Outrage in Hong Kong

What made Hong Kong a robust financial capital of Asia during its rule by Britain was its comparative openness and transparency, along with a Western-style rule of law. But a heavy-handed national security law, sought by its masters in Beijing, is triggering outrage and fear among residents of the former colony. It threatens to kill the goose that lays golden eggs for China -- the dynamic and influential Hong Kong economy. Pro-democracy demonstrators plan to surround the Legislative Council building and pack nearby streets next week when lawmakers vote on the security law. Between 350,000 and 500,000 protesters flooded Hong Kong streets Tuesday, braving the sweltering heat to send a sharp but peaceful message to their government against any more restrictions on their freedom.

The proposed anti-subversion law would let Hong Kong’s government crack down on civil liberties, including banning local branches of mainland groups that Beijing terms subversive. This is a direct threat -- despite contrary official assurances -- to religious groups like the Falun Gong and the Catholic Church, already banned on the mainland.

The proposal also criminalizes release of “state secrets,” even information on relations between Hong Kong and Beijing. Those accused of violations may not cite a defense of public interest, so the measure strips a vital protection of a free press, causing great concern among news organizations, local and global. The anger and fear might be less were it not for Hong Kong’s chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa. Handpicked by Beijing, he’s seen as aloof, weak and anti-democratic. He bungled the handling of the SARS epidemic, staying, like his mainland counterparts, in denial over the crisis. His government kept secret the drafts of the national security law; Tung has ignored calls to reconsider its draconian parts, including one allowing warrantless searches.

Clearly, though, the measure undermines the “one country, two systems” formula designed to protect Hong Kong’s freewheeling system from autocratic rule by Beijing. Just months ago, Chinese leaders admitted their censorship of SARS-related news was a mistake and that free exchanges of information helped curb the epidemic. Now, the conservatives are striking back. Doors are slamming shut, witness recent censorship of journals covering corruption and SARS. The central leadership’s regression bodes ill for both the mainland and Hong Kong. If Tung and his Beijing bosses don’t give up their stifling security measures, global capital may take flight -- along with the trust of the people of Hong Kong and the mainland.