Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police&nbsp;detained prominent democracy activist Chow Hang-tung on Friday morning, with authorities determined to prevent any protests on the anniversary of Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown.

Four people identified themselves as plainclothes&nbsp;police&nbsp;officers to Chow outside her office building in the city's Central district and said they were arresting her, according to an AFP reporter on the scene.

She was placed in a black saloon car and driven away.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-officials-ramp-up-security-ahead-of-tiananmen-square-anniversary-389234">Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary</a>

A&nbsp;police&nbsp;source told AFP Chow had been arrested under section 17A of the Public Order Ordinance, which covers publicising unlawful assemblies.

Chow, 37, is one of the vice-chairs of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Alliance, the group that organises the huge candlelight vigils in the city's Victoria Park each June 4 to mourn those killed in Beijing's deadly 1989 crackdown on democracy supporters in Tiananmen Square.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-square-massacre-what-really-happened-in-1989-389384">Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989?</a>

This year's vigil has been banned by&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police, who cited the coronavirus pandemic even though the city has not recorded a case of unexplained local transmission in more than a month.

After the ban, the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Alliance said it would not run the vigil.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/organiser-of-annual-tiananmen-square-vigil-in-hong-kong-arrested-on-massacres-32nd-anniversary-389352">Organiser of annual Tiananmen Square vigil in Hong Kong arrested on massacre's 32nd anniversary</a>

Chow, who is works as a lawyer, had previously indicated in press interviews that she planned to go to Victoria Park on Friday night in a personal capacity.

Last year's vigil was also banned on the grounds of the coronavirus. Tens of thousands defied the ban and rallied anyway in the park.&nbsp;

Police&nbsp;later arrested some two dozen democracy figures who attended that rally, some of whom have been given prison sentences, including other members of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Alliance.&nbsp;

Hong Kong police detained prominent democracy activist Chow Hang-tung on Friday morning, with authorities determined to prevent any protests on the anniversary of Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown.

Hong Kong police detained prominent democracy activist Chow Hang-tung on Friday morning, with authorities determined to prevent any protests on the anniversary of Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown. Four people identified themselves as plainclothes police officers to Chow outside her office building in the city's Central district and said they were arresting her, according to an AFP reporter on the scene. She was placed in a black saloon car and driven away. Also Read | Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary A police source told AFP Chow had been arrested under section 17A of the Public Order Ordinance, which covers publicising unlawful assemblies. Chow, 37, is one of the vice-chairs of the Hong Kong Alliance, the group that organises the huge candlelight vigils in the city's Victoria Park each June 4 to mourn those killed in Beijing's deadly 1989 crackdown on democracy supporters in Tiananmen Square. Also Read | Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989? This year's vigil has been banned by Hong Kong police, who cited the coronavirus pandemic even though the city has not recorded a case of unexplained local transmission in more than a month. After the ban, the Hong Kong Alliance said it would not run the vigil. Also Read | Organiser of annual Tiananmen Square vigil in Hong Kong arrested on massacre's 32nd anniversary Chow, who is works as a lawyer, had previously indicated in press interviews that she planned to go to Victoria Park on Friday night in a personal capacity. Last year's vigil was also banned on the grounds of the coronavirus. Tens of thousands defied the ban and rallied anyway in the park. Police later arrested some two dozen democracy figures who attended that rally, some of whom have been given prison sentences, including other members of the Hong Kong Alliance.

Hong Kong police detain democracy leader on Tiananmen anniversary

Hong Kong police arrested lawyer and activist Chow Hang Tung for organizing and promoting unauthorized assembly. Authorities had banned the annual vigil to commemorate the victims of the deadly Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Hong Kong activist Chow detained over Tiananmen anniversary vigil

Hong Kong's June 4th Museum, dedicated to commemorating the victims of China's 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, said on Wednesday, it would temporarily close due to a licensing investigation. 
 
The museum said in a statement that officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) entered its premises on Tuesday, claiming it had not obtained a public entertainment venue licence and was potentially in breach of regulations. 
 
FEHD said in a statement its probe was launched after it had received a complaint that the venue operated without a licence. 
 
The museum, opened a decade ago and run by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, said it would seek legal advice, and close until further notice to protect the safety of staff and visitors. 
 
"Facing the current difficult political situation, the Alliance deeply believes that Hong Kongers will not forget June 4," the statement said. 
 
The Alliance "hopes Hong Kongers will continue to be wise, flexible and determined to commemorate June 4 legally, safely, peacefully, rationally in their own way, at a suitable time and place, such that the truth will not be forgotten." 
 
The inspection raises concerns over freedom of speech in Hong Kong, which traditionally holds the largest June 4 vigil in the world to commemorate the crackdown. Mainland China bans commemorations and heavily censors the topic. 
 
After Beijing set the financial hub onto an authoritarian path with its imposition of a sweeping national security law last year, fears have grown that such vigils, which typically draw tens of thousands,&nbsp;would not be allowed any more. 
 
Police have cited coronavirus restrictions to ban the vigil for the second consecutive year this year. Authorities have warned the public that taking part in an unauthorised assembly raises the risk of up to five years in prison, while 'advertising or publicising'&nbsp;illegal rallies may lead to up to 12 months. 
 
Commemorations are particularly awkward for Beijing this year, as the Communist Party celebrates its 100th anniversary. 
 
Asked whether a vigil would violate the security law, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said only that it was important to show respect to the Party. 
 
The museum reopened on Sunday after closing for renovations for several weeks. 
 
The Alliance's chairman Lee Cheuk-Yan is in jail accused of participating in an unauthorised assembly. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's June 4th Museum, dedicated to commemorating the victims of China's 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, said on Wednesday, it would temporarily close due to a licensing investigation.

Hong Kong's June 4th Museum, dedicated to commemorating the victims of China's 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, said on Wednesday, it would temporarily close due to a licensing investigation. The museum said in a statement that officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) entered its premises on Tuesday, claiming it had not obtained a public entertainment venue licence and was potentially in breach of regulations. FEHD said in a statement its probe was launched after it had received a complaint that the venue operated without a licence. The museum, opened a decade ago and run by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, said it would seek legal advice, and close until further notice to protect the safety of staff and visitors. "Facing the current difficult political situation, the Alliance deeply believes that Hong Kongers will not forget June 4," the statement said. The Alliance "hopes Hong Kongers will continue to be wise, flexible and determined to commemorate June 4 legally, safely, peacefully, rationally in their own way, at a suitable time and place, such that the truth will not be forgotten." The inspection raises concerns over freedom of speech in Hong Kong, which traditionally holds the largest June 4 vigil in the world to commemorate the crackdown. Mainland China bans commemorations and heavily censors the topic. After Beijing set the financial hub onto an authoritarian path with its imposition of a sweeping national security law last year, fears have grown that such vigils, which typically draw tens of thousands, would not be allowed any more. Police have cited coronavirus restrictions to ban the vigil for the second consecutive year this year. Authorities have warned the public that taking part in an unauthorised assembly raises the risk of up to five years in prison, while 'advertising or publicising' illegal rallies may lead to up to 12 months. Commemorations are particularly awkward for Beijing this year, as the Communist Party celebrates its 100th anniversary. Asked whether a vigil would violate the security law, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said only that it was important to show respect to the Party. The museum reopened on Sunday after closing for renovations for several weeks. The Alliance's chairman Lee Cheuk-Yan is in jail accused of participating in an unauthorised assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's June 4th museum temporarily closes over licensing probe

China has reacted sharply to statements by Australia and New Zealand where they express grave concern over developments in Hong Kong and the Human Rights situation in Xinjiang.

