7.7% stake in the digital arm of India's Reliance Industries 🔶China vows retaliation after the US ended Hong Kong's preferential trade status and imposed sanctions on some officials 🔶Reliance industries chairman Mukesh Ambani announced Jio will launch a 'Made in India' 5G network to be ready by next year 🔶Tokyo raises its coronavirus alert to the highest "red" level on Wednesday, in the wake of recent spike in daily cases 🔶Apple earned a major victory after Europe’s second-highest court rejected an EU order for the company to pay €13 billion Irish tax bill #worldnews #google #sundarpichai #technologynews #technews #jio #reliancejio #reliancejio #mukeshambani #ambani #indianews #apple #applenews #uschina #china #hongkong🇭🇰 #hongkongprotest #nationalsecuritylaw #tradewar #internationalrelations #top5 #topnews #newsoftheday #5g #India #makeinindia #makeinindia🇮🇳 #narendramodi (at Califonia,USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCqok-Ppblj/?igshid=10qk7ipbpeuv5

[lower-coast-times]

[williamfuentes]

Well, Damn. #tiktokban #hongkong🇭🇰 #hongkongprotest #bytedance #nationalsecuritylaw 📸:DicksonLee (at Hong Kong) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCWX1VFFV58/?igshid=1mydvlgel59dk

[loverallycar]

Lib)=+/erate)#(= Ho)&:ng Ko[`ng:_ Revo[¥;[ lution of our tim[$e #English #NationalSecurityLaw https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUYBTulORQ/?igshid=i2u5b49t3gcl

[raymoorecn]

Is this the #faceofhongkong #hongkong #images #2020 #nationalsecuritylaw It's a sad face 😔 https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJMSJpD9dH/?igshid=em51t03wtsi3

[yoyo12x13]

Hong Kong makes first arrest under new national security Law: Police

Hong Kong makes first arrest under new national security Law: Police

[ad_1]

A man found in possession of a Hong Kong independence flag became the first person to be arrested under Beijing’s new national security law for the city, police said Wednesday.

“A man was arrested for holding a #HKIndependence flag in #CausewayBay, Hong Kong, violating the #NationalSecurityLaw,” police wrote on their verified Twitter account alongside a picture of the man and the…

[mydjw]

An emerging New Cold War?

[decorwiselove]

#English #devilcops #0701 #NationalSecurityLaw https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUTxIbp5Vt/?igshid=p7qygozlqm2a

[hkstreetart]

"Arise! Ye who refuse to be slaves!" The opening lyrics of the Chinese National Anthem, the March of the Volunteers. In Causeway Bay. . Source: USP United Social Press #hkgraffiti #hkstreetart #jul1 #hkprotest #nationalsecuritylaw #nationalday #hkstreetart #protestart #nsl #hongkong — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/3dSXkhA