Hong Kong Rushes Controversial Security Law to Prioritize Economy
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Hong Kong authorities fast-tracked the Article 23 security legislation to catch foreign powers off guard and minimize potential backlash. The bill could pass within days after only 11 hours for legislators to review amendments.
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Officials and politicians were urgently summoned back to Hong Kong from Beijing to scrutinize and endorse the bill. The swift enactment was calculated to allow Hong Kong to concentrate on economic recovery.
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The "surprise element" of the hastened timeline aims to prevent foreign powers from having time to plan reactions like sanctions. Some lawmakers expect to face punishment for passing the controversial law.
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Concerns remain over vague terminology in the law and whether sufficient scrutiny was conducted. Rushing passage could compromise quality of debate and hurt Hong Kong's international image.
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Supporters believe focusing on security will enable Hong Kong to focus on economic growth. But critics argue the anxiety created internationally has already harmed the city's reputation.