China has passed a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong, increasing its power over the territory in a move that drew swift condemnation from the US and Europe.
The legislation was introduced after the territory was rocked by anti-government protests Beijing said were inspired by foreign forces. It was enacted without discussion by Hong Kong’s own legislature, in an unprecedented show of China’s control over the city’s legal system.
The new law will increase Beijing’s grip on the territory, which is meant to have a high level of autonomy under the conditions of its handover from British rule back to China in 1997.
The Trump administration said the new law was a “violation” of China’s commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
“As Beijing now treats Hong Kong as ‘One Country, One System,’ so must the United States,” said John Ullyot, the National Security Council spokesperson. “The United States will continue to take strong actions against those who smothered Hong Kong’s freedom and autonomy. We urge Beijing to reverse course immediately.”
The extraterritorial effect of this piece of legislation I think will really alarm all the foreigners and foreign investment and no one could now feel safe
Under the new law, Chinese state security agencies will also be allowed to operate openly in Hong Kong for the first time. The legislation applies to people in Hong Kong and to those not in the territory, meaning that foreign nationals who speak in favour of independence for the region, or advocate sanctions on China, could be prosecuted upon entering Hong Kong or mainland China.
Damaging public transport with intent to cause “serious social harm” is considered a terrorist act under the new law, which also gives Beijing the power to adjudicate national security crimes when requested by Hong Kong’s new state security bureau.
Dominic Raab, the UK foreign secretary, said the new law was a “grave step, which is deeply troubling”.
Brussels also criticised the passage of the law. “We deplore the decision,” said Charles Michel, president of the European Council of leaders of EU member states. “This law risks seriously undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong and having a detrimental effect on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.”
Eric Cheung, a legal expert at the University of Hong Kong, said the actual law is “much worse” than he had expected.
“The extraterritorial effect of this piece of legislation I think will really alarm all the foreigners and foreign investment and no one could now feel safe.” People who took a transit flight through Hong Kong risked being arrested, he said.
Ahead of the Chinese move, the UK said it would prepare a “pathway to citizenship” for as many as 3m Hong Kongers who were eligible to apply for British National (Overseas) passports.
The US said it would bar companies from exporting weapons and sensitive technologies to Hong Kong because of concerns that they could be obtained by the Chinese military. The administration is also considering moves that would further unravel the special trade privileges that Hong Kong has enjoyed since handover on the grounds that it was not under the control of the Chinese government.
Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, warned last week of “very negative consequences” if China pushed ahead with the law. She added that the EU had been discussing the matter with its partners in the G7 group of western powers and Japan. But the European bloc has yet to specify what measures, if any, it might take in response.
Hong Kong’s police force can intercept communications and carry covert surveillance on suspects, with the approval of the region’s chief executive, currently Carrie Lam, who has become deeply unpopular with locals since last year’s protests.
The chief executive also has the power to select judges to preside over national security cases, in contrast to the current system, in which judicial assignments are made by the judiciary.
China has passed a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong, increasing its power over the territory in a move that drew swift condemnation from the US and Europe.
The legislation was introduced after the territory was rocked by anti-government protests Beijing said were inspired by foreign forces. It was enacted without discussion by Hong Kong’s own legislature, in an unprecedented show of China’s control over the city’s legal system.
The new law will increase Beijing’s grip on the territory, which is meant to have a high level of autonomy under the conditions of its handover from British rule back to China in 1997.
The Trump administration said the new law was a “violation” of China’s commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
“As Beijing now treats Hong Kong as ‘One Country, One System,’ so must the United States,” said John Ullyot, the National Security Council spokesperson. “The United States will continue to take strong actions against those who smothered Hong Kong’s freedom and autonomy. We urge Beijing to reverse course immediately.”
The extraterritorial effect of this piece of legislation I think will really alarm all the foreigners and foreign investment and no one could now feel safe
Under the new law, Chinese state security agencies will also be allowed to operate openly in Hong Kong for the first time. The legislation applies to people in Hong Kong and to those not in the territory, meaning that foreign nationals who speak in favour of independence for the region, or advocate sanctions on China, could be prosecuted upon entering Hong Kong or mainland China.
Damaging public transport with intent to cause “serious social harm” is considered a terrorist act under the new law, which also gives Beijing the power to adjudicate national security crimes when requested by Hong Kong’s new state security bureau.
Dominic Raab, the UK foreign secretary, said the new law was a “grave step, which is deeply troubling”.
Brussels also criticised the passage of the law. “We deplore the decision,” said Charles Michel, president of the European Council of leaders of EU member states. “This law risks seriously undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong and having a detrimental effect on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.”
Eric Cheung, a legal expert at the University of Hong Kong, said the actual law is “much worse” than he had expected.
