HONG KONG – Beijing set up a new national security office in Hong Kong by converting a hotel near a city-centre park, which has been a popular venue for pro-democracy protests.
The office, which is located in the busy shopping and commercial hub of Causeway Bay, near Victoria Park, will supervise the implementation of the new security law, which was imposed on the city last week.
Zheng Yanxiong, who heads the new office, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and Luo Huining, the head of China’s Liaison Office in the city took part in the opening ceremony at the former Metropark Hotel which was a hot favourite of tourists given its magnificent view of the harbour.
Terming the new office “the gatekeeper of national security”, Luo said the people who loved China and Hong Kong welcomed it.
“Those with ulterior motives and who are anti-China and seek to destabilise Hong Kong have not only stigmatised the office, but also smeared the legal system and rule of law in the Chinese mainland in an attempt to stir up unnecessary worries and fears among Hong Kong residents,” Luo said.
There was tight security on the hotel premises and barricades were set up.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field