China news Today
China-Hong Kong Unveil First Joint National Security Operation Under 2020 Law
Date: June 13, 2025
In a unprecedented twist of events, Chinese and Hong Kong security officials have carried out their first openly acknowledged joint operation under the controversial 2020 National Security Law. The joint operation is a marker of enhanced security collaboration between Beijing and Hong Kong that is spurring fresh concerns over civil liberties and Beijing's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.
The Operation
Six premises were raided by the Hong Kong Police against a group that has been said to be involved in "colluding with foreign forces" — one of the four offenses under the National Security Law. The suspects were charged by the government of having participated in operating an online platform that was financed abroad with the objective of inciting hatred for the Chinese and Hong Kong governments.
The raid was conducted jointly by the Hong Kong National Security Department and mainland China's Office for Safeguarding National Security (OSNS), which Beijing established in 2020. It is the first time in history that the OSNS has participated in a publicized operational raid with local forces.
Background on the National Security Law
The 2020 National Security Law was imposed by Beijing after the pro-democracy protests shook Hong Kong in 2019. The law criminalizes committing secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with foreign powers. While Beijing claims that the law is essential for stability, it has been condemned as a political suppression instrument by foreign governments and human rights groups.
Since the passage of the law, it has led to the arrests of over 250 individuals, from pro-democracy activists to lawmakers and journalists. The latest simultaneous crackdown is seen as another step by Beijing to assert its control over maintaining security in the city over Hong Kong's previously autonomous legal system.
International Reaction
Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned the joint operation as "another step towards dismantling the rights and freedoms afforded to Hong Kong under the 'One Country, Two Systems' model." The United States government and United Kingdom government also publicly commented on being worried about the decline of autonomy in Hong Kong.
This maneuver carries the risk of opening the door for increased mainland involvement in Hong Kong's law enforcement and security issues. Commentators predict that further joint operations will become standard practice, particularly as the OSNS becomes further entrenched in Hong Kong government.
Hong Kong legal experts have warned that the lack of transparency in such operations, especially when involving mainland authorities, jeopardizes the city's judiciary independence and further burdens its already robust civil society.
Conclusion
With Hong Kong approaching the fifth anniversary of the National Security Law, the first ever collusive operation between China and Hong Kong authorities is an unequivocal sign of Beijing's tightening control over the territory. While the effectiveness of the law in suppressing unrest is cited as a reason by authorities, critics are of the opinion that it comes at the expense of freedoms and rights enjoyed previously under the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law.
External Sources:
- Associated Press: China and Hong Kong national security authorities launch first joint operation
- BBC: What is the Hong Kong National Security Law?
- Amnesty International: Hong Kong - Dismantling Freedoms Under National Security Law