The Hong Kong government has recently passed the highly controversial Article 23 legislation under the Basic Law, sparking widespread concern and discontent. Many Hong Kong residents view this decision as a serious threat to the city's freedom and democracy, and as a challenge to Hong Kong's unique status. At the same time, we strongly protest the CCP's interference in and undermining of Hong Kong, and we call for the preservation of Hong Kong's freedom, democracy, and autonomy.
With the passage of Article 23, the Hong Kong government will gain greater power to interfere with, restrict, and suppress freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and democratic activity in Hong Kong. This legislation could pose a major threat to Hong Kong's free society and could severely damage its standing as an international financial center and a free port. Freedom of speech and democratic rights are core values of Hong Kong society, and we cannot tolerate any infringement or restriction of them.
First, freedom of speech is Hong Kong's lifeline. As a free port, Hong Kong has always regarded free speech as a defining cultural trait and one of the key pillars supporting its status as an international financial center. Yet the passage of Article 23 could give the government greater power to interfere with free speech, restrict media reporting freedom, and even suppress dissenting voices. This would gradually strip Hong Kong of its standing as a place where speech is free, posing a major obstacle to the development and prosperity of Hong Kong society.
Second, democratic rights are basic rights of Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong is a multicultural, multiethnic city, and democratic institutions are essential to guaranteeing equal rights and interests among its different communities. Yet if the government pushes through Article 23, it could restrict or stifle Hong Kong residents' right to political participation and deprive them of the right to choose their own leaders, causing Hong Kong's democratic institutions to wither over time. This would not only harm the interests of Hong Kong residents but would also seriously affect the city's social stability and development.
Finally, Article 23 could seriously affect the rule of law in Hong Kong. The rule of law is one of the basic principles of a modern society and is essential to maintaining social order and fairness and justice. But if the government abuses its power and uses Article 23 to suppress dissent and restrict civil liberties, it will severely damage the foundations of the rule of law and undermine fairness and justice in Hong Kong society.
Beyond our protest against Article 23, we also strongly condemn the CCP's interference in and destruction of Hong Kong. In recent years, the CCP has repeatedly attempted to interfere in Hong Kong's internal affairs through various means, including overhauling the electoral system and suppressing democratic activity. Such interference has not only undermined Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy but has also seriously damaged its social stability and democratic institutions, casting Hong Kong's future into uncertainty.
We firmly believe that Hong Kong's future should be decided by the people of Hong Kong themselves, not interfered with and controlled by the CCP government. We call on the international community to pay attention to the situation in Hong Kong and to support the efforts of Hong Kong residents to defend freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Hong Kong's freedom and democracy must not be violated, and we should firmly oppose any action that undermines them. We must call on the people of Hong Kong to unite in defense of the city's freedom and democracy. We also call on the international community to pay attention to the situation in Hong Kong and to support the Hong Kong people's efforts to secure freedom, democracy, and human rights. Only by preserving freedom and democracy can Hong Kong continue to prosper and become an even better society.