China rejects Australia, New Zealand concerns about Human Rights

Beijing's office that oversees matters in Hong Kong has warned of threats made to a judge, who sentenced media tycoon Jimmy Lai and other democracy activists for their roles in an unauthorised assembly on October&nbsp;1, 2019. 
 
A representative for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) said the presiding judge had received threatening phone calls, which the office said would not be tolerated. 
 
"This is a serious threat to the personal safety of judges, a flagrant challenge to the judicial system in Hong Kong and a gross violation of the rule of law and order in Hong Kong," Xinhua quoted a statement by HKMAO as saying late on Sunday. 
 
The statement followed one by Hong Kong's Department of Justice late on Friday that said a judge had been intimidated, without providing details. 
 
On Friday, judge Amanda Woodcock sentenced Lai, an ardent critic of Beijing, to 14 months in jail, and nine others to up to 18 months for their roles in the rally. 
 
Hong Kong arrested more than 10,000 people over anti-government protests in 2019, and some of those cases are now making their way through the court system. 
 
The unrest led Beijing to impose a contentious national security law on its freest city in June 2020, and more than 100 people have been arrested under the law so far, including Lai. 
 
The law punishes what Beijing broadly defines as secession, sedition, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail. 
 
Forty-seven democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion are set to appear in court on Monday, in a case that has drawn criticism from Western governments and international rights groups. 
 
Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with a guarantee of a high degree of autonomy until 2047. Critics say authorities are chipping away at those freedoms, an assertion officials in Hong Kong and Beijing reject. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Beijing's office that oversees matters in Hong Kong has warned of threats made to a judge, who sentenced media tycoon Jimmy Lai and other democracy activists for their roles in an unauthorised assembly on October 1, 2019.

Beijing's office that oversees matters in Hong Kong has warned of threats made to a judge, who sentenced media tycoon Jimmy Lai and other democracy activists for their roles in an unauthorised assembly on October 1, 2019. A representative for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) said the presiding judge had received threatening phone calls, which the office said would not be tolerated. "This is a serious threat to the personal safety of judges, a flagrant challenge to the judicial system in Hong Kong and a gross violation of the rule of law and order in Hong Kong," Xinhua quoted a statement by HKMAO as saying late on Sunday. The statement followed one by Hong Kong's Department of Justice late on Friday that said a judge had been intimidated, without providing details. On Friday, judge Amanda Woodcock sentenced Lai, an ardent critic of Beijing, to 14 months in jail, and nine others to up to 18 months for their roles in the rally. Hong Kong arrested more than 10,000 people over anti-government protests in 2019, and some of those cases are now making their way through the court system. The unrest led Beijing to impose a contentious national security law on its freest city in June 2020, and more than 100 people have been arrested under the law so far, including Lai. The law punishes what Beijing broadly defines as secession, sedition, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail. Forty-seven democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion are set to appear in court on Monday, in a case that has drawn criticism from Western governments and international rights groups. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with a guarantee of a high degree of autonomy until 2047. Critics say authorities are chipping away at those freedoms, an assertion officials in Hong Kong and Beijing reject. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing's Hong Kong office slams intimidation of judge in tycoon Jimmy Lai's case

The 47 Hong Kong democratic opposition figures charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, most of whom have been kept in custody for the past three months, are due to appear in court again on Monday in a widely monitored national security case. 
 
They were arrested on charges of participating in an unofficial, non-binding and independently organised primary vote last year to select candidates for a since-postponed city election, which authorities say was a 'vicious plot' to subvert the government. 
 
The defendants, most of whom were denied bail, are expected in West Kowloon Court at 2:30 pm&nbsp;(0630 GMT) before judge Victor So. Activist Jerry Yuen was among a few dozen people queuing up in the morning for a seat. 
 
"I want to tell my friends among the 47 that they don’t need to worry, as many are determined to fight on," he said. 
 
The charges against the activists, many of whom have announced their retirement from politics, are the most sweeping use yet of the national security law and are punishable with up to life in prison. 
 
Diplomats and rights groups are closely watching the case amid mounting concerns over the independence of the former British colony's judicial system, that is seen as the foundation on which its financial prowess was built. 
 
Marathon bail hearings in March lasted four days and dragged late into the night, causing several defendants to fall ill and seek hospital treatment. Most of the subsequent appeals for bail have been denied. 
 
On Friday, High Court Judge Esther Toh denied former lawmaker Claudia Mo's bail application, citing, among other reasons, her WhatsApp messages with foreign journalists, commenting on news. 
 
In denying bail in mid-March to Jeremy Tam, another former lawmaker, Toh cited an email he received from the US&nbsp;Consulate where he was invited to 'catch up'.&nbsp;His lawyers said he never replied. 
 
The security law sets a high threshold for defendants seeking bail to demonstrate they would not break the law, a departure from common law practice, which puts the onus on prosecutors to make their case for detention as an exception. 
 
The protracted hearings and the reasons for rejecting bail have stunned diplomats and rights groups, who see it as a dramatic display of the Chinese-ruled city's authoritarian turn. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The 47 Hong Kong democratic opposition figures charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, most of whom have been kept in custody for the past three months, are due to appear in court again on Monday in a widely monitored national security case.

The 47 Hong Kong democratic opposition figures charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, most of whom have been kept in custody for the past three months, are due to appear in court again on Monday in a widely monitored national security case. They were arrested on charges of participating in an unofficial, non-binding and independently organised primary vote last year to select candidates for a since-postponed city election, which authorities say was a 'vicious plot' to subvert the government. The defendants, most of whom were denied bail, are expected in West Kowloon Court at 2:30 pm (0630 GMT) before judge Victor So. Activist Jerry Yuen was among a few dozen people queuing up in the morning for a seat. "I want to tell my friends among the 47 that they don’t need to worry, as many are determined to fight on," he said. The charges against the activists, many of whom have announced their retirement from politics, are the most sweeping use yet of the national security law and are punishable with up to life in prison. Diplomats and rights groups are closely watching the case amid mounting concerns over the independence of the former British colony's judicial system, that is seen as the foundation on which its financial prowess was built. Marathon bail hearings in March lasted four days and dragged late into the night, causing several defendants to fall ill and seek hospital treatment. Most of the subsequent appeals for bail have been denied. On Friday, High Court Judge Esther Toh denied former lawmaker Claudia Mo's bail application, citing, among other reasons, her WhatsApp messages with foreign journalists, commenting on news. In denying bail in mid-March to Jeremy Tam, another former lawmaker, Toh cited an email he received from the US Consulate where he was invited to 'catch up'. His lawyers said he never replied. The security law sets a high threshold for defendants seeking bail to demonstrate they would not break the law, a departure from common law practice, which puts the onus on prosecutors to make their case for detention as an exception. The protracted hearings and the reasons for rejecting bail have stunned diplomats and rights groups, who see it as a dramatic display of the Chinese-ruled city's authoritarian turn. (With inputs from agencies)

47 HK activists back in court on subversion charges after bail hearings ordeal

Ten pro-democracy activists were sentenced in Hong Kong on Friday to prison terms ranging from 14 months to 18 months over a 2019 protest, the latest in a series of tough punishments that have put much of the Chinese territory’s opposition camp behind bars, with many more awaiting trial.

