Hundreds of Hong Kongers marched silently through the city’s streets on Sunday in protest against the looming national security legislation to be implemented by the mainland Chinese government.

Riot police armed with shields were present as the crowd moved from Jordan to Mong Kok in the Kowloon district, as part of a “silent protest”, in which they marched with the usual chanting or slogan shouting mainly absent.

Scuffles broke out in Mong Kok during the event, prompting police to use pepper spray to subdue parts of the crowd, according to a Reuters witness.

The proposed national security laws were reviewed by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee on Sunday, according to a report by state media Xinhua.

The laws are expected to be passed before the end of June but a draft has yet to be made public.

“I am here to oppose the national security laws,” said Esther, 25, who was on the streets of Jordan on Sunday.

“It’s not the last battle, there is a long term resistance (to the laws),” she said, declining to give her surname.

The event came a day after Hong Kong police refused permission for an annual march usually held on July 1 to mark the handover of the city from Britain to Chinese authorities 23 years ago.

Police said in a statement to the organiser that a march would be in violation of Hong Kong’s current ban of gatherings of more than 50 people that was put in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

A survey conducted by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute for Reuters showed the national security legislation is opposed by a majority of people in the financial centre.

The survey also showed support for protests dropping to 51% from 58% in June compared to a previous poll conducted for Reuters in March. Opposition to them rose to 34% from 28%.

Hundreds of Hong Kongers marched silently through the city’s streets on Sunday in protest against the looming national security legislation to be implemented by the mainland Chinese government.

Hundreds of Hong Kongers marched silently through the city’s streets on Sunday in protest against the looming national security legislation to be implemented by the mainland Chinese government. Riot police armed with shields were present as the crowd moved from Jordan to Mong Kok in the Kowloon district, as part of a “silent protest”, in which they marched with the usual chanting or slogan shouting mainly absent. Scuffles broke out in Mong Kok during the event, prompting police to use pepper spray to subdue parts of the crowd, according to a Reuters witness. The proposed national security laws were reviewed by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee on Sunday, according to a report by state media Xinhua. The laws are expected to be passed before the end of June but a draft has yet to be made public. “I am here to oppose the national security laws,” said Esther, 25, who was on the streets of Jordan on Sunday. “It’s not the last battle, there is a long term resistance (to the laws),” she said, declining to give her surname. The event came a day after Hong Kong police refused permission for an annual march usually held on July 1 to mark the handover of the city from Britain to Chinese authorities 23 years ago. Police said in a statement to the organiser that a march would be in violation of Hong Kong’s current ban of gatherings of more than 50 people that was put in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. A survey conducted by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute for Reuters showed the national security legislation is opposed by a majority of people in the financial centre. The survey also showed support for protests dropping to 51% from 58% in June compared to a previous poll conducted for Reuters in March. Opposition to them rose to 34% from 28%.

Hong Kongers march in silent protest against national security laws

China has unveiled details of its new national security law for Hong Kong on Saturday.

The details of the law were unveiled following a three-day meeting of the top decision-making body of China's parliament.

The much-anticipated legislation, which has provoked deep concerns in Washington and Europe, includes a national security office for Hong Kong to collect intelligence and handle crimes against national security, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

National security activities would protect human rights and freedom of speech and assembly, it added, without providing details.

China says the draft law is aimed at tackling separatist activity, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, but critics fear it will crush wide-ranging freedoms that are seen as key to Hong Kong's status as a global financial centre.

The exact time frame for enacting the law was unclear, although political analysts expect it will take effect ahead of key Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong on September 6.

China's move to impose the law directly on Hong Kong, bypassing the city's legislature, comes after a year of sometimes violent anti-government and anti-Beijing protests that mainland and local authorities blame "foreign forces" for fomenting.

Some political commentators say the law is aimed at sealing Hong Kong's "second return" to the motherland after Britain's 1997 handover failed to bring residents of the restive city to heel.

At the time of the handover, China promised to allow Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy for 50 years under what is known as the "one country two systems" formula of governance, although democracy activists say Beijing has increasingly tightened its grip over the city.

Officials in Beijing and Hong Kong have been at pains to reassure investors that the law will not erode the city's high degree of autonomy, insisting it will only target a minority of "troublemakers" who pose a threat to national security.

Hong Kong has said the law would not erode investor confidence and people who abide by it have no reason to worry.

Despite such assurances, the law has alarmed business groups, diplomats and rights organisations, further strained ties between the United States and China, and prompted the G7 foreign ministers to urge Beijing not to go through with it.

Beijing proposed the new legislation last month, drawing a swift rebuke from Britain and the United States.

