US warns of ‘new and heightened risks’ in Hong Kong due to national security laws

US companies, academic institutions, researchers and members of the media should be wary of “new and heightened risks associated with actions undertaken by” Hong Kong following the adoption of its Safeguarding National Security ordinance in March, several US government agencies warned on Friday.

The updated Hong Kong Business Advisory, first issued by the US in 2021, noted that the ordinance – essentially Hong Kong’s local version of the national security law Beijing imposed on the city in 2020 – could affect businesses and individuals operating in the city.

Published jointly by the US Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, Agriculture and Homeland Security, the advisory said that the ordinance contains vague provisions criminalising activities related to “state secrets” and “espionage”.

The ordinance also provides for extraterritorial application of the law, which could “affect or impair routine business activities in or travel to Hong Kong”.

The State Department has also maintained its travel advisory for Hong Kong, recommending “increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws”.