All of them pleaded guilty this month to organising the protest, which had been banned by the police and took place Oct. 1, China’s National Day. As they led a march on Hong Kong Island, clashes broke out across the city in some of the worst protest violence that year.

Some of those sentenced Friday, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, labor leader Lee Cheuk-yan and activist Leung Kwok-hung, who is better known as Long Hair, had already been imprisoned after earlier protest convictions. Two of the sentences, given to politicians Sin Chung-kai and Richard Tsoi, were suspended for two years.

Fernando Cheung, a pro-democracy former lawmaker, said Friday that “such severe punishments” sent a message of deterrence to the people of Hong Kong days before an annual June 4 vigil to honour the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. On Thursday, Hong Kong police blocked the event for the second year in a row, citing the coronavirus pandemic.

Also Friday, Hong Kong’s High Court issued an explanation for why it had denied bail to Claudia Mo, a moderate former lawmaker who is among 47 pro-democracy activists charged under a draconian new national security law. Judge Esther Toh cited, among other reasons, “accusations of desperation and loss of human rights and freedom” that Mo had made in interviews and WhatsApp conversations with journalists from international news organizations, including The New York Times.

Activists, academics and others are increasingly wary of speaking to the foreign news media in Hong Kong, where press freedom is enshrined in the local constitution but under growing threat.

The array of cases against Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists is part of a broad campaign by the Chinese government to subdue political opposition and constrain the dissent that fuelled vast street protests in 2019.

Authorities have been aided in their crackdown by both the security law and more assertive use of what was already on the books.

What is the national security law?

The security law, which Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in June 2020, targets terrorism, subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces. Its sweeping language, much of which has yet to be tested in courts, gives the authorities new powers to block websites, freeze assets, carry out searches without warrants, dispense with jury trials and hold defendants without bail.

It also allows for defendants in some cases to be tried under mainland law in courts controlled by the ruling Communist Party.

The law has prompted people to seek asylum in Australia, Canada, the United States and elsewhere, and raised fears for the future of Hong Kong’s schools, judicial system and even artistic expression.

Who has been arrested?

More than 10,200 people have been arrested in connection with the anti-government protests, the Hong Kong Department of Justice said in April. Of those, more than 2,500 have been prosecuted and more than 600 convicted on charges including unlawful assembly, arson, rioting, possession of offensive weapons, assaulting a police officer and desecrating the Chinese national flag.

Separately, more than 100 people have been arrested under the security law or by the local police unit that was set up last summer to enforce it. Of those, 57 have been charged, John Lee, the security secretary, said last week.

Along with thousands of ordinary citizens as young as 12, the arrests have swept up some of the city’s most prominent pro-democracy figures, including young activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, Lai, 73, and Martin Lee, 82, a former lawmaker who is known as Hong Kong’s “father of democracy.”

But they have also extended all the way down to district councillors, elected officials who handle neighbourhood-level issues like garbage collection. The District Councils, which have been dominated by the opposition since a landslide election victory in November 2019, are seen as the last formal foothold of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement after all of its supporters in the legislature resigned in protest late last year.

How are the national security cases different?

National security charges can carry life sentences, depending on how serious the courts find the cases to be. The high threshold for bail means that most of those who have been charged are likely to spend months if not years in jail before they go to trial.

The largest set of national security arrests took place in January, when 55 pro-democracy politicians and activists were detained, many in early-morning raids. They had organised or participated in an informal primary election in July in which more than 600,000 people chose pro-democracy candidates to run in the city’s legislative election two months later. That election was postponed by the Hong Kong government soon after the primary and is now scheduled for Dec. 19, by which time new electoral restrictions will be in place.

Of the 55 people arrested, 47 were formally charged in February with conspiracy to commit subversion, a violation of the security law. Prosecutors said the pro-democracy bloc planned to win a majority in the legislature and then “indiscriminately” veto the government budget as a way to force Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, to resign. Thirty-six of the 47 defendants were denied bail in four days of marathon hearings during which several were hospitalised with exhaustion.

Those charged cover a wide political spectrum, from Leung, an avowed radical, to moderate democrats like barrister Alvin Yeung. Their unifying belief was a desire for universal suffrage in a city where democracy has long been hobbled.

Other national security arrests have included four young activists who were former members of a pro-independence group; Lai, his two sons and several employees of his company, Next Digital; and 11 people suspected of aiding a group of activists who tried to flee to Taiwan by boat last year while facing charges related to the 2019 protests.

Here are some of the cases to watch.

Lai, who was sentenced to 14 months Friday over the Oct. 1 protest, bringing his total prison term to 20 months, still faces additional cases including fraud, aiding an escape attempt and national security charges of collusion with foreign forces. He is also one of 24 activists charged with taking part last year in the banned Tiananmen vigil. Four of the activists charged, including Wong, were sentenced this month to between four and 10 months in prison.

Nine of the 12 activists who tried to escape to Taiwan have been charged in Hong Kong with “perverting the course of justice.” They were detained in mainland China for months after being caught at sea by authorities. Depending on which court they are tried in, they could face up to life imprisonment if convicted.

Trials under the security law are set to begin June 23 with Tong Ying-kit, 24, who prosecutors say collided with police officers while riding a motorcycle with a Hong Kong liberation flag on the back. He was among 10 protesters arrested on suspicion of violating the security law on July 1, the first day it was in effect and the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Tong, who has been in custody since shortly after his arrest, is accused of terrorism and inciting secession. His bid for a jury trial was rejected.

How has the rest of the world responded?

The United States, Britain and other nations have criticised the security law and China’s growing clampdown on Hong Kong. Some countries have dropped extradition agreements with Hong Kong and made it easier for people from the city to emigrate or seek asylum. The United States has also imposed sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials who have led the crackdown.

The Chinese government has rejected criticism of its policies in Hong Kong, framing it as interference in its internal affairs and a tool to increase pressure at a time of growing tension between China and the West.

Ten pro-democracy activists were sentenced in Hong Kong on Friday to prison terms ranging from 14 months to 18 months over a 2019 protest, the latest in a series of tough punishments that have put much of the Chinese territory’s opposition camp behind bars, with many more awaiting trial.

