Hong Kong (Reuters) —
Hong Kong began enforcing a new national security law on Saturday (23/3), despite growing international criticism. The international community says the law could erode freedoms in the city, which is ruled by China but has autonomy stemming from its history as a British colony.
The law came into effect at midnight when it was published on the government website, days after Hong Kong's pro-Beijing lawmakers passed it unanimously. The law's passage was expedited to close what authorities call a national security gap.”
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee signed the new national security law on Friday (22/3) evening. In passing the law, Lee said it “accomplished a historic mission, fulfilling the trust placed in us by (China's) Central Authorities.”
On Friday, Australia and Britain criticized China for its actions in Hong Kong following a meeting in Adelaide. In a joint statement, the two countries expressed “deep concern about the continued systemic erosion of autonomy, freedoms and rights.”
Australia and Taiwan updated their travel warnings for Hong Kong, urging their citizens to exercise caution.
“You can break the law unintentionally and be detained without charge and denied access to a lawyer,” the Australian Government said.
However, in a statement, Hong Kong authorities “strongly condemned such political maneuvers with inappropriate statements, distorting facts, fomenting unrest, and spreading panic.”
Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with guarantees that a high degree of autonomy and freedoms, including freedom of speech and assembly, would be protected under a “one country, two systems” formula.
The United Nations and the European Union have criticized the swift approval of the law, which was first proposed as a draft law in early March.
“It is deeply concerning that such important legislation should be submitted to the legislature through an expedited process, despite serious concerns regarding the incompatibility of many of its provisions with international human rights law,” said the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights. previously.
United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the law would have “broad implications” for US citizens and companies in Hong Kong.
“We share other countries' concerns that the Hong Kong government may seek to apply the new law extraterritorially in their ongoing transnational campaign of repression, and condemn efforts to intimidate, harass and limit the freedom of expression of citizens and residents US,” Blinken said in a statement.
The new law covers treason, espionage and external interference and is being closely watched by diplomats and businesspeople who fear it will further weaken Hong Kong's appeal as an international financial center.
China and the Hong Kong government have defended the security crackdown as essential to restoring order after months of sometimes violent anti-government street protests in 2019.
In recent years, many pro-democracy politicians and activists have been jailed or exiled, and liberal media and civil society groups have been shut down.
Hong Kong residents abroad plan protests in Britain, Taiwan, Canada and Japan on Saturday (23/3). (ft)