BEIJING, May 28-- China is set to make Hong Kong national security laws as a related decision was adopted at the national legislature on Thursday. The decision will also allow the central government's national security organs to set up agencies in Hong Kong when needed. Deputies to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) voted overwhelmingly to approve the decision at the closing meeting of the NPC annual session. Rounds of applause erupted in the Great Hall of the People when the decision was passed. The NPC Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to Safeguard National Security consists of an introduction and seven articles. The decision was made to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, uphold and improve "one country, two systems," safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong residents, says the introduction. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said the decision "serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese people including Hong Kong compatriots." For the next step, the NPC will entrust its standing committee to make national security laws to be promulgated and enforced in Hong Kong. HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam welcomed the move and said the HKSAR government will fully cooperate with the NPC Standing Committee to complete relevant legislation as soon as possible. |