Ten pro-democracy activists were sentenced in Hong Kong on Friday to prison terms ranging from 14 months to 18 months over a 2019 protest, the latest in a series of tough punishments that have put much of the Chinese territory’s opposition camp behind bars, with many more awaiting trial. All of them pleaded guilty this month to organising the protest, which had been banned by the police and took place Oct. 1, China’s National Day. As they led a march on Hong Kong Island, clashes broke out across the city in some of the worst protest violence that year. Some of those sentenced Friday, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, labor leader Lee Cheuk-yan and activist Leung Kwok-hung, who is better known as Long Hair, had already been imprisoned after earlier protest convictions. Two of the sentences, given to politicians Sin Chung-kai and Richard Tsoi, were suspended for two years. Fernando Cheung, a pro-democracy former lawmaker, said Friday that “such severe punishments” sent a message of deterrence to the people of Hong Kong days before an annual June 4 vigil to honour the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. On Thursday, Hong Kong police blocked the event for the second year in a row, citing the coronavirus pandemic. Also Friday, Hong Kong’s High Court issued an explanation for why it had denied bail to Claudia Mo, a moderate former lawmaker who is among 47 pro-democracy activists charged under a draconian new national security law. Judge Esther Toh cited, among other reasons, “accusations of desperation and loss of human rights and freedom” that Mo had made in interviews and WhatsApp conversations with journalists from international news organizations, including The New York Times. Activists, academics and others are increasingly wary of speaking to the foreign news media in Hong Kong, where press freedom is enshrined in the local constitution but under growing threat. The array of cases against Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists is part of a broad campaign by the Chinese government to subdue political opposition and constrain the dissent that fuelled vast street protests in 2019. Authorities have been aided in their crackdown by both the security law and more assertive use of what was already on the books. What is the national security law? The security law, which Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in June 2020, targets terrorism, subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces. Its sweeping language, much of which has yet to be tested in courts, gives the authorities new powers to block websites, freeze assets, carry out searches without warrants, dispense with jury trials and hold defendants without bail. It also allows for defendants in some cases to be tried under mainland law in courts controlled by the ruling Communist Party. The law has prompted people to seek asylum in Australia, Canada, the United States and elsewhere, and raised fears for the future of Hong Kong’s schools, judicial system and even artistic expression. Who has been arrested? More than 10,200 people have been arrested in connection with the anti-government protests, the Hong Kong Department of Justice said in April. Of those, more than 2,500 have been prosecuted and more than 600 convicted on charges including unlawful assembly, arson, rioting, possession of offensive weapons, assaulting a police officer and desecrating the Chinese national flag. Separately, more than 100 people have been arrested under the security law or by the local police unit that was set up last summer to enforce it. Of those, 57 have been charged, John Lee, the security secretary, said last week. Along with thousands of ordinary citizens as young as 12, the arrests have swept up some of the city’s most prominent pro-democracy figures, including young activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, Lai, 73, and Martin Lee, 82, a former lawmaker who is known as Hong Kong’s “father of democracy.” But they have also extended all the way down to district councillors, elected officials who handle neighbourhood-level issues like garbage collection. The District Councils, which have been dominated by the opposition since a landslide election victory in November 2019, are seen as the last formal foothold of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement after all of its supporters in the legislature resigned in protest late last year. How are the national security cases different? National security charges can carry life sentences, depending on how serious the courts find the cases to be. The high threshold for bail means that most of those who have been charged are likely to spend months if not years in jail before they go to trial. The largest set of national security arrests took place in January, when 55 pro-democracy politicians and activists were detained, many in early-morning raids. They had organised or participated in an informal primary election in July in which more than 600,000 people chose pro-democracy candidates to run in the city’s legislative election two months later. That election was postponed by the Hong Kong government soon after the primary and is now scheduled for Dec. 19, by which time new electoral restrictions will be in place. Of the 55 people arrested, 47 were formally charged in February with conspiracy to commit subversion, a violation of the security law. Prosecutors said the pro-democracy bloc planned to win a majority in the legislature and then “indiscriminately” veto the government budget as a way to force Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, to resign. Thirty-six of the 47 defendants were denied bail in four days of marathon hearings during which several were hospitalised with exhaustion. Those charged cover a wide political spectrum, from Leung, an avowed radical, to moderate democrats like barrister Alvin Yeung. Their unifying belief was a desire for universal suffrage in a city where democracy has long been hobbled. Other national security arrests have included four young activists who were former members of a pro-independence group; Lai, his two sons and several employees of his company, Next Digital; and 11 people suspected of aiding a group of activists who tried to flee to Taiwan by boat last year while facing charges related to the 2019 protests. Here are some of the cases to watch. Lai, who was sentenced to 14 months Friday over the Oct. 1 protest, bringing his total prison term to 20 months, still faces additional cases including fraud, aiding an escape attempt and national security charges of collusion with foreign forces. He is also one of 24 activists charged with taking part last year in the banned Tiananmen vigil. Four of the activists charged, including Wong, were sentenced this month to between four and 10 months in prison. Nine of the 12 activists who tried to escape to Taiwan have been charged in Hong Kong with “perverting the course of justice.” They were detained in mainland China for months after being caught at sea by authorities. Depending on which court they are tried in, they could face up to life imprisonment if convicted. Trials under the security law are set to begin June 23 with Tong Ying-kit, 24, who prosecutors say collided with police officers while riding a motorcycle with a Hong Kong liberation flag on the back. He was among 10 protesters arrested on suspicion of violating the security law on July 1, the first day it was in effect and the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Tong, who has been in custody since shortly after his arrest, is accused of terrorism and inciting secession. His bid for a jury trial was rejected. How has the rest of the world responded? The United States, Britain and other nations have criticised the security law and China’s growing clampdown on Hong Kong. Some countries have dropped extradition agreements with Hong Kong and made it easier for people from the city to emigrate or seek asylum. The United States has also imposed sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials who have led the crackdown. The Chinese government has rejected criticism of its policies in Hong Kong, framing it as interference in its internal affairs and a tool to increase pressure at a time of growing tension between China and the West.

From protester to prisoner: How Hong Kong is stifling dissent

Organisers of an annual vigil to commemorate the Chinese Communist government's bloody crackdown on student-led pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989 said on Saturday, they had lost an appeal to hold this year's rally.&nbsp;

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China planned to hold a candlelight vigil in Victoria Park next Friday.&nbsp;

This marks the second year that Hong Kong police have banned the vigil, citing coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

“We have to apologise to the public. Hong Kong Alliance can no longer organise the candlelight vigil this year in a lawful manner. We will stop promoting the vigil, said Richard Tsoi of the alliance to the press.&nbsp;

“On that day, we won’t, as an organisation and members of Hong Kong Alliance, appear and join.”&nbsp;

Tsoi said he believed Hong Kong people would still commemorate the June 4 crackdown on pro-democracy activists in a peaceful manner.&nbsp;

Samuel Chu, who runs the Hong Kong Democracy Council in Washington, retweeted an image of Tsoi making his statement, writing, “We will light a candle for you and all of Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's Security Bureau issued a statement warning people not to take part in illegal assemblies or violate the national security law imposed on the territory by Beijing.&nbsp;

Liauw Ka-kei, senior superintendent of the Hong Kong Island Region, told a news conference that the police welcomed the appeal board decision, also urging the public not to participate in or publicise any unauthorised assembly.&nbsp;

“Police have reasonable grounds to believe that the activities not only include the risk of infecting COVID-19 by participants and other people but also pose a serious threat to the life and health of all citizens, jeopardising public safety, and affecting the rights of others,” he said.&nbsp;

Liauw said the police would adopt a zero-tolerance approach and take resolute action against anyone who violated the law.&nbsp;

The security law combined with coronavirus restrictions have cleared the city's streets of protesters after anti-government demonstrations plunged the financial hub into turmoil in 2019. &nbsp;

Organisers of an annual vigil to commemorate the Chinese Communist government's bloody crackdown on student-led pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989 said on Saturday, they had lost an appeal to hold this year's rally.

