By Greg Torode and Jessie Pang

HONG KONG (Reuters – Hong Kong’s security head said Wednesday that his government will increase laws against espionage in the context of new national security legislation being drafted.

The city’s Secretary for Security Chris Tang stated to the legislature that Hong Kong’s current laws against spying contained in the British-era Official Secrets Ordinance could not be used as a measure of the crime’s “importance”.

Tang, the former chief police officer of the city, stated that “we will reflect the significance of spies within the legislation.”

In order to fulfill its obligations under Article 23, the Basic Law, which is its mini-constitution after 1997 British colonial rule, the government is currently drafting legislation.

Article 23 stipulates that Hong Kong must pass laws to combat crimes such as treason and secession of secrets or activities by foreign parties.

These laws were last attempted by the city government to be passed in 2003. This prompted street protests of Hong Kong citizens who saw them as a threat and threatening their rights.

Some diplomats, scholars, and activists believe Article 23 legislation will substantially expand the power and reach of the Chinese national security laws that Beijing has imposed upon Hong Kong for 2020.

Tang claimed that there was insufficient provision for information to be given to the enemy under existing ordinance.

He stated that the “definitions” were not sufficient to stop all types of spying activities.

Tang also stated that espionage would be covered in the new legislation. The statute will outline crimes such as sedition, theft, and treason as well as inter-governmental ties.

Officials from the government have stated that the drafting will be complete in the coming months, and the plan will be presented after July’s election of the new city leader.

Critics claim that the nation security law puts freedoms at risk. It has tough bail provisions, expanded police power and extended police authority under strict legal rules. This regime punishes terrorist subversion and collusion with foreign troops with life imprisonment.

Chinese and Hong Kong officials claim the law is vital for stability following the Asian financial hub’s violent protests against democracy. They say they are not politically motivated.