Chinese army issues chilling warning to Hong Kong protesters as it says it's ready to 'smash' any demonstrations against new national security law
- Chen Daoxiang, China's army chief in Hong Kong, said his soldiers were ready
- Beijing is reviewing the bill that could ban anti-government rallies in Hong Kong
- Fears have grown that China could take full control of the semi-autonomous city
- Britain is under growing pressure to stand up to Beijing over the proposed law
- Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader said the new law would not threaten freedoms
China's troops have said that they are ready to 'smash' any anti-government activities in Hong Kong after a new national security law bill proposed by Beijing re-ignited pro-democracy rallies in the financial hub.
Chen Daoxiang, Beijing's army chief in Hong Kong, said he and his soldiers were ready as he showed his 'resolute support' for the proposed legislation, which could ban pro-democracy protests in the semi-autonomous city.
The Chinese parliament is expected to pass the bill at a major political conference this week amid mounting global fears that Beijing could take full control of the city.
Chen Daoxiang, Beijing's army chief in Hong Kong, said he and his soldiers were ready to quash pro-democracy rallies. Pictured, members of the People's Liberation Army perform drills during a demonstration at the Shek Kong Barracks on June 30, 2018, in Hong Kong
The national security law bill proposed by Beijing has re-ignited anti-government rallies in the financial hub. Pictured, pro-democracy supporters take part in a rally on May 24 in Hong Kong
The Chinese parliament is expected to pass the bill at a major political conference this week amid mounting global fears that Beijing could take full control of the city. Pictured, a Hong Kong riot police officer tackles a protester during an anti-government rally on May 24
Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Premier Li Keqiang (right) are pictured arriving for the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference last Friday. Premier Li criticised the so-called 'outside forces', warning them not to interfere in Hong Kong affairs
Britain, the former ruler of Hong Kong for more than 150 years, is under growing pressure to stand up to Beijing over the latest threat to Hong Kong's liberty.
Critics said the new law would lead to the widespread use of secret police, arbitrary detentions, surveillance and even control over the internet on the island territory.
Hong Kong's Beijing-backed leader said today that the new law would not be a threat to freedoms.
But representatives from the People's Liberation Army said at a meeting in Beijing yesterday that the potential law could 'safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity'.
They said they were 'confident and capable of smashing any activities that would damage the national unity or separate the country'.
Chen Daoxiang (pictured), the commander of the People's Liberation Army's Hong Kong garrison, told Chinese state broadcaster CCTV that the law 'is beneficial to the formal severance of the separatist forces and external intervening forces' in the Chinese-ruled city
Protesters have returned to Hong Kong's streets to oppose the legislation, with thousands turning out on Sunday as police fired tear gas and deployed a water cannon to disperse the crowds. Riot police are pictured pointing crowd control weapons at protesters
On Tuesday, over 100 protesters gathered at a luxury shopping mall in Hong Kong's Central business district, condemning Lam and her administration. Pictured, protesters gesture the five demands sign during demonstrations against the draft bill on May 24 in Hong Kong
The protests are a continuation of a months-long pro-democracy movement that began last year and has at times descended into violence between police and demonstrators. Pictured, pro-democracy politician Tam Tak-chi is arrested by Hong Kong police during demonstrations
Chen Daoxiang, the commander of the People's Liberation Army's Hong Kong garrison, said he and all of his soldiers 'resolutely support' the establishment of the national security law.
He told Chinese state broadcaster CCTV that the law 'is beneficial to the formal severance of the separatist forces and external intervening forces'.
The PLA has maintained a garrison in Hong Kong since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997, but its troops generally keep a low profile and are rarely seen in uniform in public.
However, since the pro-democracy demonstrations erupted last June, the PLA has issued several warnings to anti-government activists, including conducting a full-scale military drill in Hong Kong and amassing soldiers and tanks to border city Shenzhen.
The PLA has maintained a garrison in Hong Kong since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997, but its troops generally keep a low profile and are rarely seen in uniform in public. Pictured, PLA soldiers perform change of guards in Hong Kong's Central on April 30
Since the pro-democracy demonstrations erupted last June, the PLA has issued warnings to anti-government activists, including conducting a full-scale military drill in Hong Kong. Pictured, a soldier stands guard at the PLA headquarters in Hong Kong's central on May 22
PLA representatives yesterday said that the potential law could 'safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity'. Pictured, a billboard which reads 'Implement the great policy of "One Country, Two Systems", maintain Hong Kong's long term prosperity and stability' is displayed at the People's Liberation Army (PLA) central barracks in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's leader said on Tuesday that the proposed national security legislation would not threaten the semi-autonomous territory's civil rights, despite widespread criticism of the move as an encroachment on the freedom of speech and assembly.
