Hong Kong is to grant a site on the western Kowloon peninsula, close to the high-speed railway to the mainland, to Beijing’s national security office for its permanent base in the city, the government said on Friday, Reuters reports.
The office, which operates beyond the scrutiny of local courts or other institutions, will oversee the Hong Kong government’s enforcement of sweeping national security legislation that Beijing imposed in June.
China opened the office last July, temporarily turning the Metropark Hotel on Hong Kong island that has been one of the most popular venues for pro-democracy protests into its new headquarters.
The national security law has allowed officers from China’s security forces to take enforcement action in the city for the first time.
The Hong Kong government said the site, measuring about 11,500 square meters, is zoned for government use and the national security office would bear all construction costs.
China opened the office last July, temporarily turning the Metropark Hotel on Hong Kong island that has been one of the most popular venues for pro-democracy protests into its new headquarters.
The national security law has allowed officers from China’s security forces to take enforcement action in the city for the first time.
The Hong Kong government said the site, measuring about 11,500 square meters, is zoned for government use and the national security office would bear all construction costs.