DETAILS

According to details released by the official Xinhua news agency, Hong Kong will establish a committee to safeguard the legislation, headed by the city's leader Carrie Lam and supervised by the central government.

New police and prosecution units will be set up to investigate and enforce the law.

Lam will also have the power to appoint judges to hear cases related to national security, an unprecedented move likely to unnerve some investors, diplomats and business leaders in Hong Kong.

Currently senior judges allocate judicial rosters up through Hong Kong`s independent judicial system.

Officials in Beijing and Hong Kong have sought to reassure investors that the law will not erode the city`s autonomy, insisting it will target only a minority of "troublemakers" who pose a threat to national security.

Xinhua said human rights and freedom of speech and assembly would be protected, echoing previous comments by authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong.

Additionally, any Hong Kong residents running for election or working for the government will have to swear allegiance to the city and its mini-constitution, the Basic Law.

(with inputs from Reuters)

China has unveiled details of its new national security law for Hong Kong on Saturday. The details of the law were unveiled following a three-day meeting of the top decision-making body of China's parliament.

China has unveiled details of its new national security law for Hong Kong on Saturday. The details of the law were unveiled following a three-day meeting of the top decision-making body of China's parliament. The much-anticipated legislation, which has provoked deep concerns in Washington and Europe, includes a national security office for Hong Kong to collect intelligence and handle crimes against national security, the official Xinhua news agency reported. National security activities would protect human rights and freedom of speech and assembly, it added, without providing details. China says the draft law is aimed at tackling separatist activity, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, but critics fear it will crush wide-ranging freedoms that are seen as key to Hong Kong's status as a global financial centre. The exact time frame for enacting the law was unclear, although political analysts expect it will take effect ahead of key Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong on September 6. China's move to impose the law directly on Hong Kong, bypassing the city's legislature, comes after a year of sometimes violent anti-government and anti-Beijing protests that mainland and local authorities blame "foreign forces" for fomenting. Some political commentators say the law is aimed at sealing Hong Kong's "second return" to the motherland after Britain's 1997 handover failed to bring residents of the restive city to heel. At the time of the handover, China promised to allow Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy for 50 years under what is known as the "one country two systems" formula of governance, although democracy activists say Beijing has increasingly tightened its grip over the city. Officials in Beijing and Hong Kong have been at pains to reassure investors that the law will not erode the city's high degree of autonomy, insisting it will only target a minority of "troublemakers" who pose a threat to national security. Hong Kong has said the law would not erode investor confidence and people who abide by it have no reason to worry. Despite such assurances, the law has alarmed business groups, diplomats and rights organisations, further strained ties between the United States and China, and prompted the G7 foreign ministers to urge Beijing not to go through with it. Beijing proposed the new legislation last month, drawing a swift rebuke from Britain and the United States. DETAILS According to details released by the official Xinhua news agency, Hong Kong will establish a committee to safeguard the legislation, headed by the city's leader Carrie Lam and supervised by the central government. New police and prosecution units will be set up to investigate and enforce the law. Lam will also have the power to appoint judges to hear cases related to national security, an unprecedented move likely to unnerve some investors, diplomats and business leaders in Hong Kong. Currently senior judges allocate judicial rosters up through Hong Kong`s independent judicial system. Officials in Beijing and Hong Kong have sought to reassure investors that the law will not erode the city`s autonomy, insisting it will target only a minority of "troublemakers" who pose a threat to national security. Xinhua said human rights and freedom of speech and assembly would be protected, echoing previous comments by authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong. Additionally, any Hong Kong residents running for election or working for the government will have to swear allegiance to the city and its mini-constitution, the Basic Law. (with inputs from Reuters)

China unveils details of national security law for Hong Kong

The United Kingdom will change its immigration rules if China imposes the new national security law on Hong Kong, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday.

China's parliament last week approved a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. Mainland security and intelligence agents may be stationed in the city for the first time.

"Since the handover in 1997, the key has been the precious concept of 'one country, two systems', enshrined in Hong Kong's Basic Law and underpinned by the Joint Declaration signed by Britain and China," Johnson wrote in an op-ed for the South China Morning Post.

Under the change, holders of British National Overseas passports from Hong Kong would be allowed to enter the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and given further immigration rights, he added, "including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship".

The British prime minister added that China's decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong would "curtail its freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy".

He described China's step as being in conflict with the obligations under the Joint Declaration.

"If China imposes its national security law, the British government will change our immigration rules," Johnson said.

"About 350,000 of the territory’s people currently hold such passports and another 2.5 million would be eligible to apply for them."

On Tuesday, Britain warned Beijing to step back from the brink over the national security law in Hong Kong, saying it risked destroying one of the jewels of Asia's economy while ruining the reputation of China.

