Confident of its power to face global consequences, China on Tuesday passed its new security law giving it new powers over Hong Kong. The European Union, UK and NATO have expressed concern over the controversial law that according to many puts liberties such as free speech, the right to protest and an independent, robust judiciary at risk in Hong Kong.
Under the new legislation, secession, subversion of central government, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces could attract punishment up to life in prison. And, the effect of the new whip was instant. Within minutes of the law coming into force, one of the main pro-democracy group announced it was ceasing all operations. Demosito, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent activists, tweeted that he was leaving the group he had spearheaded. Another firebrand protester Joshua Wong too walked called it quits.
Opponents say the new security law undermines the autonomy granted to Hong Kong via its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which was agreed when the territory’s sovereignty was returned by the UK in 1997.
Washington and Brussels warned China of grave diplomatic and economic repercussions. Several other countries are responding in similar vein however, Beijing seems undeterred by the prospect of complications for its big firms like Huewei, or of losing lucrative foreign investments.
China always viewed Hong Kong as their internal affair and now puts to rest its colonial humiliation in the Opium Wars, which saw it lose Hong Kong to the British Empire and later have it back on a “one country two systems” agreement signed to in 1997.
Interestingly, the law comes into effect just a day before the 23rd anniversary of the return of sovereignty to china - a day when large pro-democracy protesters dot the streets with demonstrations.
