A four-week public consultation for Hong Kong’s domestic security law began on Tuesday, after the first attempt to enact the controversial legislation required under Article 23 of the city’s mini-constitution failed following mass protests more than 20 years ago. Article 23 of the Basic Law stipulates that the government shall enact laws on its own to prohibit acts of treason, secession, sedition and subversion against Beijing. The seven types of secrets listed in the consultation paper cover -information about major policy decisions on national and local affairs, economic, social, -technological or scientific developments of the country or city, and the external affairs of Hong Kong and its relationship with Beijing.

Pro-democracy advocates fear it could have a negative effect on civil liberties but the authorities say there is a constitutional duty to ratify it. Human rights NGO Amnesty International on Tuesday described Hong Kong as facing “potentially the most dangerous moment for human rights” since the Beijing-imposed national security law was enacted in June 2020. The enactment of domestic security legislation could “further entrench repression in the city,” the group’s China director Sarah Brooks said.

The president of the German Chamber of Commerce told HKFP that business leaders will respect Hong Kong’s new, local security law, but remain concerned about civil society and whether the legislation’s wording will be precise.

[European Chamber of Commerce said it would pay "particular attention" to issues potentially concerning the "core values" that made Hong Kong an attractive place in which to do business. That included its strong protection of fundamental rights, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and the free flow of information, it added.]

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce said implementing Article 23 would provide a solid framework to protect national security and improve the overall business environment.