China’s enactment of a national security law for Hong Kong has generated statements of deep concern from abroad and a strong defense in the country.
Details of the law, which comes in response to last year’s sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in the city, will be released later Tuesday.
China says the law is necessary to deal with separatism and foreign interference in the semi-autonomous territory, but critics say it will ban dissent and destroy the autonomy promised when Britain handed the territory over to Beijing in 1997 under “one country, two systems. ” framework.
Here is a summary of the reactions to the passage of the law.
Japan
“It is regrettable that the national security law was enacted despite strong shared concerns between international society and the people of Hong Kong,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
“It will undermine confidence by the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.”
UK
“We are deeply concerned by unconfirmed reports that Beijing passed the national security law. This would be a big step,” said British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.
“Once we have seen the full legislation, we will make a new statement.”
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China Passes Hong Kong’s Security Law, Raising Fears For The Future (11:03) |
European Union
“This law runs the risk of seriously undermining Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and having a detrimental effect on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” said European Council President Charles Michel. “We regret this decision.”
Hong Kong
“It will only target an extremely small minority of people who have broken the law, while the life and property, basic rights and freedoms of the overwhelming majority of Hong Kong residents will be protected,” said the Hong Kong leader. Kong, Carrie Lam.
“The legislation will not undermine ‘one country, two systems’ and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy.”
Mainland China
“This matter is purely China’s internal affairs, and no foreign country has the right to interfere,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.
“The Chinese government is firmly committed to safeguarding the interests of national sovereignty, security and development, implementing the ‘one country, two systems’ policy and opposing any external forces that interfere in Hong Kong affairs.”
Taiwan
“China promised that Hong Kong would remain unchanged for 50 years. The adoption of the National Security Law makes people feel that this commitment is indeed a blow to public confidence,” said Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.
“We are disappointed that China cannot meet its commitments, which also shows that the ‘one country, two systems’ is not feasible.”
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