China Keeps Shooting Itself in the Foot in Hong Kong

The move is just the latest indication of how willing China is to jeopardize its own economic interests to crack down on Hong Kong. What is shocking about the legislation, along with other measures Beijing has taken to bring Hong Kong to its knees, isn't that it has stripped the city's residents of their rights or that it failed to comply with the Sino-British Joint Declaration, in which China promised to let Hong Kong maintain its own system through 2047. China long has relied on Hong Kong as a gateway to engage with the world. Hong Kong, with one foot in China and one in the global financial system, has served as a conduit of foreign investment into China as well as Chinese investment abroad. This has facilitated China's efforts to enjoy the benefits of the global system while maintaining strong control over its own economy. Hong Kong is so important to China's financial system and global ambitions that most in the international business community didn't think Beijing would ever risk jeopardizing its unique role. If the National Security Law was unnecessary and irrational, the actions by Beijing and Hong Kong following its passage have been downright superfluous. Although national security legislation was required under Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, its vague and draconian contents-and hasty passage through the Legislative Council-expose just how paranoid Beijing and its subordinates in the Hong Kong government are about any perceived opposition to their hold on power.