Hong Kong has swiftly passed national security laws at the request of Beijing, granting authorities more power to crack down on opposition and establish penalties, including life imprisonment, for vaguely defined political crimes. The legislation, set to take effect on March 23, has raised concerns about its impact on various groups, including entrepreneurs, civil servants, and journalists, and has sparked fears about Hong Kong's status as an international city. The passage of the laws has been seen as a move to show the government's resolve and ability to enforce it, with critics arguing that it marks a shift towards authoritarianism and erodes the civil liberties promised to the city. The vague wording of the legislation has also raised questions about its potential impact on freedom of speech and business operations in Hong Kong.