After @SecPompeo officially declares HK ‘no longer autonomous’, here is my msg to world leaders & foreign companies:
1/ National security law carries massive damage to expats & investors in HK. It will completely affect business interests in HK & leads to democratic backlashes.
1/ National security law carries massive damage to expats & investors in HK. It will completely affect business interests in HK & leads to democratic backlashes.
2/ In the past, Hong Kong has firewalls to fend off the political influence from China, such as guarantees of human rights protections, an independent judiciary and loose business regulations. These are the reasons why businesses choose Hong Kong as the destination of investment.
3/ However, the law will profoundly erode the city’s firewalls, especially when a Beijing-led secret police branch is to be set up, & when Beijing’s board definition of national security is imposed. China treated stock markets & flow of capital as part of its national security.
4/ The proposed law is the stepping stone for its future intervention. In order to protect the business interest in the city, especially those choosing Hong Kong as the regional headquarters, it is crucial for companies to voice out and oppose the passing of the law.
5/ To maintain the autonomy status of HK is the only way to maintain business interest. Therefore, I call upon world leaders jointly express opposition against this law. Since the security law is hugely controversial, it can't be full legislative scrutiny & public consultation.
6/ I also urge US, European and Asia’s leaders to reconsider whether Hongkong’s special trade status can still be held since, once the law is implemented, Hong Kong will be assimilated into China’s authoritarian regime, on both rule of law and human rights protections.
