Print

Mail

wiki links

MAC keeps tabs on Hong Kong subversion ruling

Taipei yesterday called on the Hong Kong government to proceed carefully with the introduction of its anti-subversion law and to avoid language that would erect obstacles to Taiwan-Hong Kong relations.

"The Hong Kong government should be careful about such legislation, because it might create obstacles for Taiwan-Hong Kong exchanges," said Chen Ming-tong (陳明通), vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).

The Hong Kong government published its "Consultation Document on Proposals to Implement Article 23 of the Basic Law" on Sept. 24.

The final draft of Article 23 states, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition and subversion against the Central People's Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the Region, and to prohibit political organizations or bodies of the Region from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bodies."

After a period of consultation over the bill comes to a close next week, it will be formally proposed. Sixty thousand opponents of the law who worry that their freedoms might be curtailed held a demonstration on Sunday.

Commenting on the demonstration, Chen told the Taipei Times that Hong Kong residents have traditionally enjoyed high levels of freedom, but concern that the legislation "will give the Chinese government the final say in how [seditious] crimes are interpreted" has aroused anxiety among many Hong Kong residents.

However, Tung Chee-hwa (董建華), the chief executive of Hong Kong, argued on Monday after the protest, "The government's objective is to provide for national security rather than restrict the freedoms of our residents."

Chen expressed concern that such legislation may affect relationships between Taiwan and Hong Kong since part of the law prohibits political organizations and bodies of the territory establishing ties with foreign counterparts.

He said, "What if Hong Kong's pro-democracy organizations hold activities calling for contact with Taiwan political bodies? Does such contact violate the [proposed anti-subversion] law?"

Chen vowed that the MAC would continue to voice its concerns, saying that Taipei's stance is in the hope that Hong Kong can safeguard the freedom and autonomy of its residents.

According to a research report released by the MAC earlier this month, international human rights organizations from the UK, the US, Canada, France, the EU and the UN had all expressed their concerns about the anti-subversion law, saying that it would threaten civil liberties in Hong Kong.

Also see story:
Subversion law to impact Taiwan
This story has been viewed 1869 times.