Chinese authorities have passed controversial China’s National Security Law that gives Beijing more power over the semi-autonomous region that operates a different economic system, OYOGist.com has gathered.
The law, which was passed on Tuesday, 30th of June 2020, would give China more power to crack down on protesters such as those witnessed last year and during the pandemic in Hong Kong, as well as legalize extraditing offenders to mainland China from Hong Kong.
The global community has largely criticized this move, with the US imposing sanctions on China over the law.
Chinese lawmakers said the bill is necessary to tackle issues of terrorism, subversion and foreign meddling as they passing it with overwhelming approval in the parliament.
However, those in opposition of the law say it would erode the freedom and autonomy that Hong Kong has was guaranteed by China since it was returned in 1997.
The bill, which content was not made public, was passed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress that held a three-day meeting which lasted from Sunday till Tuesday.
Experts say the Hong Kong government would only oversee minor administrative matters while Beijing will control everything else. This may include security funding, laws and judiciary, and other critical state functions.
Follow OYOGist.com on Twitter and Facebook.
