HK widens national security law with subtle shift in language

HONG KONG • Hong Kong has quietly broadened the language it uses to describe national security violations, a shift that lawyers said could expand the reach of a government crackdown on dissent in the Asian financial hub.

City authorities have begun using the phrase "contrary to the interests of national security" in recent weeks to define new red lines in the entertainment industry and the tax code.

Previously, officials had warned more specifically against anything that might "endanger national security". The latter term appears 31 times in the full text of the security law, while the "contrary to" phrasing is absent.

That subtle shift could increase compliance risks for companies operating in Hong Kong, especially in sectors like technology and media that frequently bump up against political issues.

Under the broader term, more people, groups and firms could be accused of security violations for espousing values that run contrary to the government's stated interests. The new term comes as the authorities expand a crackdown on dissent to trade unions, charities, filmmakers and professional associations - including for journalists - that engage in what the government deems "political" activities.

The city's largest opposition newspaper, Apple Daily, and the biggest teachers' union have ceased operation in recent months under government pressure because of their support for pro-democracy causes.

"This shift in rhetoric suggests a move to embrace an even broader formulation of national security, and of national security crimes," said Professor Tom Kellogg, executive director at Georgetown University's Centre for Asian Law.

"We've seen a strong push to inject national security concepts into so many areas of Hong Kong life. It only makes sense that the government would use new rhetoric to deal with that broadening approach."

Chinese officials have repeatedly said the security law would impact only a "very small minority", and cited the continued strength of Hong Kong's financial industry as evidence that the legislation had not hurt the business climate.

A Hong Kong government spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

The new term first appeared prominently when the government proposed amendments to the Film Censorship Ordinance late last month at the city's Legislative Council, which is now devoid of pro-democracy politicians after they all either resigned or were purged.

Censors must "consider whether the exhibition of a film would be contrary to the interests of national security" under the new rules. When the government announced the changes in June, it asked censors only to assess if a film would directly "endanger national security".

That concept could be applied to education, the arts and Internet regulation, Prof Kellogg said.

The term appeared again last week in guidelines that allow the Inland Revenue Department to strip charities of their tax-exempt status, if they are deemed to be "engaging in or supporting any acts or activities which are unlawful or contrary to the interests of national security".

Hong Kong's leader, Chief Executive Carrie Lam, also used the wording in a regular briefing last week as she discussed the tax changes, stressing the security law was intended not just to punish crimes, but to prevent them.

"If the charity engages in acts or activities that are contrary to interests of national security, then they won't be exempt," Mrs Lam told reporters. "A charity should not engage in political activities."

BLOOMBERG