At 11 pm on June 30, 2020, one hour before the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China, a new national security law came into effect giving Beijing powers to shape life in the city like never before. The legislation, a response to months of pro-democracy demonstrations, effectively criminalized dissent and adopted broad definitions for crimes such as terrorism, subversion, secession, and collusion with foreign powers. In the almost two years since its introduction, the statute has been used in the arrest of prominent activists and campaigners. For some Hong Kongers, the national security law signals the end of freedom in the city and stands as an example of how Beijing no longer respects the “one country, two systems” principle which has underpinned Hong Kong since its handover in 1998. 

But others in the city feel they still enjoy many important freedoms – and that demanding more is now counter-productive. They point out that the Hong Kong government remains in control of areas including trade, communications, tourism and culture. Hong Kong still benefits from some of the most liberal economic freedoms in the world with international firms like Citigroup and Goldman Sachs increasing their hiring in the city in 2021. And inhabitants still enjoy free access to the internet with sites like Facebook, Google and Twitter freely accessible in the region – unlike in mainland China. Hong Kong is still free but people must start to accept the reality that China is not the West and only by cooperating with Beijing’s longstanding concerns related to internal rebellion and external interference can the city preserve its unique status. 

Who’s right and who’s wrong? Join the debate on May 11, hear the arguments and make up your own mind.