China passes security law in turning point for Hong Kong
China’s parliament has today passed the national security law for Hong Kong after violent pro-democracy protests and clashes with security forces.
The law aims to tackle subversion, terrorism, separatism and collusion with foreign forces. Democracy activists across the world fear the law will be used to eliminate dissent and tighten Beijing’s control.
The United States on Monday began eliminating Hong Kong’s special status under US law, halting defence exports and restricting technology access.
United States secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, “The Chinese Communist Party’s decision to eviscerate Hong Kong’s freedoms has forced the Trump administration to re-evaluate its policies toward the territory. ”
He added that, “We can no longer distinguish between the export of controlled items to Hong Kong or to mainland China”.
Taiwan said the law would “severely impact” freedom, democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, adding that the island would continue to offer help to Hong Kong people. President Tsai Ing-wen said she was “very disappointed” by China’s imposition of the law.
Japan’s top government spokesman said that China’s move was “regrettable” and undermined credibility in the ‘one country, two systems’ formula of governance.
