China's intelligence agencies may set up bases in Hong Kong, part of a proposal to impose new national security laws from the mainland. There are new fears of harsh enforcement by Chinese authorities, and concern of new protests while the coronavirus pandemic still threatens.
The plan was announced on Friday, one day after Beijing put forth national security legislation in the national congress. From Reuters:
Hong Kong activists called on Friday for people to rise up against the proposal, aimed at tackling secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign interference, that has sent jitters across the business and diplomatic communities.
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In his annual report to the Chinese parliament, Premier Li Keqiang said China will establish a “sound” legal system and enforcement mechanisms to ensure national security in Hong Kong and Macau, its other semi-autonomous city.The proposed legislation for Hong Kong requires the territory to quickly finish enacting national security regulations under its mini-constitution, the Basic law, according to a draft seen by Reuters.
The document said the laws will safeguard the central government’s “overall jurisdiction” as well as Hong Kong’s “high autonomy”.
“When needed, relevant national security organs of the Central People’s Government will set up agencies,” in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, the draft said.
Read more:
Beijing may base security agencies in Hong Kong as part of new laws
"One de-facto reality that has been recurring in Hong Kong for some time now is that all important decisions related to Hong Kong are made by Beijing. [The move to enact the proposed national security legislation] should be viewed no less than a death sentence for Hong Kong."
— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) May 22, 2020
Latest for @dwnews - After #Beijing revealed details of the proposed national security legislation for #HongKong, I talked to @AlvinYeungnk, @ayhcheung and Dr. Ma Ngok about the potential impact of the controversial law on #HongKong and the city's future.https://t.co/zPZcoioUEM
— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) May 22, 2020
""Regardless of how you name the legislation, the foundation of freedom, which sets Hong Kong apart from China, will be challenged, damaged and eventually be gone," said @AlvinYeungnk.
— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) May 22, 2020
[IMAGE: Hong Kong, a photo from the Chinese government: gov.cn]