“The extraterritorial effect of this piece of legislation I think will really alarm all the foreigners and foreign investment and no one could now feel safe.” People who took a transit flight through Hong Kong risked being arrested, he said.
Ahead of the Chinese move, the UK said it would prepare a “pathway to citizenship” for as many as 3m Hong Kongers who were eligible to apply for British National (Overseas) passports.
The US said it would bar companies from exporting weapons and sensitive technologies to Hong Kong because of concerns that they could be obtained by the Chinese military. The administration is also considering moves that would further unravel the special trade privileges that Hong Kong has enjoyed since handover on the grounds that it was not under the control of the Chinese government.
Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, warned last week of “very negative consequences” if China pushed ahead with the law. She added that the EU had been discussing the matter with its partners in the G7 group of western powers and Japan. But the European bloc has yet to specify what measures, if any, it might take in response.
Hong Kong’s police force can intercept communications and carry covert surveillance on suspects, with the approval of the region’s chief executive, currently Carrie Lam, who has become deeply unpopular with locals since last year’s protests.
The chief executive also has the power to select judges to preside over national security cases, in contrast to the current system, in which judicial assignments are made by the judiciary.
People in Hong Kong could face life in jail for breaking a controversial and sweeping new security law imposed by China.
The legislation came into force on Tuesday but the full text was only revealed hours afterwards.
It was brought in by Beijing following increasing unrest and a widening pro-democracy movement.
Critics say the new law effectively curtails protest and undermines Hong Kong's freedoms.
Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, defended the law, saying it filled a "gaping hole" in national security.
Details have been closely guarded and the Beijing-backed politician admitted she had not seen the draft before commenting.
The UK, EU and Nato have all expressed concern and anger, while pro-democracy groups have started to disband amid fears of immediate reprisals.
Washington, which also urged Beijing to reconsider, had already begun to end the preferential treatment Hong Kong enjoys in trade and travel with the US, bringing it in line with mainland China.
What do we know about the law?
Full details of the new law only emerged after it had come into effect at about 23:00 local time on Tuesday (16:00 BST).
It applies to both permanent and non-permanent residents. Among the details:
Crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces are punishable by a minimum sentence of three years, with the maximum being life
Inciting hatred of China's central government and Hong Kong's regional government are now offences under Article 29
Damaging public transport facilities can be considered terrorism - protesters often targeted city infrastructure during the long-running demonstrations
Those found guilty will not be allowed to stand for public office
Beijing will establish a new security office in Hong Kong, with its own law enforcement personnel - neither of which would come under the local authority's jurisdiction
Hong Kong's chief executive can appoint judges in national security cases, and the justice secretary can decide whether or not there is a jury
Decisions made by the national security commission, set up by local authorities, cannot be challenged legally
China also says it will take over prosecution in cases which are considered "very serious", while some trials will be heard behind closed doors.
Management of foreign non-governmental organisations and news agencies will be strengthened
The law will not apply to acts which happened before it came into force.
Under the national security law, many of the acts of protest that have rocked Hong Kong over the past year could now be classed as subversion or secession… and punished with up to life in prison.
The city's pro-Beijing leader, Carrie Lam, said the law was long overdue.
Fearing repercussions, political activists are resigning their posts and one pro-democracy protester, who asked to remain anonymous, told me that ordinary people are now deleting posts on social media.
Many people are just stopping talking about politics, and stopping talking about freedom and democracy because they want to save their own lives. They want to save their freedom and avoid being arrested.
One contact of mine, a lawyer and human rights activist, sent me a message shortly after the law was passed. Please delete everything on this chat, he wrote.
What has the reaction been?
The reaction began the moment the law - which was first announced six weeks ago - was signed by China's President Xi Jinping.
Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong began to quit immediately, fearful of the new law, and the punishment it allows.
Joshua Wong, secretary-general and founding member of pro-democracy group Demosisto, warned the city would "turn into a secret police state".
The head of human rights group Amnesty International's China team, Joshua Rosenzweig, accused Beijing of aiming to "govern Hong Kong through fear from this point forward".
But despite the risks, some remained determined to go ahead with the banned traditional 1 July rally planned for Wednesday, amid reports of large number police descending Hong Kong's financial district.
The move also provoked international reaction, with the UK's Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, saying China had broken the promises it had made to the people of Hong Kong under the terms of the 1997 handover.
That agreement enshrined the "one country, two systems" principle in a document called the Basic Law - Hong Kong's mini constitution - for 50 years.
Basic Law protects rights such as freedom of assembly and freedom of speech - neither of which exist in mainland China - and also sets out the structure of governance for the territory.
Julian Braithwaite, Britain's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, told the UN Human Rights Council that the law "has clear implications for human rights".
