China’s parliament moved Thursday to approve changes to national security laws in Hong Kong that activists warn will further curtail freedoms in the city.
Reuters and The Associated Press reported that a bill approved in a 2,878 to 1 vote will require authorities in Hong Kong to enforce anti-terrorism measures targeting protests and alleged foreign interference, though exact details of the measures have not been released. The bill, unveiled by the ruling Chinese Communist Party, also bans secession-related activities and “foreign interference” in the city’s affairs.
Another bill being considered by the parliament would criminalize any “disrespect” to the country’s national anthem, Reuters noted.
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The pieces of legislation reportedly triggered the first major demonstrations in Hong Kong in months, as residents poured into the streets Wednesday night and hundreds were arrested. Those protests reportedly continued Thursday, with demonstrators chanting slogans in a shopping mall.
Protests raged earlier this over changes to the territory’s constitution, which have been consistently supported by the Communist Party and opposed by western nations. President TrumpDonald John TrumpJustice says it will recommend Trump veto FISA bill Fauci: Nominating conventions may be able to go on as planned Poll: Biden leads Trump by 11 points nationally MORE‘s press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, told reporters on Tuesday that Trump was “displeased” by the latest developments in the territory.
“He’s displeased with China’s efforts and that it’s hard to see how Hong Kong can remain a financial hub if China takes over,” she said at a news conference.
The State Department also told Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong no longer deserves special consideration from the U.S., as it could no longer be considered significantly autonomous from China.
“I certified to Congress today that Hong Kong does not continue to warrant treatment under United States laws in the same manner as U.S. laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1997,” Secretary of State Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoGrassley: White House ‘failed to address’ if there was a ‘good reason’ for IG firings Overnight Defense: Pentagon watchdog sidelined by Trump resigns | Plan would reportedly bring troops in Afghanistan back by Election Day | Third service member dies from COVID-19 Ex-Pompeo staffers asked to sign letter against ‘smear campaign’ MORE said. “No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China, given facts on the ground.”
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