January 27, 2022
HONG KONG – The Security Bureau is actively studying with the Department of Justice ways to enhance the Official Secrets Ordinance in the context of legislation under Basic Law Article 23, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said on Wednesday.
Answering lawmakers’ questions today, Mr Tang explained that although the law enforcement agencies of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are committed to combating espionage, the relevant local legislation was enacted many years ago and cannot fully address the criminal acts of espionage and theft of state secrets at present.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung stressed that the government’s long-standing position is to combat espionage activities endangering national security in the city in accordance with the law
He stressed that the government’s long-standing position is to combat espionage activities endangering national security in the city in accordance with the law.
Specifically, given that these spies and their agents are all backed by rivals of a national level, actions must be taken to minimize the risks which they may bring about, he noted.
Tang made it clear that the government seeks to commence consultation before the end of the current-term government and table the bill to the Legislative Council for scrutiny in the second half of this year.
He added that he hopes lawmakers will support the legislative proposals, including those related to espionage offenses to better safeguard national security.