HKCC Response to the Resolution in Enacting the National Security Legislation for Hong Kong by the National People’s Congress

by Global Ministries (Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ) | published on Jun 9, 2020

1. Foreword

Hong Kong has been a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China since its return on 1 July 1997. Under the principles of “one country, two systems,” “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong,” and “high degree of autonomy,” enacting legislation on national security is the duty of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as stipulated in the Basic Law in order to safeguard national security and ensure the stability of the people’s lives. However, in the past 23 years, the HKSAR Government was unable to legislate for Article 23 of the Basic Law and now, facing the need for national security, the National People’s Congress considered that it is necessary to enact the “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong.”

2. Our faith

We believe that all humans are created by God, in his image and with dignity, and that all are born equal. We must pursue justice, peace, truth and honesty according to God’s command, be salt and light in the world, resist evil and safeguard human dignity.

3. Our views on the proposed“National Security Legislation for HK”

On 28 May 2020, the National People’s Congress adopted a decision at the national level and authorized the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress to prepare relevant laws on the system and enforcement mechanism of the “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong.” Our response to the proposed “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong” is given below:

3.1 In accordance with the principles of the Basic Law of “one country, two systems,” “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong,” and “a high degree of autonomy,” the enforcement and judicial mechanisms of the relevant institutions of the “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong” including investigation, search, prosecution and trial shall be conducted in Hong Kong and in accordance with Hong Kong law in an open and fair manner;

3.2 To relieve the concerns of the people of Hong Kong, the “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong” should not have any retroactive effect. At the same time, when Hong Kong completes its legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law, it will replace the established “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong” ( i.e., to set up a sunset clause);

3.3 The “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong” shall be consistent with the common law principles of the Hong Kong judicial system and shall fully guarantee human rights and all types of freedoms (including freedom of expression, publication, information, assembly, religion, association, etc.) that have been enjoyed under the one country, two systems principle.

4. Free communication with the outside world

Christianity is a universal religion, and we believe that the “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong” should ensure that Hong Kong Christians, churches, and organizations continue to enjoy freedom of communication and cooperation with international and mainland Christian communities.

5. Conclusion

As the “National Security Legislation for Hong Kong” concerns national security and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong, this Council specifically calls on the Hong Kong Church and the Christian community to give their views on the content of the legislation.

May the Lord watch over Hong Kong and bless our country.