Last week, US President Donald Trump ordered his administration to begin the process of eliminating special US treatment for Hong Kong to punish China.

The United Kingdom will change its immigration rules if China imposes the new national security law on Hong Kong, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday.

The United Kingdom will change its immigration rules if China imposes the new national security law on Hong Kong, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday. China's parliament last week approved a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. Mainland security and intelligence agents may be stationed in the city for the first time. "Since the handover in 1997, the key has been the precious concept of 'one country, two systems', enshrined in Hong Kong's Basic Law and underpinned by the Joint Declaration signed by Britain and China," Johnson wrote in an op-ed for the South China Morning Post. Under the change, holders of British National Overseas passports from Hong Kong would be allowed to enter the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and given further immigration rights, he added, "including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship". The British prime minister added that China's decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong would "curtail its freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy". He described China's step as being in conflict with the obligations under the Joint Declaration. "If China imposes its national security law, the British government will change our immigration rules," Johnson said. "About 350,000 of the territory’s people currently hold such passports and another 2.5 million would be eligible to apply for them." On Tuesday, Britain warned Beijing to step back from the brink over the national security law in Hong Kong, saying it risked destroying one of the jewels of Asia's economy while ruining the reputation of China. Last week, US President Donald Trump ordered his administration to begin the process of eliminating special US treatment for Hong Kong to punish China.

UK to change immigration rules if China imposes new security law on Hong Kong

The United States and China clashed over Hong Kong at the United Nations on Wednesday as Beijing opposed a request by Washington for the Security Council to meet over the former's plan to impose new national security legislation on the territory.

China has adopted the plan of imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

The country’s legislature on Thursday nearly unanimously approved the plan to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism, foreign interference and any act that might threaten national security in the semi-autonomous city.

The new law is expected to take effect by September.

The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong.

To this end, the US mission to the United Nations said in a statement that the issue was "a matter of urgent global concern that implicates international peace and security" and therefore warranted the immediate attention of the 15-member council.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-proposed-security-law-for-hong-kong-could-lead-to-us-sanctions-says-white-house-300793">Also read | China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House</a>

China's UN Ambassador Zhang Jun, to this end, posted on Twitter that Beijing "categorically rejects the baseless request" because the national security legislation for Hong Kong was an internal matter and "has nothing to do with the mandate of the Security Council."

The US request came in the wake of the rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over the coronavirus pandemic. Washington has questioned China's transparency about the outbreak, which first emerged in Wuhan, China late last year.&nbsp;

China has said it was transparent about the virus.

The US said China's opposition to a Security Council meeting on Hong Kong coupled with its "gross cover-up and mismanagement of the coronavirus crisis, its constant violations of its international human rights commitments, and its unlawful behaviour in the South China Sea, should make obvious to all that Beijing is not behaving as a responsible UN member state."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-parliament-adopts-plan-to-impose-security-law-on-hong-kong-301503">Also read | China parliament adopts plan to impose security law on Hong Kong</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong no longer qualifies for its special status under US law because China had undermined its autonomy, potentially dealing a crushing blow to the territory's status as a major financial hub.

The United States and China clashed over Hong Kong at the United Nations on Wednesday as Beijing opposed a request by Washington for the Security Council to meet over the former's plan to impose new national security legislation on the territory.

The United States and China clashed over Hong Kong at the United Nations on Wednesday as Beijing opposed a request by Washington for the Security Council to meet over the former's plan to impose new national security legislation on the territory. China has adopted the plan of imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997. The country’s legislature on Thursday nearly unanimously approved the plan to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism, foreign interference and any act that might threaten national security in the semi-autonomous city. The new law is expected to take effect by September. The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong. To this end, the US mission to the United Nations said in a statement that the issue was "a matter of urgent global concern that implicates international peace and security" and therefore warranted the immediate attention of the 15-member council. Also read | China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House China's UN Ambassador Zhang Jun, to this end, posted on Twitter that Beijing "categorically rejects the baseless request" because the national security legislation for Hong Kong was an internal matter and "has nothing to do with the mandate of the Security Council." The US request came in the wake of the rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over the coronavirus pandemic. Washington has questioned China's transparency about the outbreak, which first emerged in Wuhan, China late last year. China has said it was transparent about the virus. The US said China's opposition to a Security Council meeting on Hong Kong coupled with its "gross cover-up and mismanagement of the coronavirus crisis, its constant violations of its international human rights commitments, and its unlawful behaviour in the South China Sea, should make obvious to all that Beijing is not behaving as a responsible UN member state." Also read | China parliament adopts plan to impose security law on Hong Kong US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong no longer qualifies for its special status under US law because China had undermined its autonomy, potentially dealing a crushing blow to the territory's status as a major financial hub.

