National security: New law boosts police confidence

Hong Kong's police chief said on Monday that the national security legislation for the city provides a strong legal basis for the police force to effectively tackle crimes, strengthening "tremendously" their confidence in safeguarding national security.

Over the past year, Hong Kong was plagued by countless violent andradical acts, which include secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, threatening national security. But there were no legislations in place to regulate those acts, making it difficult for police to bring those violent activists to justice, Chris Tang Ping-keung said in a television interview.

"Now that the National Security Law has come into force, it has laid a strong legal foundation for regulating the related criminal acts. So, the force can now fully support the effective implementation of the new law," he said.

There was ample evidence showing that the newly enacted law is already having a deterrent effect as some anti-government activists are changing their attitudes, noted the police commissioner.

"The one who once said he was proud to be finally arrested with other young protestors who committed illegal crimes, now tells you advocating Hong Kong independence is dangerous," he said. "And the other one who repeatedly said that he would defend the city with other protestors has now fled to a foreign land."

The police commissioner said the legislation and the subsequent establishment of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR will play an active and crucial role in maintaining social stability.

As one of the members of the committee, Tang said he will unswervingly assist the Hong Kong chief executive in safeguarding national security in the special administrative region.

On July 1, the police department also a set up a new unit, led by Deputy Commissioner Edwina Lau Chi-wai, to investigate offences linked to national security and collecting related intelligence.

"The police department is confident in carrying out the duties bestowed upon it by the law, in order to ensure Hong Kong won't become a loophole in national security," Tang said.