2024-03-21
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Hong Kong Government Forces Through Basic Law Article 23
Democratic Progressive Party: The Darkest Moment in Hong Kong
Translation of original Chinese-language press release issued on March 20th, 2024 [https://www.dpp.org.tw/media/contents/10743]
In response to the Hong Kong government and the Legislative Council of Hong Kong's forced enactment of Basic Law Article 23, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) stated that the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020 and the subsequent amendment of the Counter Espionage Law in 2023 represent a continued expansion of authoritarian control in Hong Kong; such legislation has led to the persecution of dissidents and the significant erosion of democracy and freedom. Disregarding both international concerns and the wishes of the Hong Kong public, yesterday’s passage of Article 23 can be described as "the darkest moment in Hong Kong." The DPP strongly condemns these actions.
The DPP noted that Article 23 can be seen as the “latest attack” in the CCP's authoritarian advance, which has now completely enveloped Hong Kong in its shadow. The law specifies so-called "five major offenses" that endanger national security (including treason, sedition, espionage, insurrection and foreign interference) and expands its definitions and scope of application. This has destroyed what was left of the rule of law and human rights in Hong Kong.
The DPP stated that Article 23, along with the previous Hong Kong National Security Law and Counter-Espionage Law, will silence the Hong Kong public and also threaten all international organizations, businesses, and individuals operating in Hong Kong.
The DPP emphasized that during the Two Sessions, CCP authorities openly ordered Hong Kong to complete the legislation as soon as possible. Surprisingly, the Hong Kong government completed the third reading of the proposed legislation in less than two weeks, shocking the international community. The Chinese government's utter disregard for Hong Kong’s autonomy is evident, and the Hong Kong government and the Legislative Council of Hong Kong have been reduced into the CCP's enforcers and rubber stamps.
The DPP stated that many countries around the world have extensively reported on Article 23 and unanimously condemned the CCP's suppression of human rights in Hong Kong. This includes a recent letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken from the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), indicating that this legislative action will further undermine Hong Kong's rule of law and freedom. Moreover, Hong Kong Watch, an organization focused on human rights in Hong Kong, issued a joint statement on the 19th, signed by more than 75 parliamentarians and public figures, pointing out that the CCP blatantly violated the Basic Law of Hong Kong, the Sino-British Joint Declaration and international human rights laws.
The DPP noted that the CCP's actions in Hong Kong have severely violated universal values and are unacceptable to the international community. Many parliamentarians from Europe and the U.S. have expressed that Beijing's gross violation of the fundamental freedoms of Hong Kongers demands a unified international condemnation.
The DPP noted that the CCP's actions in Hong Kong are wholly contrary to both its public promises and universal values. The enactment of Article 23 yesterday once again demonstrated the authoritarian nature of the CCP and the utter unreliability of its political promises such as "one country, two systems."
Lastly, the DPP emphasized that it will continue to stand with the brave people of Hong Kong and partner with the international community on supporting Hong Kong, opposing authoritarianism and protecting democracy. It will also steadfastly defend Taiwan's national sovereignty, democracy and freedom, while rejecting the CCP's ambitions of annexation disguised under the "1992 Consensus" and "peaceful reunification" rhetoric. The DPP will continue to safeguard Taiwan’s national security as well as the status quo of peace in the Taiwan Strait.
