Chinese security laws about to be enacted with Hong Kong could set a life sentence on charges of national security, according to sources.

The Standing Committee of the National Assembly of China (NPCSC) today began a three-day meeting to finalize the Hong Kong security bill, Xinhua reported.

Individuals convicted of national security under this act may be sentenced to life in prison, sources told SCMP today.

The two sources said the law was revised to suit Hong Kong's situation, to prevent and punish separatist, overthrowing, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers that threaten national security.

When asked if life sentences would apply to all four offenses, a source attending the NPCSC meeting today said, "It will not only correct separatist offenses and overthrow.

The act of ordering a life sentence is in contrast to the information released by Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's only delegate at the NPCSC, last week that the security law only stipulates a prison term of 5-10 years.

However, as of June 27, Tam said he would inform NPCSC delegates of retrospective regulatory calls, as well as higher penalties in the law to increase deterrence.

Professor Wong Yuk-shan, one of the five members of the Basic Law Committee attending the meeting in Beijing, said the NPCSC will consult with these members after passing the law and will add it to the Appendix.

The Hong Kong Security Act has faced fierce response from special people as well as many countries around the world, saying that it will end Hong Kong's "one-country, two-regime" policy.

The US vowed to remove trade incentives for Hong Kong, the US Senate has also passed a bill to impose sanctions on individuals and organizations that enforce the law.