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2020 Hong Kong national security law Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Hong Kong National Security Law: Genesis, Provisions, and Repercussions

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The Hong Kong National Security Law: Genesis, Provisions, and Repercussions Study Guide

Criminal Offenses and Scope

The 2020 Hong Kong national security law criminalizes only one principal offense: secession.

Answer: False

Explanation: The law establishes four categories of offenses: secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, not solely secession.

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The 2020 National Security Law broadened the definition of secession compared to the 2003 proposal by removing the requirement for 'force or serious criminal means'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2020 law expanded the definition of secession to encompass acts committed 'whether or not by force or threat of force,' unlike the more restrictive 2003 proposal.

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The 2020 national security law primarily applies only to Hong Kong permanent residents.

Answer: False

Explanation: The law applies to all individuals within Hong Kong, regardless of nationality or residency, and can also cover offenses committed outside Hong Kong by non-permanent residents.

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Article 38 of the national security law asserts jurisdiction only over permanent residents of Hong Kong.

Answer: False

Explanation: Article 38 asserts extraterritorial jurisdiction, applying to individuals outside Hong Kong, including non-permanent residents, who commit offenses defined by the law.

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The maximum prison sentence for secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion under the national security law is ten years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The maximum prison sentence for these offenses is life imprisonment, not ten years.

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The national security law stipulates a minimum sentence of three years for 'other participants' in offenses.

Answer: False

Explanation: A minimum sentence of three years applies to 'active participants,' while 'other participants' face detention or restriction under three years.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the four main categories of crimes established by the 2020 Hong Kong national security law?

Answer: Espionage

Explanation: The four primary offenses criminalized by the law are secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Espionage is not listed as one of these four main categories.

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How did the definition of 'secession' change from the 2003 National Security Bill to the 2020 National Security Law?

Answer: It was broadened to include acts 'whether or not by force or threat of force'.

Explanation: The 2020 National Security Law expanded the definition of secession to include acts committed 'whether or not by force or threat of force,' a departure from the more restrictive criteria in the 2003 proposal.

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Article 38 of the national security law is significant because it:

Answer: Asserts extraterritorial jurisdiction over certain offenses.

Explanation: Article 38 is notable for asserting the law's jurisdiction over individuals outside of Hong Kong, including non-permanent residents, for offenses committed abroad.

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What is the maximum prison sentence for individuals convicted of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion under the national security law?

Answer: Life imprisonment

Explanation: The maximum penalty for the four principal offenses under the national security law—secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces—is life imprisonment.

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Jurisdiction and Enforcement Mechanisms

The 2020 national security law grants authorities the power to conduct searches of individuals suspected of violations without requiring a prior court warrant.

Answer: True

Explanation: Unlike earlier proposals, the 2020 law explicitly empowers police to conduct searches without a warrant.

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An office established by the national security law operates entirely within Hong Kong's existing legal and judicial framework to enforce the law.

Answer: False

Explanation: The law established an office for safeguarding national security that operates outside of Hong Kong's established jurisdiction and legal system.

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Under the 2020 law, jurisdiction for certain national security cases is exclusively retained by Hong Kong courts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The law allows the central government's Office for Safeguarding National Security and the Supreme People's Court to exercise jurisdiction in specific circumstances, deviating from exclusive local court jurisdiction.

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The Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for activists residing outside Hong Kong in July 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: In July 2020, Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for six activists who were residing outside of Hong Kong.

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The Hong Kong police launched a tip-off line for national security information, which was criticized for potentially encouraging citizens to report on each other.

Answer: True

Explanation: The establishment of a national security tip-off line by the police drew criticism, with concerns raised that it might foster an environment of citizen surveillance and reporting.

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Court rulings in October 2021 allowed the national security law to be applied retroactively to reopen the sedition statute.

Answer: True

Explanation: Despite government assurances against retroactivity, court decisions in October 2021 permitted the retroactive application of the law to revive the sedition statute within the Crimes Ordinance.

