Taiwanese travellers urged to be 'cautious' after new security law passed in Hong Kong

The Taiwan government on Thursday warned its people to keep their safety in mind while visiting Hong Kong after the Beijing-controlled Legislative Council passed a new national security law two days ago in the special administrative region (SAR), Central News Agency Focus Taiwan reported.

- 

The law, called Basic Law Article 23, covers treason, sedition, and state secrets, and allows trials to be held behind closed doors.

Tsai Ming-yen, the directorgeneral of the National Security Bureau, indicated that the "mainlandization" of Hong Kong's national security and rule of law is a notable trend.

After the passing of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the maximum penalty for offences such as treason and insurrection is life in prison, and 20 years for espionage, Tsai noted.