Uncertainty and Apprehension among Foreign Businesses: The Impact of Article 23 on Hong Kong

The new security law, known as Article 23, has left many foreign businesses questioning how it will impact them in Hong Kong. The United States has expressed concern over the vague language used in the law, particularly regarding the definition of “state secrets” which could potentially expose executives and finance professionals to charges of espionage for simply carrying out their duties.

Despite reassurances from city officials that the law aligns with international standards and should not be a cause for worry for media outlets, the financial sector, or non-governmental organizations if they are engaging in regular activities, there is still uncertainty among foreign businesses about how Article 23 will be implemented and what implications it may have on their operations in Hong Kong.

The broad scope of the law has raised concerns about potential restrictions on freedom of speech and other civil liberties, which could impact the business environment in the region. While city officials are confident in the law’s alignment with international norms, many are questioning how it will be enforced and what consequences it may have for their businesses.

Overall, there is a high level of anticipation and apprehension among foreign businesses regarding Article 23 and its potential impact on their operations in Hong Kong. Despite reassurances from city officials that the law is necessary to maintain national security, many businesses are still uncertain about how it will be implemented and what consequences it may have for their operations in the region.