It’s a sad fact that the powerful are exploiting the weak during the coronavirus pandemic. The gambling industry has come under fire for bombarding vulnerable groups with adverts whilst they are cooped up at home under lockdown. As Salann has highlighted, porn websites are also seeking to draw in new users with cynical ‘perks’ such as free access to HD content if they promise to follow coronavirus health advice. These moves are designed to increase profits without any regard to the harm they will cause.

On a much bigger scale it appears that corrupt regimes are also seizing on the pandemic as an opportunity to consolidate their power. In China, whilst the world is in the grip of coronavirus, the National People’s Congress has voted to impose a new ‘National Security Law’ on Hong Kong. This contentious legislation, to be drafted over the next few weeks, bans secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, foreign intervention and allows mainland China’s state security agencies to operate in the city. It is seen by many as an ill-veiled power grab that will stamp out free speech, free assembly, religious liberty, and communication with the West. Controversially, the law could be implemented without the assent of Hong Kong’s elected Legislative Council via a rarely-used constitutional back door.

Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous region and former British colony. In 1997, China resumed sovereignty over the city with the agreement that Hong Kong would be allowed to retain its capitalist economy and a large degree of political autonomy (except in matters of foreign policy and defence) for a period of 50 years. The move by China appears to circumvent this agreement, which doesn’t expire until 2047.

“The National Security Law is seen as an ill-veiled power grab that will stamp out free speech, freedom of religion and communication with the West”

Yesterday, the US Government issued a strong broadside against the National Security Law, labelling it “the latest in a series of actions that fundamentally undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms”. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened to change trading rules with Hong Kong if it goes ahead. Today the UK Government also expressed dismay with the proposal and threatened to change visa rules for citizens of Hong Kong to allow them to settle in the UK. It remains to be seen how these responses will play out.

China benefits from Hong Kong’s trade with the West and may back down if it feels that it’s economic prospects could be blunted. However, China is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, forecast to overtake the US before 2030, and it has a monopoly on various markets. Disrupting trade with mainland China and imposing sanctions would be hard for the West, which relies on its goods. Beijing may feel that it has the upper hand. It wants to bring Hong Kong under the hammer and sickle and it smells an opportunity to increase control. As the world grapples with COVID-19 and faces economic turmoil, it’s possible that they will have no other option than to let China win.

“China wants to bring Hong Kong under the hammer and sickle and it smells an opportunity to increase control”

For the last two years, Hong Kong has been gripped by pro-democracy protests. The people of Hong Kong, and especially the younger generation, will be outraged at this new affront to their rights. It’s probable that a new wave of violent protests will take place if the law comes into force. It’s a dangerous time and we must pray that tensions don’t escalate to the levels of previous months when protestors were shot in the streets, unlawfully detained and some were extradited to mainland China.

For Christians living in the region it’s an especially scary time. An email seen by Salann from a Christian living in Hong Kong highlights how the security law could restrict religious liberty and bring the city in line with stringent restrictions in place on the mainland.

“If [the law] goes ahead it means everything would be under the control of the central government. Our education, internet, all religion meetings would be watched. It’s stated that any connection with the West that the government thinks is suspicious would be seen to be breaking the law. We may not go online freely, and church meetings may become illegal in the same way as what’s happening on the mainland.”

“I’m not sure what will go on after next week and not sure if I could contact foreign friends especially church friends without surveillance but HK is facing a risk and danger we’ve never faced. Please pray for us. We’ll stand fast holding to what we think Christians should do. But frankly I’m a bit worried and fear what may come next.”

We must pray for the church in Hong Kong. For its protection, resilience and continued freedom to proclaim the gospel. Let’s also pray that Western leaders will stand up to Beijing.