On 30 June 2020, police officials in Hong Kong announced that approximately 3,000-4,000 police officers will deploy across the city to prevent any potential unrest during demonstrations against the adoption of a controversial national security legislation for Hong Kong. Leaders of the Civil Human Rights Front have called on their supporters to gather at Eastpoint Road in Causeway at 1400 local time (0600 UTC) on 1 July and subsequently march to Central; additional impromptu protests are also probable. Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the security law, which gives mainland authorities extensive purview to enforce as yet unclearly defined security regulations, including the criminalization of activities such as secession, subversion, terrorism and colluding with outside forces. In addition, it enables Chinese security personnel to operate in the territory and its provisions supersede Hong Kong’s existing laws. Following reports of the legislation’s ratification, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that the legislation would take immediate effect.
Travelers in Hong Kong should keep abreast of local developments and prepare for disruptions in the city due to the high likelihood of city-wide protests which often involve clashes between protesters and police officers.
