Committee of China's top legislature discusses Hong Kong security draft law

The Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, deliberated on a draft law on safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during its 19th session from Thursday to Saturday (June 25-27).
With 66 articles, the draft law has six chapters, including the substantive law, procedural law and organisation law covering the following areas: general responsibilities of Chins's government and HKSAR on safeguarding national security; the general principles; the HKSAR's duties and institutions of safeguarding national security; crimes and penalties; jurisdiction over national security cases, application of laws and procedures; and institutions of the China's government in the HKSAR for safeguarding national security.
“Establishing and improving at the national level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security is a major measure to uphold and improve the system of 'One Country, Two Systems',” said Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, at the closing meeting of the session.
“It is also a fundamental solution to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and ensure the steady and sustained development of the cause of 'One Country, Two Systems'," Li said.
The draft makes stipulations on what constitutes four categories of crimes that threaten national security and their corresponding penalties. They are: secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces to endanger national security.
The draft fully complies with the intention of Hong Kong’s constitution and laws while fulfill the policies of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong managed by Hong Kong people” and “granting high freedom in Hong Kong administration” in all aspects based on the necessity of safeguarding national security in HKSAR, a statement said.