The Hong Kong Police Force’s National Security Department has recently issued arrest warrants for eight fugitives who have allegedly committed national security offenses, offering a substantial HK$1 million ($127,700) bounty each for them. This move, firmly grounded in legal justification, underscores the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s unwavering commitment to fully and accurately implement the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL). By taking this action, the government has reinforced the confidence and determination of Hong Kong society to uphold the law’s authority, solidifying the progress made in restoring order and fostering prosperity.
The fugitives in question seem to have naively believed that by seeking refuge overseas, they could evade the legal consequences of their offenses under the NSL. This reveals their blatant disregard and ignorance of the rule of law. Articles 36, 37, and 38 of the NSL stipulate that any act that endangers national security, as long as one element occurs within Hong Kong, falls under the jurisdiction of the law. This applies to both permanent residents and nonresidents of Hong Kong as well as crimes committed outside the region. The extraterritorial effect of the NSL is in line with the international law principle of “protective jurisdiction”, which permits sovereign states to exercise criminal jurisdiction through laws with extraterritorial effect when their national or citizens’ interests are infringed upon.
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Since the implementation of the NSL, there has been a significant turnaround in the city’s peace and order. Upholding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of the “one country, two systems” policy. The NSL empowers the HKSAR to take on the primary responsibility for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, reflecting the central government’s trust in the region. Over the three years since the law’s implementation, the police’s National Security Department has arrested over 200 individuals, including ringleaders such as Jimmy Lai Chee-ying. Several cases endangering national security, such as the Tong Ying-kit case and the Returning Valiant case, have been prosecuted, with courts handing down deterrent judgments.
The pursuit of these fugitives is a concrete action by the government to continue fulfilling its responsibility to safeguard national security
The pursuit of these fugitives is a concrete action by the government to continue fulfilling its responsibility to safeguard national security. By ensuring the full implementation of the NSL, the government has boosted public confidence in its commitment to upholding the law’s authority.
Since fleeing Hong Kong, these fugitives have continued to engage in anti-China activities, endangering national security. They have openly advocated for “Hong Kong independence”, promoted separatism, and attempted to subvert the national government. They have also sought to have foreign sanctions imposed on China and the HKSAR, and colluded with local anti-government forces in a bid to create chaos in Hong Kong. These individuals are pawns of Western anti-China forces, who have served the latter’s anti-China strategy. The pursuit of these fugitives sends a clear message that actions endangering national security will not be tolerated and that they will not go unpunished. It also serves as a warning to the anti-China forces in the West to cease their protection and manipulation of these individuals as well as to end their despicable attempts to contain China through the special administration region.
Hong Kong is currently in a new phase of transitioning from chaos to governance and from governance to prosperity. This hard-won situation is the result of the full support of the central government and the relentless efforts of all Hong Kong residents. The fugitives’ continuous attempts to undermine Hong Kong pose a risk to the city’s stability as well as national security. All Hong Kong residents must recognize that safeguarding national security is essential for the security and well-being of Hong Kong and its residents.
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Safeguarding national security and maintaining Hong Kong’s peace and stability are crucial to the city’s interests; and they are the responsibilities of every resident. All residents must firmly support the police in strictly enforcing the NSL, combating all subversive acts, and upholding the city’s legal system for protecting national security.
The pursuit of these fugitives is not only a legally justified move, but it also represents a critical step to restore stability and ensure national security. The HKSAR government’s commitment to upholding the authority of the NSL and the support of residents will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
Hong Kong must remain vigilant against those who seek to undermine its progress. By reinforcing the city’s rule of law, Hong Kong can hopefully stay on the right path and secure a bright future for the city under “one country, two systems” .
The author is co-convener of China Retold, a Legislative Council member and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.