Hong Kong National Security Law? You should be careful even when traveling there? (Precautions)

On July 23rd, the 'Hong Kong National Security Law'directly enacted by the Chinese central government is a bill related to Hong Kong's autonomy, and it has sparked various discussions within the region.

The Hong Kong National Security Law considers secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces as crimesand allows for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

This law applies not only to Chinese citizens but also to foreigners, including tourists, therefore cautionis advised.

Furthermore, based on the subordinate legislation implementing rules decided at the National Security Committee meeting held in July 2022, the Hong Kong police have gained internet censorship powers, leading to further concerns and advisories.

Due to this, the international community has raised concerns regarding this law, particularly with respect to Hong Kong's freedom and the safety of tourists.

So, what are the main provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law?

■ Main Provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law

1. Prohibition of Subversion of State Power : Any act aimed at subverting or overthrowing the power of the government is prohibited.

2. Prohibition of Secession : Any act intended to separate China and Hong Kong based on their differences is prohibited.

3. Prohibition of Terrorism : Any terrorist act intended to coerce the government through methods that threaten public safety is prohibited.

4. Prohibition of Collusion with Foreign Forces : Any activity conducted in collusion with foreigners or foreign forces within Hong Kong that opposes China or Hong Kong is prohibited.

■ Precautions for Travelers

The Hong Kong National Security Lawapplies to travelers visiting Hong Kongand it's important to be aware of it.

This law applies to everyone visiting Hong Kong, including foreigners, not just residents.

Politically sensitive statements or actions can be dealt with particularly strictly, so if you are planning a trip to Hong Kong, it is absolutely necessary to familiarize yourself with the following precautions.

1. Political Speech and Activism : It is advisable to exercise caution when making critical statements or expressing opinions about the Chinese government or Hong Kong. Be especially careful when sharing such information on social media.

2. Caution with Documents and Materials : It's also important to be cautious about possessing materials containing sensitive content, especially those related to politics. Even carrying documents or materials that violate the Hong Kong National Security Law can be a cause for concern.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws and Regulations : It's a good idea to be aware of the latest local laws and regulations before visiting Hong Kong. You can refer to government news releases and announcements for updates.

4. Caution Regarding Participation in Assemblies and Demonstrations : While it's unlikely you'll be involved in assemblies or demonstrations, it's best to avoid any actions that could be construed as involvement. Freedom of expression can be limited within Hong Kong, so if you find yourself near any gathering or demonstration, it's advisable to move away immediately.

5. Communication-Related Matters : It's also important to be cautious about personal communications shared with a wide audience through social media. Even encrypted messages and data should be approached with caution if they contain sensitive content. Modifying the sharing scope of your social media accounts before visiting Hong Kong is also a good practice.

■ Conclusion

The Hong Kong National Security Law is not limited to Chinese citizens or residents of Hong Kong, but it's a serious law that can result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for travelers.

Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Hong Kong, it's highly advisable to familiarize yourself with this law before your visit.

Hong Kong has long been a beautiful and recommended tourist destination where Western and Eastern cultures coexist.

However, given the implementation of the National Security Law, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the law to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

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This article is written for informational purposes regarding the Hong Kong National Security Law and does not provide any guarantees related to the content.

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