Hong Kong Security Law Raises Business Concerns Over Information Controls and Investment Climate
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Hong Kong is moving forward with controversial national security legislation that has raised concerns among foreign businesses about how "state secrets" could be defined and affect operations.
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Business leaders have expressed worries privately about the law bringing Hong Kong more in line with mainland China's strict information controls.
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Provisions related to state secrets are similar to mainland Chinese laws and could hamper companies' ability to gather and share routine information.
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Firms may redirect investment and hiring elsewhere if Hong Kong loses openness and increases uncertainty around political red lines.
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Hong Kong's government consultation paper focuses heavily on security threats rather than the city's role as a welcoming base for international business.