The law was adopted almost unanimously. It envisages a strengthening of the power of the central government on sensitive issues such as information and internet. Analysts report a possible tightening of the control of the Communist Party. The new rule officially does not apply directly to Hong Kong and Macau.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - Defending national sovereignty and the interests of China but while maintaining social and political stability. These are the official reasons that led this morning the Chinese National People's Congress to approve a new law on national security that covers a broad spectrum of topics.

Most importantly these include defense, finance, science and technology, culture and religion. The official state media reported that the law aims  to "protect the fundamental interests of the Chinese people" while independent analysts complain about the vague definition of the fields to which they apply and that they fear will strengthen government control. The question remains of its application also in Hong Kong and Macau.

The vast majority of the Congress today voted in favor of the new law. Out of 155 members in fact, 154 voted yes and one abstained. Shuna Zheng, deputy director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Assembly, told the state news agency Xinhua reported that the "law was necessary to deal with the security challenges of the growing nation. We are subjected to a double threat: from the outside, the country has to defend its sovereignty and develop its own interests; inside, it must maintain political security and social stability. " "Each government must stand firm and not give way to compromise or interference and must protect its primary interests. And China is no exception" said the woman.

In addition to the security of the country, another key element is the control of cyberspace. The law will authorize  China to make the Internet, information technology and information systems in key areas "safe and controllable." This task has been entrusted to the Chinese Communist Party, whose leadership was instrumental in the legislation. The Party must establish "a system of leadership for centralized, efficient and authoritarian national security".

If there is no doubt about the central role of government in the country, analysts raise doubts on the application of the new norm in the Special Territories of Hong Kong and Macau. Zheng said that the law will not be applied automatically in the two special administrative regions, but then added that the two territories are obliged - according to the Basic Law- to approve its own legislation to ensure national security.

"The national security law has made provisions, in principle, for Hong Kong and Macau to fulfil their responsibilities to safeguard national security. The Basic Law Article 23 of the two Special Administrative Regions has also made provisions for them to enact laws of their own accord to safeguard national security", she said. Article 23 requires Hong Kong to pass local laws of treason, sedition, secession and state secrets. It also bans any activities of foreign political organizations and does not allow local groups to establish contacts with foreign political movements.

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