"Foreign Firms in Hong Kong Face Uncertainty Amid National Security Law Plans"
Foreign businesses in Hong Kong are quietly expressing reservations about the potential impact of the city's proposed national security legislation, particularly concerning the enforcement of "state secrets" rules and the alignment with mainland China. The legislation, which faces little opposition in the city's legislature, builds on Beijing's 2020 national security law and has raised concerns about the city's competitiveness and ease of doing business. The muted opposition to the legislation reflects a shift in Hong Kong's political climate, with some fearing that the proposed law could directly impact businesses and lead to a loss of Hong Kong's historic openness, potentially prompting companies to redirect investment and hiring elsewhere.