Former top Beijing official warns Hong Kong that tests ahead for national security law
- Deng Zhonghua, former deputy director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, says Beijing will continue to strengthen supervision of local executive, legislative and judicial branches
- Secretary for Justice Paul Lam urges young people to develop strong understanding of Chinese constitution as he speaks at ceremony to mark National Constitution Day
Hong Kong authorities must ensure an accurate and comprehensive implementation of the national security law, which has yet to be tested in a series of major impending cases, a former Beijing official has warned.
Deng Zhonghua, former deputy director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), on Sunday also said the central government would continue to strengthen its supervision of Hong Kong’s executive, legislative and judicial branches, and “exercise control” in areas that required it.
Deng was speaking, by video conferencing, at a seminar organised by the Hong Kong government to mark the 40th anniversary of China’s 1982 constitution.
Luo Huining, director of the central government’s liaison office, also delivered a video message at the event, and said Hong Kong authorities must continue to promote patriotism.
“Only when patriotism is strong and the influence of colonial rule is completely shaken off, can the consciousness of the constitution be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people in Hong Kong,” he said.
Deng also highlighted that on Monday, the HKMAO warned in a statement that “high vigilance” was needed given the circumstances involved in cases such as the national security trial of media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying.
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday asked Beijing to interpret the city’s national security law after the Court of Final Appeal upheld a decision to allow British barrister Timothy Owen, a king’s counsel, to defend Lai against charges of collusion with foreign forces.
