Hong Kong: Exporting International Law with Chinese Characteristics.

This article explores how the People's Republic of China (PRC) is influencing international law, particularly through its actions in Hong Kong. It discusses the PRC's efforts to export its own interpretation of international law, which includes a different understanding of human rights. This influence weakens the international legal system and poses a risk to universal human rights standards. The article examines the PRC's changing language and values regarding international human rights obligations, highlighting a shift towards promoting international law with "Chinese characteristics." It also discusses the Chinese government's manipulation of human rights and international law in Hong Kong, particularly through the passing of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020. The NSL violates Hong Kong's international legal obligations and has been used to suppress political activists and civil society organizations. Despite some international condemnation, there has been a lack of concrete action, allowing the PRC to continue violating international law without consequences. The article also discusses the introduction of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) in Hong Kong, which has been criticized for its broad and vague definition of "national security" and its potential for misuse to violate human rights. The SNSO undermines the rule of law and international legal obligations. The international community has condemned the legislation, but the Hong Kong government and China have shown little regard for these concerns. The article calls for a stronger international response and support for the rules-based international order. [Extracted from the article]