Will Hong Kong's financial-hub identity survive its new national security laws?

Frank Ching is a Hong Kong-based freelance journalist. In 2019, the government took 97 days to solicit the Hong Kong public's views on enhancing animal welfare. By contrast, this year, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee devoted a mere 30 days to consultation on implementing complex national security legislation. And on Tuesday, just 20 days after that consultation period ended, the Legislative Council unanimously approved the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which will go into effect on March 23, and will deal with offences such as treason, insurrection, sedition, sabotage, espionage, external interference and unlawful acquisition and possession of state secrets….