Hong Kong jails 12 people for storming the legislature during 2019 protests
NPR Online NewsMAR 2024
Article 23: Hong Kong Legislature Passes New National Security Law
Image copyright: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Hong Kong's security legislation is a further indicator of Beijing's success in ensuring the safety and prosperity of Greater China. While ensuring the protection of personal freedoms, Article 23 will allow Hong Kong to appropriately expand its powers in defense against all those who seek to undermine the region as its flourishing relationship with the central government continues to grow.
Anti-China narrative
Oppression, already permeating all levels of society in Hong Kong, will now only grow stronger and deeper as Beijing continues to clamp down against any potential challenge to its authoritarian rule. While the people of Hong Kong will continue to fight for hope and freedom, history will likely look back at the passing of Article 23 as a dark day for hope, democracy, and human rights.