The bill passed the third reading unanimously, with all 89 votes in favor. The updated legislation will take effect on March 23 once it is signed by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, the South China Morning Post reported, citing the politician.
The city's own bill will fill the gaps in Hong Kong's existing national security legislation, which was approved by Beijing in 2020, as the latter prescribed criminal penalties for only four types of activities: secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign countries or organizations, local authorities said.
The bill, published in the Hong Kong government gazette, envisages a lifetime sentence as the toughest penalty for crimes such as treason, fomenting a coup, inciting the Chinese military to revolt, and activities undermining national security.
Espionage is punishable by 20 years in prison, three to 10 years for stealing state secrets, and up to 14 years for participating in the activities of banned organizations, publicly demonstrating intent to commit treason, and covering up treason committed by third parties.
Participation in foreign intelligence organizations and receiving profits from them can also be punished by up to 14 years in prison, the document read.
The city attempted to introduce these laws in 2003, but failed due to widespread protests.
In the summer of 2019, large-scale riots broke out in Hong Kong over the controversial extradition bill and lasted for over six months. In response, the Chinese authorities passed the Hong Kong national security law to prevent further unrest. The ban went into effect on June 30, 2020.