Your honorable President of the UNHRC

I am a Hong Kong resident and have lived in this city for 48 years. I love Hong Kong deeply and witnessed the changes that have taken place in Hong Kong, both before and after July 1, 1997. 

The law helps ensure Hong Kong residents live in peace and harmony and restore business environment for various enterprises worst affected by the yearlong turmoil

As far as civil rights and individual freedoms of Hong Kong residents are concerned, I believe we are now decidedly better than we were before Hong Kong returned to China. Particularly noteworthy is that the State has been supporting Hong Kong however necessary, which is why Hong Kong residents have largely enjoyed life in stability and prosperity.

In a protracted social unrest triggered by the now-withdrawn extradition law amendment bill in 2019, the opposition camp in Hong Kong, with support from some external hostile forces, committed numerous atrocities in this city, such as setting an innocent man and public properties on fire, in addition to wanton use of physical and verbal violence against fellow citizens and visitors who do not agree with their twisted views. Their abusive acts turned our orderly life completely upside down and left many small businesses bankrupt. People lived in fear for months on end because of violent riots happening in the streets they use every day. Many people were so scared they fled to the Chinese mainland or overseas for safety.

Thankfully the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress enacted the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and immediately put Hong Kong society at ease. The publicity campaign before and after the new National Security Law took effect have helped Hong Kong residents understand it is absolutely necessary and beneficial to Hong Kong: The law helps ensure Hong Kong residents live in peace and harmony and restore business environment for various enterprises worst affected by the yearlong turmoil. Hong Kong residents have also realized the new law targets only a small number of saboteurs while affording the majority of citizens protection against harm.

Before the new national security legislation became law most law-abiding Hong Kong residents had to be very careful and made sure nothing they said in public would offend the rioters in black one way or another. At that time feeling safe was a luxury few could afford. As soon as the new National Security Law took effect, however, a heavy weight was lifted from our hearts. It has also brought back our hope for and confidence in a bright future for Hong Kong. That is why I believe the National Security Law for implementation in Hong Kong is the assurance Hong Kong needs to keep the exercise of "one country, two systems" on the right track as long as necessary.

Now, I'd like to ask the US government a question:

"Your country is the first in the world to introduce a series of laws on national security, regulating all manners of behavior that may affect national security. Why are you trying to stop another sovereign state from introducing a national security law on its own soil? In case you don't already know, the great majority of Hong Kong residents wholeheartedly welcome, support and uphold the National Security Law. You can launch whatever sanctions against China including the HKSAR you want but don't expect Hong Kong people to give a damn or people around the world to applaud you.”

Sincerely yours

So Wing On William from Hong Kong, China

Signed July 22, 2020