Organisers of an annual vigil to commemorate the Chinese Communist government's bloody crackdown on student-led pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989 said on Saturday, they had lost an appeal to hold this year's rally. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China planned to hold a candlelight vigil in Victoria Park next Friday. This marks the second year that Hong Kong police have banned the vigil, citing coronavirus restrictions. “We have to apologise to the public. Hong Kong Alliance can no longer organise the candlelight vigil this year in a lawful manner. We will stop promoting the vigil, said Richard Tsoi of the alliance to the press. “On that day, we won’t, as an organisation and members of Hong Kong Alliance, appear and join.” Tsoi said he believed Hong Kong people would still commemorate the June 4 crackdown on pro-democracy activists in a peaceful manner. Samuel Chu, who runs the Hong Kong Democracy Council in Washington, retweeted an image of Tsoi making his statement, writing, “We will light a candle for you and all of Hong Kong. Hong Kong's Security Bureau issued a statement warning people not to take part in illegal assemblies or violate the national security law imposed on the territory by Beijing. Liauw Ka-kei, senior superintendent of the Hong Kong Island Region, told a news conference that the police welcomed the appeal board decision, also urging the public not to participate in or publicise any unauthorised assembly. “Police have reasonable grounds to believe that the activities not only include the risk of infecting COVID-19 by participants and other people but also pose a serious threat to the life and health of all citizens, jeopardising public safety, and affecting the rights of others,” he said. Liauw said the police would adopt a zero-tolerance approach and take resolute action against anyone who violated the law. The security law combined with coronavirus restrictions have cleared the city's streets of protesters after anti-government demonstrations plunged the financial hub into turmoil in 2019.

Hong Kong organisers lose appeal to hold Tiananmen vigil 

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has been handed a new prison sentence, along with seven other activists for attending protests on the 70th anniversary of the founding of communist China that were followed by a sweeping crackdown.

Hong Kong: Tycoon Jimmy Lai and seven other activists handed new jail sentence over protests

In a decisive move to claim Beijing's authority over the autonomous city, the Hong Kong legislature on Thursday approved the biggest change of its political system in the quarter century since British rule.

Hong Kong legislature approves 'controversial' pro-China electoral law

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai&nbsp;was on Friday&nbsp;handed a new prison sentence, along with seven other activists.

Lai has been in jail for the past few weeks for attending pro-democracy protests in which anti-China messages were chanted. He has been given a revised jail sentence of 14 months after he plead guilty to organising and attending protests, which have been classified as'‘unlawful assembly'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-legislature-approves-controversial-pro-china-electoral-law-387918">WATCH |</a>

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Combining the two sentences, Lai will now serve 20 months behind bars. This has attracted criticism from international organisations who believe this is a way to silence free speech and democratic voices.

Along with Jimmy Lai, seven other activists were handed new jail sentences. They included 25-year-old youth campaigner Figo Chan and former lawmakers Lee Cheuk-yan and Leung Kwok-hung.

While the rallies and demonstrations had largely remained non-violent, authorities believe the mere notion of planning an unlawful gathering was enough to put the attendees behind bars.

“It was naive to believe a rallying call for peaceful and rational behaviour would be enough to ensure no violence,” district judge Amanda Woodcock said.

All the activists have been charged for ‘unlawful gathering’ at a time when Xi Jinping was celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of communist China.

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was on Friday handed a new prison sentence, along with seven other activists. Lai has been in jail for the past few weeks for attending pro-democracy protests in which anti-China messages were chanted.

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was on Friday handed a new prison sentence, along with seven other activists. Lai has been in jail for the past few weeks for attending pro-democracy protests in which anti-China messages were chanted. He has been given a revised jail sentence of 14 months after he plead guilty to organising and attending protests, which have been classified as'‘unlawful assembly'. WATCH | Combining the two sentences, Lai will now serve 20 months behind bars. This has attracted criticism from international organisations who believe this is a way to silence free speech and democratic voices. Along with Jimmy Lai, seven other activists were handed new jail sentences. They included 25-year-old youth campaigner Figo Chan and former lawmakers Lee Cheuk-yan and Leung Kwok-hung. While the rallies and demonstrations had largely remained non-violent, authorities believe the mere notion of planning an unlawful gathering was enough to put the attendees behind bars. “It was naive to believe a rallying call for peaceful and rational behaviour would be enough to ensure no violence,” district judge Amanda Woodcock said. All the activists have been charged for ‘unlawful gathering’ at a time when Xi Jinping was celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of communist China.

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai and seven other activists handed new prison sentences

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said the Chinese government is continuing to undermine democratic institutions in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and called on People's Republic of China and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;authorities to release and drop charges against all people charged under the national security law.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-approve-beijing-drafted-curbs-on-elections-387507">Hong Kong to approve Beijing-drafted curbs on elections</a>

Blinken in a statement said that measures passed by the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Legislative Council on Thursday "severely constrains people in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;from meaningfully participating in their own governance and having their voices heard."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said the Chinese government is continuing to undermine democratic institutions in Hong Kong and called on People's Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities to release and drop charges against all people charged under the national security law.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said the Chinese government is continuing to undermine democratic institutions in Hong Kong and called on People's Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities to release and drop charges against all people charged under the national security law. Also Read | Hong Kong to approve Beijing-drafted curbs on elections Blinken in a statement said that measures passed by the Hong Kong Legislative Council on Thursday "severely constrains people in Hong Kong from meaningfully participating in their own governance and having their voices heard."

Blinken says Chinese government continues to undermine Hong Kong democratic institutions

Hong&nbsp;Kong's legislature approved the biggest overhaul of its political system in the quarter-century since British rule on Thursday, in a decisive step to assert Beijing's authority over the autonomous city.

The move was quickly denounced by the United States, which accused China of undermining&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's democratic institutions and said decreasing the electoral representation of residents of the territory would not foster long-term stability.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-approve-beijing-drafted-curbs-on-elections-387507">Hong Kong to approve Beijing-drafted curbs on elections</a>

The changes will reduce the proportion of seats in the legislature that are filled by direct elections from half to less than a quarter. A new body will vet candidates and bar those deemed insufficiently patriotic towards China from standing.

