23 years after Beijing took over the former British colony, China began to implement comprehensive security legislation to re-enforce the role of the financial center as Hong Kong faced a new reality on Wednesday.
The provisions of the new law go beyond the expectations of many investors, advocates of democracy, and Beijing politicians, who warn that it will affect Hong Kong-related free speech and political activity. Beijing and Hong Kong leaders did nothing during the briefing to explain the 35-page law, which went into effect late Tuesday, and thousands of people have also defied the streets.
"The law hangs on a handful of criminals who endanger national security," Hong Kong and Macau affairs office deputy director Zhang Xiaoming told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday. "The law prevents foreign powers from trying to interfere in Hong Kong affairs. The law is a turning point in getting Hong Kong back on track."
The fuzzy language of the law adds to the uncertainty for some businesses that have an independent British-inspired legal system to work in Hong Kong. While some investors say the move will bring stability after last year's violent demonstrations, others are looking at capital and talent. Markets are closed for public holidays.
The Trump administration has pledged additional “strong measures” if Beijing does not reverse course, with more than 15 years of unemployment in the city that could cause greater damage. After the Senate passed the bill in a similar fashion last week, the US House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill banning banks from doing business with Chinese officials involved in ending the city's autonomy. It could visit President Donald Trump's desk on Thursday.
The U.K. says Beijing has strayed from its promise of a 1984 deal. The lawsuit alleges and on Wednesday opened the way for 40% of city dwellers to obtain citizenship to protect Hong Kong's "high level of autonomy."
Charles Mok, a member of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, said: "Suddenly, the 'one country, two systems' system has disappeared and Hong Kong is really just another part of China." Industry. "It is ridiculous for the international community to see that Hong Kong is no less secure in passing this national security law."
The first arrest
On Wednesday, police gave details of their first 10 arrests under the first law out of the 370 people detained. Authorities used tear gas, water cannons and pepper spray balls to calm the protests, which erupted in the city, where protesters carrying umbrellas and American flags clashed with authorities. The Hong Kong government says those who are accused of violating the new law carry the goods with the words "Hong Kong Freedom".
Chief executive Carrie Lam's administration condemned efforts by central and Hong Kong governments to "openly challenge the bottom line", in a statement released early Thursday.
Leading activists, including alumni leader Joshua Wong, joined the protests Tuesday, in a clear attempt to cut ties with political groups and avoid each other. Pro-democracy lawmakers have expressed concern that the law would serve to oust him in the September assembly elections.
The 31-year-old freelancer said her name was Law, "and we don't know if there will ever be another chance to take to the streets." "Maybe we won't be able to resist again for the rest of our lives."
Laws passed by lawyers in China and signed by President Xi Jinping allow life imprisonment for crimes, including the destruction of state power and a combination of foreign powers. It extends to the work of anyone, whether Hong Kong residents anywhere in the world and the cover-up of the nonviolent tactics employed by the protesters in a wave of unrest, which attracted the sight of the former British colony last year.
For example, Zhang said those seeking foreign sanctions against China could be prosecuted under the conspiracy clause. He said people who spread "malicious rumors" such as allegations that riot police killed passengers during a train station controversy in August could be held liable under "provocative" provisions.
In his speech to mark the anniversary, Lam said the city is "the most important development" in relations between Hong Kong and the central government of China. Later in a 70-minute press conference, he and his team members gave some clarification on what is considered a crime under the law.
Hong Kong Defense Secretary John Lee said: "I would like to emphasize that the four crimes are the maximum punishment of imprisonment in principle." "Please don't try to test our bottom line."
Highlights of Hong Kong's National Security Act include:
These four crimes carry a maximum life sentence. Once the law comes into force, it will take action. Hong Kong residents or companies and residents anywhere. Terrorism allegations include a "serious disruption" of the transport network. The confusion clauses include advocates for foreign sanctions. Demolish Hong Kong government organs and attack its offices. Violent offenders are barred from seeking or keeping public office for an unspecified period. Allows Beijing to investigate "complicated" cases of foreign influence or other "serious circumstances." State secrets or other matters "are not sufficient for a public inquiry." The Minister of Justice sometimes allows the jury to suspend proceedings. Immunity for Chinese agents in Hong Kong calling for strong "management" of news agencies and foreign NGOs.
Trump warned last month that the US would begin withdrawing Hong Kong's preferred trading conditions if Beijing did not return, and introduced new ways of residency for the UK and Taiwanese residents.
"Mr Chairman, if China continues this route, we will be able to stay in the UK and work in the UK. They have limited capacity to enter the UK." British nationals will introduce a new route for immigrant status. Then apply for citizenship, ”Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament on Wednesday. "And that's what we do now."
The Trump administration this week has made it harder for Hong Kong to export sensitive U.S. technology, and lawmakers are considering relaxing regulations for residents to enter the U.S. as refugees. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has said US-China is advising trade-in supply chain companies in western Xinjiang province, where authorities have forcibly detained Muslim Uyghurs.
"Free Hong Kong is one of the most sustainable, prosperous and dynamic cities in the world," Pompeii told reporters in Washington on Wednesday. "Now this is another city run by the Communists, where the people are subject to the party elites. It's sad."
China has not published a full draft law or allowed public debate before its passage, which is required by Hong Kong's mini-constitutional preliminary law. The process also outlasted Hong Kong's elected legislature, and Lam said the draft law had never been seen before.
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