The story takes place against the backdrop of a tightening grip on Hong Kong by China. A man, recently remarried with a young child, celebrates the passing of a new national security law, Article 23. This law allows for harsh punishments for dissent and is seen by many as an erosion of Hong Kong’s freedoms.
We learn details about the man through glimpses of his messy desk and a photo of his new family. Rumors swirl about a violent past that led to his first divorce. Despite this, he has quickly remarried, building a new family unit.
The man, unnamed in the text, is a powerful figure who enthusiastically supports the new law. He argues it’s necessary to maintain order and prevent violence, referencing the pro-democracy protests of 2019. However, critics, including the US and UK, fear the law will be used to silence dissent.
The story intertwines two narratives: the implementation of the national security law and the personal life of this unnamed man. The contrast between his pursuit of power and the image of his happy family raises questions. Is this law truly for stability, or is it a way to consolidate control? The unanswered questions leave the reader to ponder the human cost of such legislation.
Hong Kong’s ‘alarming’ national security law comes into force
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