"These 600-or-so pages of the legislation come down to just a few words: patriots ruling&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong," said Peter Shiu, a pro-Beijing lawmaker.

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Most of the changes were announced by China in March, though&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;authorities later contributed further details, such as redrawing constituency boundaries and criminalising calls for ballots to be left blank.

The measures were passed with 40 votes in favour and two against. The pro-Beijing government has faced no opposition in the legislature since last year, when China disqualified some pro-democracy lawmakers and others resigned in protest.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-expresses-concern-over-hong-kongs-exit-ban-law-381486">US expresses deep concern over Hong Kong's 'exit ban' law</a>

Chinese authorities have said the electoral shake-up is aimed at getting rid of "loopholes and deficiencies" that threatened national security during anti-government unrest in 2019 and ensure only "patriots" run the city.

The legislature will increase in size to 90 seats from 70. The number of seats filled by direct election will decrease to 20 from 35. Forty seats will be filled by an election committee, which is also responsible for choosing the chief executive.

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The new vetting committee empowered to disqualify candidates will work with national security authorities to ensure those standing are loyal to Beijing.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of continuing to undermine democratic institutions in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and called on Beijing and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;authorities to release and drop charges against everyone charged under the national security law.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislators-pass-patriotic-oath-law-384550">Hong Kong legislators pass 'patriotic' oath law</a>

Blinken said altering the composition of the legislature "severely constrains people in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;from meaningfully participating in their own governance and having their voices heard."

"Decreasing&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong &nbsp;residents’ electoral representation will  not  foster long-term political and social stability for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong," he added.

Elections for the election committee are set for Sept. 19, and for the legislature three months later. The committee will choose a chief executive on March 27, 2022.

Chief executive Carrie Lam has not made clear whether she will seek re-election. In 2019 she faced the largest and most violent anti-government protests since the handover from British rule in 1997, after proposing a bill to allow extraditions to mainland China.

China had promised universal suffrage as an ultimate goal for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;in its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which also states the city has wide-ranging autonomy from Beijing.

Democracy campaigners and Western countries say the political overhaul moves the city in the opposite direction, leaving the democratic opposition with the most limited space it has had since the handover.

Since China imposed a national security law in 2020 to criminalise what it considers subversion, secessionism, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces, most pro-democracy activists and politicians have found themselves ensnared by it or arrested for other reasons.

Hong Kong's legislature approved the biggest overhaul of its political system in the quarter-century since British rule on Thursday, in a decisive step to assert Beijing's authority over the autonomous city.

Hong Kong's legislature approved the biggest overhaul of its political system in the quarter-century since British rule on Thursday, in a decisive step to assert Beijing's authority over the autonomous city. The move was quickly denounced by the United States, which accused China of undermining Hong Kong's democratic institutions and said decreasing the electoral representation of residents of the territory would not foster long-term stability. Also Read | Hong Kong to approve Beijing-drafted curbs on elections The changes will reduce the proportion of seats in the legislature that are filled by direct elections from half to less than a quarter. A new body will vet candidates and bar those deemed insufficiently patriotic towards China from standing. "These 600-or-so pages of the legislation come down to just a few words: patriots ruling Hong Kong," said Peter Shiu, a pro-Beijing lawmaker. Also Read | Hong Kong passes immigration bill empowering govt to ban exit, entry Most of the changes were announced by China in March, though Hong Kong authorities later contributed further details, such as redrawing constituency boundaries and criminalising calls for ballots to be left blank. The measures were passed with 40 votes in favour and two against. The pro-Beijing government has faced no opposition in the legislature since last year, when China disqualified some pro-democracy lawmakers and others resigned in protest. Also Read | US expresses deep concern over Hong Kong's 'exit ban' law Chinese authorities have said the electoral shake-up is aimed at getting rid of "loopholes and deficiencies" that threatened national security during anti-government unrest in 2019 and ensure only "patriots" run the city. The legislature will increase in size to 90 seats from 70. The number of seats filled by direct election will decrease to 20 from 35. Forty seats will be filled by an election committee, which is also responsible for choosing the chief executive. Also Read | Hong Kong: Security law forces activist couple in their 60s to get married The new vetting committee empowered to disqualify candidates will work with national security authorities to ensure those standing are loyal to Beijing. In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of continuing to undermine democratic institutions in Hong Kong and called on Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to release and drop charges against everyone charged under the national security law. Also Read | Hong Kong legislators pass 'patriotic' oath law Blinken said altering the composition of the legislature "severely constrains people in Hong Kong from meaningfully participating in their own governance and having their voices heard." "Decreasing Hong Kong  residents’ electoral representation will  not  foster long-term political and social stability for Hong Kong," he added. Elections for the election committee are set for Sept. 19, and for the legislature three months later. The committee will choose a chief executive on March 27, 2022. Chief executive Carrie Lam has not made clear whether she will seek re-election. In 2019 she faced the largest and most violent anti-government protests since the handover from British rule in 1997, after proposing a bill to allow extraditions to mainland China. China had promised universal suffrage as an ultimate goal for Hong Kong in its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which also states the city has wide-ranging autonomy from Beijing. Democracy campaigners and Western countries say the political overhaul moves the city in the opposite direction, leaving the democratic opposition with the most limited space it has had since the handover. Since China imposed a national security law in 2020 to criminalise what it considers subversion, secessionism, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces, most pro-democracy activists and politicians have found themselves ensnared by it or arrested for other reasons.

Hong Kong passes sweeping pro-China election rules, reduces public's voting power

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police on Thursday banned next month's vigil marking Beijing's deadly Tiananmen Square crackdown, the second year in a row that authorities have refused permission.

The&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Alliance, which has organised the annual vigil for more than three decades, said police cited the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in their refusal.

"We will continue to fight for the right to mourn June 4 lawfully," the alliance said, adding it planned to appeal.&nbsp;

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tiananmen-square-crackdown-amid-coronavirus-is-about-candles-and-online-vigils-303145">Tiananmen Square crackdown amid coronavirus is about candles and online vigils</a>

Security minister John Lee confirmed the ban, saying "anyone who participates in it (the vigil) will violate the law", and warned a sweeping new national security law that Beijing imposed on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;last year could be used against those who defy the ban.

"The national security law clearly states that if anyone organises, plans or carries out any illegal means to damage or overthrow the fundamental system under the Chinese constitution, it would constitute subverting state power," he told reporters.&nbsp;

International rights groups, Western governments and many in Hong Kong say Beijing is shifting the former British colony on to a more authoritarian path since it imposed a national security law on the city last June.

The security law combined with coronavirus restrictions have cleared the city's streets of protesters after anti-government demonstrations plunged the financial hub into turmoil in 2019.

The Tiananmen vigil in Hong Kong was banned last year for the first time in 30 years, with officials citing the curbs on movement to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Life in Hong Kong has largely returned to normal since the outbreak of COVID-19, with schools re-opened, most workers back in offices and restaurants and shopping malls full.

