The Implications of the National Security Law in Hong Kong

The Implications of the National Security Law in Hong Kong Synopsis

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The United Kingdom (UK) established Hong Kong as colony in 1841 and administered it until 1997 when the UK transferred it to the PRC. The PRC agreed that after the handover, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) would retain a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defense affairs through 2047. In 2020, following large-scale protests opposing a bill that would have allowed the extradition of fugitives to mainland China, China's legislature, with the stated purpose of restoring order, imposed a national security law (NSL) on Hong Kong. The NSL criminalizes the organization and perpetration of "terrorist activities," "secession," "subversion," and "collusion" with foreign entities "to endanger national security." This book reviews the implications of the NSL and its effects on the citizens of Hong Kong.