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The Implementation Rules for Article 43 allow police to conduct warrantless searches and freeze assets.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Implementation Rules for Article 43 grant the Hong Kong Police Force powers including warrantless searches and asset freezes.

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The National Security Department is an independent body established outside the Hong Kong Police Force.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Security Department is a specialized unit established within the Hong Kong Police Force to enforce the national security law.

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The Hong Kong Security Bureau stated in July 2023 that the extraterritorial application of the law is unique and not common internationally.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Security Bureau stated that the extraterritorial application aligns with international legal principles and common practice in national security legislation.

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By June 2025, over 920,000 reports had been made to the national security hotline.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to official figures by June 2025, the national security hotline had received more than 920,000 reports.

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What is unique about the office established for enforcing the national security law?

Answer: It is established outside of Hong Kong's jurisdiction.

Explanation: The office responsible for enforcing the national security law is established outside of Hong Kong's jurisdiction, distinguishing it from entities operating strictly within the territory's legal framework.

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Which of the following best describes the jurisdictional scope of the 2020 National Security Law compared to the 2003 proposal?

Answer: The 2020 law allows the central government to exercise jurisdiction in certain cases, unlike the 2003 proposal.

Explanation: While the 2003 proposal envisioned jurisdiction remaining with Hong Kong courts, the 2020 law permits the central government to assert jurisdiction in specific, defined circumstances.

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What action did the Hong Kong police take on July 31, 2020, concerning activists living abroad?

Answer: They issued arrest warrants for six activists residing outside Hong Kong.

Explanation: On July 31, 2020, Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for six activists who were residing outside of Hong Kong.

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The Hong Kong police established a tip-off line for national security information. What was a major criticism of this initiative?

Answer: It could encourage citizens to 'snitch' on each other.

Explanation: A significant criticism of the police's national security tip-off line was the concern that it might foster an environment where citizens would report on one another.

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Court rulings in October 2021 permitted the retroactive application of the national security law to reopen which statute?

Answer: The anti-sedition statute within the Crimes Ordinance.

Explanation: Court rulings in October 2021 allowed for the retroactive application of the national security law to reopen the sedition statute contained within the Crimes Ordinance.

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What power did the Implementation Rules for Article 43 grant the Hong Kong Police Force?

Answer: The power to conduct warrantless searches and intercept communications.

Explanation: The Implementation Rules for Article 43 empowered the Hong Kong Police Force to conduct searches without warrants, freeze assets, and intercept communications.

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Historical Context and Catalysts

The anti-extradition bill protests of 2019-2020 are identified as the primary impetus for the creation of the 2020 Hong Kong national security law.

Answer: True

Explanation: The widespread protests against the proposed extradition bill in 2019-2020 are cited as the direct cause for the formulation and enactment of the national security law.

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The 2003 attempt to enact national security legislation in Hong Kong failed due to widespread public support for the bill.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2003 legislative attempt was abandoned due to massive public opposition, including large-scale demonstrations, not support.

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What major event in 2019-2020 directly led to the formulation of the 2020 Hong Kong national security law?

Answer: The anti-extradition bill protests

Explanation: The widespread anti-extradition bill protests that occurred throughout 2019 and into 2020 are identified as the direct catalyst for the national security law's creation.

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International and Diplomatic Responses

Daniel R. Russel suggested that China was unaware of the potential negative local and international reactions to the national security law.

Answer: False

Explanation: Daniel R. Russel indicated that China was fully cognizant of potential negative reactions but demonstrated a resolve to proceed despite them.

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Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen announced plans to impose sanctions on Hong Kong in response to the national security law.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Tsai Ing-wen expressed disappointment and announced the establishment of an office to coordinate humanitarian assistance for Hong Kong residents, not sanctions.

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The UK stated that China's implementation of the national security law violated the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United Kingdom asserted that the enactment of the national security law constituted a breach of the terms outlined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

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The British Cabinet offered a route to British citizenship only for Hong Kong residents holding standard passports.