The city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, told reporters that there was 'no need for us to worry' over the move being considered by China's ceremonial National People's Congress, which began last Friday and is scheduled to end on May 28.
'Hong Kong has proven that we uphold and preserve those values,' Lam said. 'Hong Kong needs this piece of legislation for the bigger benefit of the great majority of Hong Kong people.'
The move by China to pass the legislation signals the central government's determination to take greater control of Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests last year.
Hong Kong's chief executive, Carrie Lam, said there was 'no need for us to worry' over the move being considered by China's ceremonial National People's Congress, which began last Friday and is scheduled to end on May 28. Lam is pictured at a press conference on Tuesday
Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam (central) is pictured standing next to Beijing's army chief Chen Daoxiang (second to the right) at a spring reception in Hong Kong on January 15
Beijing has appointed new representatives in Hong Kong who follow the hard-line laid down by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the head of the ruling Communist Party.
Such a move has long been under consideration and was hastened by last year's street protests in the former British colony, which was handed over to Chinese rule in 1997.
Beijing promised that the territory could retain its own relatively liberal civil, legal and economic systems that contrast starkly with the much more centrally controlled and authoritarian system in mainland China.
The US has sharply criticised the proposed legislation and threatened to withdraw preferential trade status for Hong Kong.
Some 'foreign politicians' have 'expressed untrue opinions' about the plan to impose the law on Hong Kong, Lam said, without giving details.
She repeated claims that the law would only target 'a minority,' citing concerns about terrorism and subversion.
Beijing has appointed new representatives in Hong Kong who follow the hard-line laid down by President Xi, who is also the head of the ruling Communist Party. Pictured, a protester raising a banner with a pro-independence message during demonstrations against the draft bill
Beijing promised that Hong Kong could retain its own relatively liberal civil, legal and economic systems. Pictured, protesters try to escape from the tear gas during demonstrations
The US has sharply criticised the proposed legislation and threatened to withdraw preferential trade status for Hong Kong. Pro-democracy protesters are pictured using umbrellas to block surveillance cameras on a street of Hong Kong during demonstrations against the draft bill
Beijing yesterday also threatened to take 'every necessary measure' to retaliate against the US if Washington punishes it for passing Hong Kong national security law. Hong Kong police officers are seen arresting a protester during demonstrations against the draft bill
Beijing yesterday also threatened to take 'every necessary measure' to retaliate against the US if Washington punishes it for passing Hong Kong national security law.
Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a press briefing yesterday that Washington' is not qualified to do finger-pointing or intervene in' the Hong Kong matters.
Scores of British politicians have signed an international statement calling for a tougher global stance against China's threat to pass new laws clamping down on residents of Hong Kong.
Lord Patten, the last British governor before the handover, described the new laws as 'a frontal assault' on the relative freedoms granted to Hong Kong.
He said Britain must act over the 'disgraceful breach' of China's international treaty obligations, and branded the Communist Party 'a very nasty, brutal, bullying and mendacious regime'.
Human rights campaigners have also urged Boris Johnson to take actions against Beijing.
Johnny Patterson, Director of UK-based human rights group Hong Kong Watch, told MailOnline: 'Boris Johnson must act now before it is too late. The UK should consider extending greater rights to British Nationals (Overseas) in Hong Kong, so they have a lifeline.'
He called the ominous warning from China's PLA 'alarming news' to Hong Kong.
'Given the way China is flouting the terms of the handover agreement by imposing the national security law on Hong Kong, there are genuine concerns that they will act on this threat,' he explained.
Protesters have returned to Hong Kong's streets to oppose the legislation, with thousands turning out on Sunday as police fired tear gas and deployed a water cannon to disperse the crowds.
