Hong Kong is happy to note that Canada agrees implementation of Basic Law Article 23 requires legislation, and recognises that many areas in the proposals are consistent with international practice in other jurisdictions including the North American country.

This was the Government's response today to a statement issued by the Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong.

The Government also noted that Canada welcomed changes to provisions on sedition; to the extra-territorial scope of some offences, particularly treason; and the removal of references to the threat of force from the secession and sedition offences.

It reiterated that the National Security Bill was in full accord with the One Country, Two Systems principle and international human rights standards.