Answer: False

Explanation: The route to British citizenship was specifically offered to Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) passports.

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Australia suspended its extradition agreement with Hong Kong and later had its own agreement with China suspended in retaliation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Australia suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, prompting China to suspend its own extradition agreement with Australia.

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US President Donald Trump declared that the 'One country, two systems' principle remained fully effective for Hong Kong after the law's enactment.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Trump declared the 'One country, two systems' principle no longer applicable to Hong Kong and subsequently terminated its special trade status with the United States.

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A US Department of State report identified Carrie Lam as one of ten individuals contributing to the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The US Department of State report named Carrie Lam among ten individuals deemed to have materially contributed to the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy.

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The UN Human Rights Committee found the national security law compatible with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Answer: False

Explanation: The UN Human Rights Committee concluded that the national security law was incompatible with the ICCPR and recommended its repeal.

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The European Parliament demanded the release of Jimmy Lai in a resolution concerning Hong Kong's free speech rights.

Answer: True

Explanation: The European Parliament passed a resolution calling for the release of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, citing concerns over Hong Kong's diminishing free speech rights.

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The 'lam chau' doctrine refers to Beijing's strategy of using international sanctions to pressure Hong Kong.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'lam chau' was used by opponents of the law to describe their hope that international pressure, such as sanctions, would negatively impact China's economy.

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How did Daniel R. Russel characterize China's awareness regarding the potential fallout from enacting the national security law?

Answer: China was fully aware of potential reactions but showed resolve.

Explanation: Daniel R. Russel observed that China was fully aware of the potential local and international repercussions but demonstrated a strong resolve to proceed regardless.

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What was the UK's primary assertion regarding China's actions concerning the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the national security law?

Answer: The law violated the terms of the Joint Declaration.

Explanation: The United Kingdom contended that China's implementation of the national security law contravened the provisions of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

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Which group of Hong Kong residents was eligible for the route to British citizenship announced by the British Cabinet?

Answer: Only Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) passports.

Explanation: The British Cabinet's offer of a pathway to citizenship was specifically for Hong Kong residents possessing British National (Overseas) passports.

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In retaliation for Australia's actions regarding Hong Kong, what did China do?

Answer: Suspended its own extradition agreement with Australia.

Explanation: In response to Australia's suspension of its extradition agreement with Hong Kong, China retaliated by suspending its own extradition agreement with Australia.

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What significant action did US President Donald Trump take regarding Hong Kong's trade status after the national security law was enacted?

Answer: He terminated Hong Kong's special trade status with the United States.

Explanation: Following the enactment of the national security law, President Trump declared the 'One country, two systems' principle defunct for Hong Kong and terminated its special trade status with the U.S.

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Which of the following individuals was named in the US Department of State report for contributing to the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy?

Answer: Carrie Lam

Explanation: Carrie Lam was identified in a US Department of State report as one of ten individuals who had materially contributed to the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy.

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What did the UN Human Rights Committee conclude about the Hong Kong national security law in July 2022?

Answer: It was incompatible with the ICCPR and should be repealed.

Explanation: In July 2022, the UN Human Rights Committee declared the national security law incompatible with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and advocated for its repeal.

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Societal and Economic Impacts

Following the law's passage, prominent activist Joshua Wong disbanded his group Demosistō.

Answer: False

Explanation: Joshua Wong, along with other leaders, announced their departure from Demosistō, leading to the group's subsequent disbandment.

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Adrian Brown observed a 'chilling effect' in Hong Kong, evidenced by people's reluctance to comment on the new law.

Answer: True

Explanation: Al Jazeera's Adrian Brown reported on a noticeable 'chilling effect,' characterized by individuals' hesitation to discuss the national security law.

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Businesses involved in the 'yellow economy' removed pro-democracy posters and Lennon Walls after the national security law was implemented.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the law's implementation, many businesses associated with the 'yellow economy' took down pro-democracy materials and dismantled Lennon Walls.

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Web searches related to emigration from Hong Kong decreased significantly after the NPCSC decision on the national security law.