Mr Braithwaite, speaking on behalf of 27 nations, urged China to reconsider.
People in Hong Kong could face life in jail for breaking a controversial and sweeping new security law imposed by China.
The legislation came into force on Tuesday but the full text was only revealed hours afterwards.
It was brought in by Beijing following increasing unrest and a widening pro-democracy movement.
Critics say the new law effectively curtails protest and undermines Hong Kong's freedoms.
Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, defended the law, saying it filled a "gaping hole" in national security.
Details have been closely guarded and the Beijing-backed politician admitted she had not seen the draft before commenting.
The UK, EU and Nato have all expressed concern and anger, while pro-democracy groups have started to disband amid fears of immediate reprisals.
What do we know about the law?
Full details of the new law only emerged after it had come into effect at about 23:00 local time on Tuesday (16:00 BST).
It applies to both permanent and non-permanent residents. Among the details:
Crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces are punishable by a minimum sentence of three years, with the maximum being life
Inciting hatred of China's central government and Hong Kong's regional government are now offences under Article 29
Damaging public transport facilities can be considered terrorism - protesters often targeted city infrastructure during the long-running demonstrations
Those found guilty will not be allowed to stand for public office
Beijing will establish a new security office in Hong Kong, with its own law enforcement personnel - neither of which would come under the local authority's jurisdiction
Hong Kong's chief executive can appoint judges in national security cases, and the justice secretary can decide whether or not there is a jury
Decisions made by the national security commission, set up by local authorities, cannot be challenged legally
China also says it will take over prosecution in cases which are considered "very serious", while some trials will be heard behind closed doors.
Management of foreign non-governmental organisations and news agencies will be strengthened
The law will not apply to acts which happened before it came into force.
Under the national security law, many of the acts of protest that have rocked Hong Kong over the past year could now be classed as subversion or secession… and punished with up to life in prison.
The city's pro-Beijing leader, Carrie Lam, said the law was long overdue.
Fearing repercussions, political activists are resigning their posts and one pro-democracy protester, who asked to remain anonymous, told me that ordinary people are now deleting posts on social media.
Many people are just stopping talking about politics, and stopping talking about freedom and democracy because they want to save their own lives. They want to save their freedom and avoid being arrested.
One contact of mine, a lawyer and human rights activist, sent me a message shortly after the law was passed. Please delete everything on this chat, he wrote.
What has the reaction been?
The reaction began the moment the law - which was first announced six weeks ago - was signed by China's President Xi Jinping.
Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong began to quit immediately, fearful of the new law, and the punishment it allows.
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Joshua Wong, secretary-general and founding member of pro-democracy group Demosisto, warned the city would "turn into a secret police state".
The head of human rights group Amnesty International's China team, Joshua Rosenzweig, accused Beijing of aiming to "govern Hong Kong through fear from this point forward".
The move also provoked international reaction, with the UK's Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, saying China had broken the promises it had made to the people of Hong Kong under the terms of the 1997 handover.
That agreement enshrined the "one country, two systems" principle in a document called the Basic Law - Hong Kong's mini constitution - for 50 years.
Basic Law protects rights such as freedom of assembly and freedom of speech - neither of which exist in mainland China - and also sets out the structure of governance for the territory.
Julian Braithwaite, Britain's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, told the UN Human Rights Council that the law "has clear implications for human rights".
Mr Braithwaite, speaking on behalf of 27 nations, urged China to reconsider.
The US could soon see 100,000 new cases of coronavirus every day, the country's top infectious diseases expert has warned.
Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told a US Senate committee that the daily surge in cases could more than double if Americans don't start following public health recommendations.
"I am very concerned because it could get very bad," he said.
Currently 40,000 new coronavirus infections are being reported across the country every day, but this could go up to 100,000 if Americans do not wear facemasks and observe social distancing, he said.
Dr Fauci cautioned that there is no guarantee of a "safe and effective" vaccine for COVID-19 and urged people not to let down their guard ahead of Independence Day celebrations this weekend.
The infectious diseases expert, who has served six administrations, has been kept largely out of public view after Donald Trump repeatedly contradicted his advice on how to handle the virus.
More from Covid-19
Earlier, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden launched a blistering attack on Mr Trump's "historic mismanagement" of the pandemic.
Speaking in his hometown in Delaware, Mr Biden accused the president of "outright ignoring the crisis" following a rise in cases and lockdown measures being reintroduced in California, Texas and Florida.
Infections have more than doubled in at least 10 states, with an epicentre detected in Los Angeles, the country's second-largest city.
More than 126,000 Americans have died from coronavirus and millions have lost their jobs after businesses and schools shut down.
The US economy contracted sharply in the first quarter and is expected to plummet again in the April-June period.
