The United Front Supporting National Security Legislation launches on Monday an online petition opposing external interference in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and supporting national security legislation for the city. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)

A united front of more than 2,000 political, social and business leaders in Hong Kong launched a petition on Monday, calling on residents to sign up against external forces’ meddling in its affairs. 

The campaign came as some countries, in particular the United States, continue to criticize the central government’s decision to enact a national security law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The US has even threatened to impose sanctions on Hong Kong, including canceling its special trading status once the law is enacted. 

As of 9:30 pm on Monday, over 110,000 people had signed the petition online. Street booths have also been set up across the city to collect signatures. The campaign will last until the end of this month.

At the petition’s launching ceremony on Monday morning, Tam Yiu-chung, a convener of the campaign and a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, stressed that the national security legislation for the HKSAR is justified. He added that nations threatening to impose sanctions on the city are clearly interfering in China’s internal affairs and breaching international law. 

He said that, in some countries’ eyes, Hong Kong is a pawn to impede China’s development, adding that they don’t care about Hong Kong’s democracy, stability and prosperity.

Hong Kong’s development is the result of its residents’ hard work and the country’s firm support, instead of any foreign country’s charity or their so-called special treatment, Tam said. 

Calling upon Hong Kong residents to join the campaign to condemn and oppose any external interference in the national security legislation and other internal affairs of the SAR, he urged foreign forces to stop all sorts of threats immediately.

Also speaking at the ceremony, lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee noted that the US has enacted dozens of items of harsh legislation on national security, while at the same time opposing China’s reasonable actions to safeguard national security.

This is a double standard that Hong Kong residents should know and oppose, Ip said. 

Lawmaker Ann Chiang Lai-wan said the national security legislation is a timely measure to bring an end to the chaos Hong Kong has experienced since last June, and it will keep the city free from any foreign meddling.

She referred to the violent protests over the now withdrawn extradition bill, during which some protesters and lawmakers in Hong Kong asked for foreign sanctions on Hong Kong, or colluded with foreign forces to incite young people to participate in unlawful and violent activities.