Answer: False

Explanation: Web searches concerning emigration from Hong Kong saw a tenfold increase following the NPCSC's decision on the national security law in May 2020.

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HSBC and Standard Chartered banks publicly opposed the national security law, citing concerns over stability.

Answer: False

Explanation: Both HSBC and Standard Chartered banks publicly supported the national security law, emphasizing its role in maintaining stability.

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Oxford University prohibited faculty from discussing the national security law with students to avoid potential repercussions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oxford University implemented measures such as prohibiting the recording of classes and replacing large tutorials with one-on-one meetings to safeguard its community, rather than prohibiting discussion.

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Article 38's extraterritorial reach caused Hong Kong students abroad to feel safe returning home.

Answer: False

Explanation: The extraterritorial application of Article 38 led some Hong Kong students studying abroad to fear returning home due to potential repercussions for online activities.

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A Hong Kong student returning from Japan in April 2023 was detained and had her passport confiscated due to critical online comments about the government.

Answer: True

Explanation: A Hong Kong student studying in Japan was detained upon returning to Hong Kong, had her passport confiscated, and faced scrutiny for critical online statements about the government.

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The Hong Kong police ordered the website of the NGO Hong Kong Watch to be taken down in March 2022.

Answer: True

Explanation: In March 2022, Hong Kong police directed the UK-based NGO Hong Kong Watch to remove its website.

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In June 2025, the Hong Kong government warned that celebrating foreign national holidays might violate the National Security Law.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hong Kong government issued a warning in June 2025 that celebrating foreign Independence Days could potentially contravene the National Security Law.

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The Hong Kong government declared the slogan 'Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times' to be patriotic and permissible under the new law on July 2, 2020.

Answer: False

Explanation: On July 2, 2020, the Hong Kong government declared the slogan 'Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times' to be subversive and in violation of the national security law.

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What did Brian Fong predict as a potential consequence of China's policy change with the national security law?

Answer: Loss of access to foreign capital and technology through Hong Kong

Explanation: Political analyst Brian Fong described the policy shift as potentially leading to Beijing losing access to foreign capital and technology via Hong Kong.

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Which prominent activist group disbanded shortly after the national security law was passed?

Answer: Demosistō

Explanation: Following the passage of the national security law, the activist group Demosistō announced its disbandment.

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What action did many Hong Kong residents take regarding their social media presence after the national security law was implemented?

Answer: They deleted pro-democracy social media posts and accounts.

Explanation: Many Hong Kong residents deleted past pro-democracy social media content and accounts, and requested journalists to destroy records of previous conversations.

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What trend was observed in emigration interest from Hong Kong following the NPCSC decision on the national security law in May 2020?

Answer: A ten-fold increase in web searches related to emigration.

Explanation: Following the NPCSC's decision on the national security law, web searches related to emigration from Hong Kong increased by a factor of ten.

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According to Reuters polls, what was the general trend in Hong Kongers' opinions on the national security law after its implementation?

Answer: Opposition increased, with support hovering around 31%.

Explanation: Reuters polls indicated an increase in opposition to the law post-implementation, with support levels stabilizing around 31%.

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What was the public stance of HSBC and Standard Chartered banks on the national security law?

Answer: They publicly backed the law, citing stability.

Explanation: Both HSBC and Standard Chartered banks publicly declared their support for the national security law, citing its importance for maintaining economic and social stability in Hong Kong.

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What measures did Oxford University take to protect its community from potential repercussions under the national security law?

Answer: Prohibiting the recording of classes and replacing large tutorials with one-on-one meetings.

Explanation: Oxford University implemented protective measures, including prohibiting class recordings and shifting from large tutorials to one-on-one meetings, to mitigate potential risks associated with the national security law.

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The Hong Kong government declared the slogan 'Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times' to be what on July 2, 2020?

Answer: Subversive and in violation of the national security law.

Explanation: On July 2, 2020, the Hong Kong government officially designated the slogan 'Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times' as subversive and contrary to the national security law.

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