The government has still restricted outdoor gatherings to no more than four people, a move critics say is aimed at preventing any repeat of the 2019 protests.

This year, the anniversary is particularly awkward for Beijing, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party.

When asked if commemorating the victims of Tiananmen would violate the new security law, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said in April it was important to show respect to the Party.

In previous years, tens of thousands have descended on the city's Victoria Park to light candles in a peaceful vigil to remember those who died in the violence in and around Tiananmen Square.

The death toll given by officials days after the crackdown was about 300, most of them soldiers, with only 23 students confirmed killed. China has never provided a full accounting of the violence, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into the thousands.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police on Thursday banned next month's vigil marking Beijing's deadly Tiananmen Square crackdown, the second year in a row that authorities have refused permission.

Hong Kong police on Thursday banned next month's vigil marking Beijing's deadly Tiananmen Square crackdown, the second year in a row that authorities have refused permission. The Hong Kong Alliance, which has organised the annual vigil for more than three decades, said police cited the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in their refusal. "We will continue to fight for the right to mourn June 4 lawfully," the alliance said, adding it planned to appeal. Also see| Tiananmen Square crackdown amid coronavirus is about candles and online vigils Security minister John Lee confirmed the ban, saying "anyone who participates in it (the vigil) will violate the law", and warned a sweeping new national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong last year could be used against those who defy the ban. "The national security law clearly states that if anyone organises, plans or carries out any illegal means to damage or overthrow the fundamental system under the Chinese constitution, it would constitute subverting state power," he told reporters. International rights groups, Western governments and many in Hong Kong say Beijing is shifting the former British colony on to a more authoritarian path since it imposed a national security law on the city last June. The security law combined with coronavirus restrictions have cleared the city's streets of protesters after anti-government demonstrations plunged the financial hub into turmoil in 2019. The Tiananmen vigil in Hong Kong was banned last year for the first time in 30 years, with officials citing the curbs on movement to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Life in Hong Kong has largely returned to normal since the outbreak of COVID-19, with schools re-opened, most workers back in offices and restaurants and shopping malls full. The government has still restricted outdoor gatherings to no more than four people, a move critics say is aimed at preventing any repeat of the 2019 protests. This year, the anniversary is particularly awkward for Beijing, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party. When asked if commemorating the victims of Tiananmen would violate the new security law, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said in April it was important to show respect to the Party. In previous years, tens of thousands have descended on the city's Victoria Park to light candles in a peaceful vigil to remember those who died in the violence in and around Tiananmen Square. The death toll given by officials days after the crackdown was about 300, most of them soldiers, with only 23 students confirmed killed. China has never provided a full accounting of the violence, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into the thousands. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong bans Tiananmen vigil for second year running

Lawmakers in Hong Kong are approving changes to electoral laws on Wednesday to drastically reduce the public's ability to elect lawmakers and increase the number of pro-Beijing lawmakers making decisions for the city.

Once approved, the amendments would mean that the financil hub's national security department will check the backgrounds of potential candidates for public office.

A new committee will be set up to ensure those candidates are "patriotic".

The number of seats in Hong Kong's legislature will be expanded to 90, with 40 of them elected by a largely pro-Beijing election committee.

The number of legislators elected directly by Hong Kong voters will be cut to 20, from the previous 35.

Debate is scheduled before the legislature votes on the bill, but little to no opposition is expected.

The body's members are largely pro-Beijing, after opposition lawmakers resigned en masse last year in protest over the ousting of four fellow members deemed to be insufficiently loyal to Beijing.

The changes to Hong Kong's elections come as Beijing further tightens control over the semi-autonomous city that saw months of anti-government protest and political strife in 2019.

Authorities have arrested and charged most of the city's outspoken pro-democracy advocates, such as Joshua Wong, who was a student leader of 2014 protests, as well as media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who founded the Apple Daily newspaper.

China's rubber-stamp parliament in March endorsed changes to the city's electoral system, which then led to Hong Kong's proposals.

They are the latest in a string of moves to ensure people elected to office or serving the city are loyal to Beijing.

An amendment the legislature approved earlier this month requiring the city's over 400 district councilors who mainly deal with municipal matters to take an oath pledging their loyalty to Hong Kong and to upholding its mini-constitution.

The oath was previously required only of legislators and government officials such as the chief executive.

Lawmakers in Hong Kong are approving changes to electoral laws on Wednesday to drastically reduce the public's ability to elect lawmakers and increase the number of pro-Beijing lawmakers making decisions for the city.

Lawmakers in Hong Kong are approving changes to electoral laws on Wednesday to drastically reduce the public's ability to elect lawmakers and increase the number of pro-Beijing lawmakers making decisions for the city. Once approved, the amendments would mean that the financil hub's national security department will check the backgrounds of potential candidates for public office. A new committee will be set up to ensure those candidates are "patriotic". The number of seats in Hong Kong's legislature will be expanded to 90, with 40 of them elected by a largely pro-Beijing election committee. The number of legislators elected directly by Hong Kong voters will be cut to 20, from the previous 35. Debate is scheduled before the legislature votes on the bill, but little to no opposition is expected. The body's members are largely pro-Beijing, after opposition lawmakers resigned en masse last year in protest over the ousting of four fellow members deemed to be insufficiently loyal to Beijing. The changes to Hong Kong's elections come as Beijing further tightens control over the semi-autonomous city that saw months of anti-government protest and political strife in 2019. Authorities have arrested and charged most of the city's outspoken pro-democracy advocates, such as Joshua Wong, who was a student leader of 2014 protests, as well as media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who founded the Apple Daily newspaper. China's rubber-stamp parliament in March endorsed changes to the city's electoral system, which then led to Hong Kong's proposals. They are the latest in a string of moves to ensure people elected to office or serving the city are loyal to Beijing. An amendment the legislature approved earlier this month requiring the city's over 400 district councilors who mainly deal with municipal matters to take an oath pledging their loyalty to Hong Kong and to upholding its mini-constitution. The oath was previously required only of legislators and government officials such as the chief executive.

Hong Kong to approve Beijing-drafted curbs on elections

An official warned on Tuesday that Hong Kong may soon have to throw away millions of Coronavirus vaccine supplements as they are approaching their expiration date and not enough people have signed up for the jabs.

Hong Kong: Lack of trust in govt fuels vaccine hesitancy, only 19% of population received first dose

The Hong Kong government&nbsp;said on Friday its suspension of operations at its Taiwan representative office was motivated by Taipei's "gross" interference in internal affairs, including with its offer to assist "violent" protesters, accusations Taiwan rejected.

Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and democratically-ruled Taiwan has risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan.

On Tuesday, Hong Kong said it suspended operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan.

A spokesman for the Hong Kong government said in a statement on Friday that "in recent years, Taiwan has grossly interfered in Hong Kong's affairs on repeated occasions and created irretrievable damage" to cross-strait relations.

The statement singled out Taiwan's move last year to open an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave Hong Kong following the imposition of the security law.

It said the office offered assistance to "violent protesters and people who tried to shatter Hong Kong's prosperity and stability" and called Taiwan's actions "provocative."

