Hong Kong's Legislative Council has begun debating a domestic national security bill, submitted by the local government on Friday. It calls for tougher penalties for threats to security.

The proposed legislation aims to complement the Hong Kong National Security Law that took effect in 2020.

It would prohibit acts that endanger national security, including theft of state secrets, espionage, insurrection and external interference. Violations could bring sentences of up to life imprisonment.

Security Secretary Chris Tang said Hong Kong has various security risks. He added the legislation is needed to plug "loopholes" and should be enacted as soon as possible.

Critics have expressed concern over the bill's wide and vague definition of "state secrets," as well as its potential impact on businesses and freedom of the press.

When the Hong Kong government tried to pass similar legislation in 2003, it met strong opposition from citizens and was forced to withdraw it. But protests have been strongly suppressed since the Hong Kong National Security Law took effect.

It is believed the legislation will be swiftly enacted, as almost all members of the Legislative Council take a pro-Beijing stance and support the bill.