China moved closer Thursday to passing a controversial national security law for Hong Kong that has raised international concerns it will end the financial hub’s limited freedoms. China is to discuss the Hong Kong law which has garnered unforeseen controversy ever since it was announced in China’s parliament.
China’s rubber-stamp parliament endorsed the planned legislation last month as the Communist Party seeks to put an end to a pro-democracy movement that has rocked the semi-autonomous city since last year.
China to discuss Hong Kong law implementation despite worldwide censure
The draft law was submitted on Thursday to the country’s top lawmaking body, the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, which meets until Saturday, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
This story leaves no doubt: the "establishment of a mainland national security agency in Hong Kong was an “unequivocal demand” set out by China’s parliament", this new body will “supervise” and "guide Hong Kong’s enforcement of the law."https://t.co/PnaUEewLQ8
— Shibani Mahtani (@ShibaniMahtani) June 15, 2020
The Group of Seven foreign ministers on Wednesday urged China to reconsider the proposed law, saying they had “grave concerns” it threatenS Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms.
In response, senior Chinese foreign policy official Yang Jiechi said at a high-level meeting with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Hawaii that Beijing’s “determination” to introduce the law was “unwavering”, according to a statement.
Read more: Hong Kong lawmakers vote Chinese security law despite strong condemnation
“China resolutely opposes the words and deeds of the US side interfering in Hong Kong affairs and resolutely opposes the statement made by the G7 foreign ministers on Hong Kong-related issues,” Yang said
Under a “One Country, Two Systems” agreement before Britain handed the territory back to China, Beijing agreed to let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047 — including legislative and judicial independence and freedom of speech.
The business hub has been convulsed by a year of huge and often violent rallies that began with an eventually aborted criminal extradition bill but morphed into a popular call for democracy and police accountability.
Beijing says the new national security law is needed to end the political unrest and restore stability.
China to discuss Hong Kong law: ‘clearly outlines’ outlawed acts
Xinhua said the draft law “clearly outlines” the four acts prohibited by the controversial law — secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities and collusion with foreign and external forces to endanger national security — as well as their criminal penalties.
The wording of the draft appears to have become stronger than the proposal revealed at last month’s parliamentary meetings, criminalising “collusion with foreign and external forces” instead of “foreign and external interference in Hong Kong affairs”.
According to the draft proposal, the law will also allow mainland security organs to openly establish a presence in Hong Kong, but the scope of their enforcement powers is yet to be revealed.
Read more: Hong Kongers seek overseas citizenship amid Chinese restrictions
The city’s sole representative to Beijing’s top lawmaking body, Tam Yiu-chung, said on Wednesday that the law could allow for extraditions to the mainland — exactly the topic which triggered last year’s protests.
Vice Premier Liu He sought on Thursday to reassure the concerns of the business community, saying that the central government will adhere to One Country, Two Systems and “effectively protect the rights and interests of enterprises and investors in Hong Kong.”
Hong Kongers look to flee Chinese chokehold amid new law
Shortly before Hong Kong was handed back to China, Simon Ng applied for a British National (Overseas) passport, a document he never thought he’d need. Now he is considering whether to use it to emigrate. His predicament is not new for the people in that region, as thousands of Hong Kongers rush for British passports with China tightening its grip on the territory in the background.
Why Hong Kong's residents fear the advent of Chinese-style internet curbs https://t.co/pQ0mOA6qEW
— Bloomberg (@business) June 17, 2020
China’s plan to impose a sweeping national security law on the city in response to huge pro-democracy protests has Ng mulling the prospect of leaving, the first time he has contemplated such action since Britain returned the former colony in 1997.
Read more: Hong Kongers rush for British passports as China flexes muscles
A recent survey of more than 800 Hong Kongers by the Chinese University found those aged between 18 and 24 reported the strongest desire to emigrate, with over 50 per cent considering it.
“I don’t think I have that much time left,” a Hong Kong student said. “It’s hard to do anything more in this city as every single objection will be met with an iron fist.”
She said she wants to start a business overseas to help fellow Hong Kongers.
“Someone will have to do the job of providing a safety shelter,” she said.
AFP with additional input by GVS News Desk
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