A view of Hong Kong's Central business district. Edmond Tang / China Daily

Several groups seeking "Hong Kong independence" have emerged in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the past few months. However, the opinions they express and their activities in pursuit of this aim are unlawful behavior in the guise of freedom of speech and freedom of association.

Although residents in Hong Kong enjoy freedom of speech and freedom of association under the Hong Kong Basic Law, the Basic Law also states such freedoms must be carried out according to the Basic Law, other laws and ordinances, with the Basic Law taking precedence.

The words and behavior of these groups are not in accordance with the law as they not only challenge the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", they violate the Hong Kong Basic Law, as well as the Hong Kong Crimes Ordinance and the Hong Kong Societies Ordinance.

In any country, freedom of speech and forming associations face boundaries, that means, they should not violate the interests of the country, society and the legal freedom and rights of other citizens.

People and organizations promoting "Hong Kong independence" not only defy the Basic Law and the SAR government, they challenge the interests of the country, the SAR and the Chinese people.

Some people suppose that the absence of Article 23 in the Basic Law, which stipulates the SAR enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, means it is impossible to hold accountable those responsible for criminal behaviors that challenge the Basic Law. But that is not the case.