Hong Kong should reconsider enacting Article 23 legislation to nip support for independence in the bud

Recently, a radical separatist group led by a former Occupy Central activist held a press conference announcing the formation of a “Hong Kong National Party”. The party aims to promote the independence of Hong Kong and the abolishment of the Basic Law.

Formation of Hong Kong National Party is the latest sign that China is losing Hong Kong’s young

As stated in the preamble and Article 1 of the Basic Law, “Hong Kong has been part of China’s territory since ancient times” and is “an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China”. Article 12 of the Basic Law also provides that Hong Kong is a local administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, “which shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy and come directly under the central people’s government”. Therefore, the proposition made by the radical group is undoubtedly contrary to the spirit enshrined in the Basic Law.

While this is not the first time a group has rejected the fundamental values laid out in the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Party can be considered a radical group at the extreme end of the political spectrum. Not only has it refused to recognise the Basic Law, it has even pledged to use “whatever effective means” available to break away from the central government.