Lord Patten, the last British governor before the handover, described the new laws as 'a frontal assault' on the relative freedoms granted to Hong Kong. Pictured, a riot police officer in the former British colony fires tear gas at protesters in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on May 24
Lord Patten said Britain must act over the 'disgraceful breach' of China's international treaty obligations, and branded the Communist Party 'a very nasty, brutal, bullying and mendacious regime'. Riot police officers are seen standing guard during a protest in Hong Kong on May 24
Human rights campaigners have also urged Boris Johnson to take actions against Beijing. Pictured, a riot officer removes a barricade set up by protesters during a rally on May 24
The Chinese public is largely seen as backing Xi's tough approach to foreign policy challenges, including criticism from the US, Australia and others. Pictured, riot police officers about to fire tear gas canisters against protesters in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on May 24
On Tuesday, over 100 protesters gathered at a luxury shopping mall in Hong Kong's Central business district, condemning Lam and her administration.
The protests are a continuation of a months-long pro-democracy movement that began last year and has at times descended into violence between police and demonstrators.
Hong Kong's government is bound by Article 23 of the Basic Law - its mini-constitution - to enact laws to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition or subversion against China.
It proposed legislation to do so in 2003, but withdrew it after hundreds of thousands of people came out to protest.
Hong Kong's pro-democracy lawmakers sharply criticised China's move to take over long-stalled efforts to enact national security legislation in the semi-autonomous territory, saying it goes against the 'one country, two systems' framework that promises the city freedoms
Hong Kong's opposition lawmakers held signboards that read 'CCP tramples on Hong Kong legislature' and 'Hong Kong will become Xinjiang' while protesting in the city's Legislative Council. The bill was submitted on the opening day of China's national legislative session
Beijing has increasingly pushed for measures such as punishment for disrespecting the Chinese national flag or anthem - as often seen at soccer games - along with a boost to pro-China patriotic-themed education in schools.
However, opposition in Hong Kong's Legislative Council makes it unlikely a national security bill could pass at the local level, prompting Beijing to utilize what some describe as dubious legal grounds to force the measures through at the national level.
The Chinese public is largely seen as backing Xi's tough approach to foreign policy challenges, including criticism from the US, Australia and others.
Xi has made an unswerving line on national interests a key signature of his rule since taking over leadership of the ruling party in 2012.
Abroad, however, that policy has further bolstered concerns about China's intentions to dominate markets and assert its influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
That may ultimately add to Xi's difficulties in reviving economic growth and jobs at a time when global markets are partly shut due to the coronavirus pandemic and scepticism toward China runs high.
What is Hong Kong's 'one country, two systems' arrangement?
'One country, two systems' is a constitutional principle under which the Communist Party of China rules Hong Kong, a former British colony.
The city was handed over from the UK to China in 1997 under the arrangement with a promise that it would maintain its capitalist economy and Western-style institutions for 50 years.
The framework, set to expire in 2047, is designed to allow residents in the Asian financial hub to enjoy freedoms unseen in the mainland, such as freedom of speech and people's right to protest.
It does not cover foreign affairs or defence policies.
Hong Kong is ruled under the 'one country, two system' policy, which lasts for 50 years, and has different legal, financial and governing systems to mainland China
The city, known as a special administrative region in China, has different legal, financial and governing systems to the mainland.
But decades before the law's deadline, many residents in the semi-autonomous territory already feel that their freedoms are eroding due to the tight political grip of Beijing.
Millions of people in Hong Kong have taken to the streets in pro-democracy protests since June 2019, to demand democratic reforms.
Neither the government of Hong Kong or China have made significant concessions to the demonstrators, who are calling for governmental reforms, free elections and an independent investigation into alleged police violence against protesters, among others.
The anti-government movement is ongoing.
But decades before the system's deadline, many residents in the semi-autonomous territory already feel that their freedoms are eroding due to the tight political grip of Beijing. Pictured, protesters carry a Hong Kong colonial-era flag and a flag that reads 'Hong Kong Independence' during a rally in Hong Kong on January 12
The 'one country, two systems' principle was first proposed by Deng Xiaoping (邓小平), a late Chinese leader, during the negotiations between Beijing and London over Hong Kong's sovereignty in the 1980s. It was meant to ensure a smooth transition.
An international bilateral announcement, called The Sino-British Joint Declaration, was signed by then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her Chinese counterpart Zhao Ziyang on December 19, 1984.
According to the document, Hong Kong would revert to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, under the administrative model for half a century.
Macau, a former Portuguese colony which was returned to China in 1999, is also ruled under the arrangement.
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2020-05-26 12:04:37Z
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