How Hong Kong should cope with the national security law: keep calm and carry on

Given that the law on the mainland targets those who oppose the Communist Party, the same could be expected for Hong Kong

Nevertheless, it would be best for Hongkongers not to panic, but get on with their lives instead

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A man walks up a road where a banner promoting the national security law is displayed in Central, Hong Kong, on June 20. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Australian-born Peter Kammerer has lived and worked in Hong Kong for more than 30 years, joining the Post in 1988.

Published: 6:30am, 30 Jun 2020Updated: 6:33am, 30 Jun 2020

Laws govern our lives. They limit where we can go, what we can do and what we can say. Beijing’s law for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong is no different. We should be aware of its intent, but not fret or fear its existence. We have to put it to the back of our minds and get on with our lives.

Much has been said and written about this law with its six chapters and 66 articles, all without anyone having set eyes on it. Officials in Beijing and Hong Kong contend it will not affect existing freedoms and that it is intended to “uphold and improve” the “one country, two systems” model that makes the city different from mainland China.

Major companies and pro-government groups have supported it without knowing specifics. Pro-democracy advocates claim its introduction spells the end of one country, two systems, the city’s promised high degree of autonomy and judicial independence.