National Security Office Commandeers Hotel

A police officer stands by the new national security office

A week after the national security law was enacted in Hong Kong, there was a grand opening ceremony for the national security office.

The national security office isn't housed in a new building; instead it has taken over the four-star Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay complete with the Chinese national emblem and a flagpole at the entrance. Apparently this all adheres to the local building codes (in one week, or this was planned way in advance).

Luo, Lam, Tung, Leung and Zheng at ceremony

Water-filled barricades surrounded the hotel which is across the street from Victoria Park, and buses were not allowed to run along Tung Lo Wan Road for security reasons yesterday and today.

Apparently it's a temporary base, but with all the brouhaha over the ceremony this morning as well as the very tight security, one would assume the hotel could be a long-term base.

All the VIPs were there for the 7am ceremony -- without masks -- Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, former chief executives Tung Chee-hwa and Leung Chun-ying, Liaison Office head Luo Huining, and the new agency's head, Zheng Yanxiong.

National emblem installed late last night

Chen Siyuan, assistant public security minister also attended the ceremony but did not give a speech. His presence at this morning's event reflects how highly it prioritizes Hong Kong, as it was seen as the most vulnerable part of China's security.

Li Xiaobing, executive director of the Hong Kong Macau law centre at Nankai University in Tianjin, said: "Beijing is determined to plug a hole in Hong Kong. Setting up the Hong Kong office and installing a high-powered team is an opportunity for the central government to push all the institutions in Beijing and Hong Kong to work together in a coordinated manner."

So now while "Hong Kong is ruled by Western", referring to the liaison office in Sai Ying Pun, its policies are now enforced in Causeway Bay/Tai Hang.

A hotel is an interesting choice for an office, especially one dealing with national security. It's across the street from the Tin Hau MTR station, and colleagues have said it has a fantastic pool overlooking Victoria Park, and that when guests came they would have them stay at this hotel.

Students can't play Glory to Hong Kong in school

Then later during the day it was announced by Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, that students are banned from playing, singing or broadcasting the protest anthem Glory to Hong Kong, nor can they hold any protest activities on school grounds.

Yeung claimed it was "general consensus" of the education sector that students should not be "incited" to show their stance on controversial or political issues.

In addition he said the protest anthem contained "strong political messages", and was closely linked to violence and illegal acts, which is why students should not broadcast, sing or play the song in schools.

If that wasn't enough news to digest, this evening it was announced that all civil servants employed from July 1 would be required in writing to swear allegiance to the city and uphold its constitution, with the rule also applies to those serving officers whose duties are deemed "crucial" or "sensitive".

Civil servants must pledge allegiance now

The requirement will affect all serving civil servants recommended for promotion to a higher rank, or to transfer to another grade.

Opposition lawmakers had expressed fears this would happen, causing "white terror" among civil servants, including lawmaker and Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai.

"Civil servants have to work under the Civil Service Ordinance, which already states they have to support the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the government," he said. "The new requirement shows the government's mistrust in its employees... and its wishes to further control their freedom of speech."

Three new major news announcements today. Wonder what will happen tomorrow...