Hong Kong leader defends national security legislation

[WORLD] Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has defended the expedited implementation of subsidiary legislation tied to the city’s domestic national security law, describing it as "imperative" in the face of growing global instability. Comparing security threats to a “virus,” Lee emphasized the urgency of bolstering protections amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Speaking publicly for the first time on the matter since the new rules were introduced last week, Lee addressed the issue on Tuesday after returning from a government and business delegation trip to the Middle East.

"I have said many times that national security risks are like viruses — they are ever-present and ready to cause harm," he said. "The world is undergoing rapid and unprecedented changes. Geopolitical dynamics are increasingly complex, and global instability is on the rise."

The new legislation was gazetted on Tuesday, just 24 hours after the government formally unveiled the proposals. A government spokesman said swift action was necessary due to “potential unforeseen circumstances” stemming from intensifying geopolitical tensions.

Under the new provisions, public servants, including police officers, will be required to fully cooperate with the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong whenever it exercises jurisdiction.

The chief executive will also have the authority to designate certain premises used by the national security office as “prohibited places,” although officials clarified that this power does not extend to private homes.

The government stressed that the legislation is “essential” to ensuring the effective operation of Beijing’s national security office in the city. Authorities added that they would make “every effort” to expedite legislative scrutiny and finalization.