US and China take their fight over Hong Kong to United Nations

The United States President Donald Trump has warned China of a strong reaction and as Beijing prepares to pass a new security bill in Hong Kong. Watch report.

Trump warns China of strong response | Hong Kong security bill

Taiwan has expressed to offer help Hong Kong as China tightens its grip over the country. Taiwan's laws already provide help to Hong Kong citizens for safety and threat for political reasons. Watch report

Taiwan vows 'necessary' aid to Hong Kong people: Supports HK protest

Taiwan has become a refuge for a small but growing number of pro-democracy protesters fleeing Hong Kong

WION Fineprint: Taiwan promises necessary support to Hong Kong

Hundreds of people protested in Hong Kong on May 24 against the Beijing’s controversial new plan to directly impose national security laws on the city, where a tight police presence guarded China's representative office in the financial hub. WION in an exclusive conversation spoke to Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong.

Hong Kong protests: WION in conversation with HK pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong

The United States urged China to respect Hong Kong's autonomy, warning that its proposed national security law for the city would be "highly destabilising" and face global opposition.

US law calls for sanctions if HK's autonomy is violated

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Hong Kong's freedom and democracy under threat: Taiwan comes in HK's support

China is preparing to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong, in a show of legal force that threatens to reignite the territory’s pro-democracy movement

China could override HK Law enforcement

China's proposed national security legislation for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.

Beijing is set to impose the new law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong.

The new security law has drawn a rebuke from foreign governments, human rights groups and some business lobbies.

"It looks like, with this national security law, they're going to basically take over Hong Kong," O'Brien said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"And if they do ... Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo will likely be unable to certify that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy and if that happens there will be sanctions that will be imposed on Hong Kong and China," he said.

On Sunday, Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong in defiance of China's controversial national security law. Police declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/tear-gas-fired-at-hong-kong-security-law-protestors-300772">Also read | Tear gas fired at Hong Kong security law protestors</a>

China, also, has dismissed foreign complaints as "meddling," and said the proposed laws will not harm Hong Kong's autonomy or investors.

US government officials have said the legislation would end the Chinese-ruled city's autonomy and would be bad for both Hong Kong's and China's economies. They said it could jeopardise the territory's special status in US law, which has helped it maintain its position as a global financial centre.

"It's hard to see how Hong Kong could remain the Asian financial center that it's become if China takes over," O'Brien said.&nbsp;

Global corporations would have no reason to remain, he said.

"One reason that they came to Hong Kong is because there was the rule of law, there was a free enterprise system, there was a capitalist system, there was democracy and local legislative elections," O'Brien said. "If all those things go away, I'm not sure how the financial community can stay there."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-the-new-national-security-law-china-is-set-to-impose-on-hong-kong-300437">Also read | Decoding the new national security law China is set to impose on Hong Kong</a>

China's proposed national security legislation for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday. Beijing is set to impose the new law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

China's proposed national security legislation for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday. Beijing is set to impose the new law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997. The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong. The new security law has drawn a rebuke from foreign governments, human rights groups and some business lobbies. "It looks like, with this national security law, they're going to basically take over Hong Kong," O'Brien said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "And if they do ... Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo will likely be unable to certify that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy and if that happens there will be sanctions that will be imposed on Hong Kong and China," he said. On Sunday, Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong in defiance of China's controversial national security law. Police declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them. Also read | Tear gas fired at Hong Kong security law protestors China, also, has dismissed foreign complaints as "meddling," and said the proposed laws will not harm Hong Kong's autonomy or investors. US government officials have said the legislation would end the Chinese-ruled city's autonomy and would be bad for both Hong Kong's and China's economies. They said it could jeopardise the territory's special status in US law, which has helped it maintain its position as a global financial centre. "It's hard to see how Hong Kong could remain the Asian financial center that it's become if China takes over," O'Brien said. Global corporations would have no reason to remain, he said. "One reason that they came to Hong Kong is because there was the rule of law, there was a free enterprise system, there was a capitalist system, there was democracy and local legislative elections," O'Brien said. "If all those things go away, I'm not sure how the financial community can stay there." Also read | Decoding the new national security law China is set to impose on Hong Kong

China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House

Hundreds of people protested in Hong Kong on Sunday against Beijing’s controversial new plan to directly impose national security laws on the city, where a tight police presence guarded China's representative office in the financial hub.

Mass protests in Hong Kong against new security law

Hong Kong's one Country, two system in danger; Mass protests erupts

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