Hong Kong Plans to Let Chief Executive Designate National Security Cases; Taiwan's MAC Warns of Increased Travel Risk

(Central News Agency, reporter Lu Jiarong, Taipei, 8th) In response to the Hong Kong government's plan to enact subsidiary legislation based on existing national security laws, which would allow the Chief Executive to issue a certificate determining that a criminal case involves national security, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated today that this is a trend of 'pan-national security,' causing the international community to be more worried about the continued tightening and deterioration of the situation in Hong Kong and increasing the risk of traveling there.

According to documents submitted by the Hong Kong government to the Legislative Council, if the Chief Executive issues a certificate under relevant provisions of the 'Hong Kong National Security Law' or the 'National Security Ordinance,' determining that certain conduct in a criminal case involves national security, the case will be deemed a 'case endangering national security' as defined by the 'Hong Kong National Security Law.' Furthermore, the offense for which the conduct is investigated, arrested, or prosecuted will also be defined as an 'offence endangering national security' as defined by the 'National Security Ordinance.'

In response, the MAC issued a written statement today, noting relevant media reports from Hong Kong. It stated that any case could potentially become a national security case, and such a legislative amendment highlights the continuous expansion of Hong Kong's national security legal framework.

The MAC stated that this trend of 'pan-national security' naturally makes the international community more worried about the continued tightening and deterioration of the situation in Hong Kong and increases the risk of traveling there. (Editor: Qiu Guoqiang) 1150608