All staff members of the city's representative office in Taiwan have returned home, the statement said.

Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council said in response that China had forced the security law upon Hong Kong's people, bringing "catastrophe" to democracy and human rights in the city.

Like other democracies, Taiwan has supported Hong Kong's people in their "struggle for democracy and freedom", and the government provides humanitarian care and necessary services to Hong Kong people who come to Taiwan legally, it added.

"The Hong Kong government has misinterpreted this as a provocation by our side. This mentality of contempt for democracy and the rule of law reflects the Hong Kong government's guilty conscience."

Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its "one China" policy.

Taiwan said this month there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year.

China has proposed that Taiwan be brought under Beijing rule under a similar "one country two systems" arrangement it offered to Hong Kong when it returned to China in 1997.

All of Taiwan's main political parties have rejected the idea.

The Hong Kong government said on Friday its suspension of operations at its Taiwan representative office was motivated by Taipei's "gross" interference in internal affairs, including with its offer to assist "violent" protesters, accusations Taiwan rejected.

The Hong Kong government said on Friday its suspension of operations at its Taiwan representative office was motivated by Taipei's "gross" interference in internal affairs, including with its offer to assist "violent" protesters, accusations Taiwan rejected. Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and democratically-ruled Taiwan has risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan. On Tuesday, Hong Kong said it suspended operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan. A spokesman for the Hong Kong government said in a statement on Friday that "in recent years, Taiwan has grossly interfered in Hong Kong's affairs on repeated occasions and created irretrievable damage" to cross-strait relations. The statement singled out Taiwan's move last year to open an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave Hong Kong following the imposition of the security law. It said the office offered assistance to "violent protesters and people who tried to shatter Hong Kong's prosperity and stability" and called Taiwan's actions "provocative." All staff members of the city's representative office in Taiwan have returned home, the statement said. Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council said in response that China had forced the security law upon Hong Kong's people, bringing "catastrophe" to democracy and human rights in the city. Like other democracies, Taiwan has supported Hong Kong's people in their "struggle for democracy and freedom", and the government provides humanitarian care and necessary services to Hong Kong people who come to Taiwan legally, it added. "The Hong Kong government has misinterpreted this as a provocation by our side. This mentality of contempt for democracy and the rule of law reflects the Hong Kong government's guilty conscience." Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its "one China" policy. Taiwan said this month there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year. China has proposed that Taiwan be brought under Beijing rule under a similar "one country two systems" arrangement it offered to Hong Kong when it returned to China in 1997. All of Taiwan's main political parties have rejected the idea.

Hong Kong blames 'gross interference' for Taiwan office closure

First Hong Konger to be charged under China's controversial national security law may be tried without a jury, a senior judge said on Thursday. Tong Ying-kit, a 24-year-old is accused of two crimes that involve him allegedly driving his motorbike into a group of police officers during a protest.

The possibility of his trial without a jury is cementing Hong Kong's changing legal traditions.

Hong Kong's justice secretary opted against using a jury for his upcoming trial, a decision AFP first revealed in February.

Tong challenged that decision at the High Court but lost on Thursday.

In his ruling, High Court judge Alex Lee said before the security law, a jury "was the only mode of trial then available" for such serious crimes.

"However, the same is no longer true after the enactment of the NSL (National Security Law)," he wrote.

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Trial by jury for serious criminal cases has been used by Hong Kong's common law system for 176 years. The city's own judiciary on its website describes the jury system as one of its "most important features"

But the national security law, which was penned in Beijing and imposed on Hong Kong last year, allows for cases to be tried by three specially selected judges.

"Any previous right to jury trial in the Court of First Instance, if existed, shall be abrogated in 'criminal proceedings concerning offences endangering national security'," Lee wrote.

Lower courts in Hong Kong that try less serious crimes also do not have juries, something Lee said showed there was no constitutional right for a jury in all prosecutions.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Hong Konger to be charged under China's controversial national security law may be tried without a jury, a senior judge said on Thursday. Tong Ying-kit, a 24-year-old is accused of two crimes that involve him allegedly driving his motorbike into a group of police officers during a protest.

First Hong Konger to be charged under China's controversial national security law may be tried without a jury, a senior judge said on Thursday. Tong Ying-kit, a 24-year-old is accused of two crimes that involve him allegedly driving his motorbike into a group of police officers during a protest. The possibility of his trial without a jury is cementing Hong Kong's changing legal traditions. Hong Kong's justice secretary opted against using a jury for his upcoming trial, a decision AFP first revealed in February. Tong challenged that decision at the High Court but lost on Thursday. In his ruling, High Court judge Alex Lee said before the security law, a jury "was the only mode of trial then available" for such serious crimes. "However, the same is no longer true after the enactment of the NSL (National Security Law)," he wrote. Also Read | Ageing China boosts private sector role as pensions time bomb ticks Trial by jury for serious criminal cases has been used by Hong Kong's common law system for 176 years. The city's own judiciary on its website describes the jury system as one of its "most important features" But the national security law, which was penned in Beijing and imposed on Hong Kong last year, allows for cases to be tried by three specially selected judges. "Any previous right to jury trial in the Court of First Instance, if existed, shall be abrogated in 'criminal proceedings concerning offences endangering national security'," Lee wrote. Lower courts in Hong Kong that try less serious crimes also do not have juries, something Lee said showed there was no constitutional right for a jury in all prosecutions. (With inputs from agencies)

Trial of first Hong Konger under national security law may not have a jury

Hong Kong government on Tuesday&nbsp;suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims.&nbsp;

Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and Taiwan have risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan.&nbsp;

A Hong Kong government representative did not provide an explanation for the decision to halt operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan.&nbsp;

"The suspension is not related to the pandemic situation in Taiwan. We do not have anything further to add," the representative said in a statement.&nbsp;

Taiwan's government said that while it respected the decision, it also regretted it.&nbsp;

"We express deep regret at today's unilateral decision by the Hong Kong government," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement.&nbsp;

Taiwan has criticised the security law that Beijing imposed in Hong Kong and opened an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave.&nbsp;

In August last year, China intercepted a boat carrying 12 people from Hong Kong, who had all faced charges related to the anti-government protests, and were apparently looking to escape to Taiwan.&nbsp;

Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said this month, there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the suspension in operations meant requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Taiwan would be handled through hotlines and via a Hong Kong government website.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hong Kong government on Tuesday suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims.

Hong Kong government on Tuesday suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims. Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and Taiwan have risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan. A Hong Kong government representative did not provide an explanation for the decision to halt operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan. "The suspension is not related to the pandemic situation in Taiwan. We do not have anything further to add," the representative said in a statement. Taiwan's government said that while it respected the decision, it also regretted it. "We express deep regret at today's unilateral decision by the Hong Kong government," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement. Taiwan has criticised the security law that Beijing imposed in Hong Kong and opened an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave. In August last year, China intercepted a boat carrying 12 people from Hong Kong, who had all faced charges related to the anti-government protests, and were apparently looking to escape to Taiwan. Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said this month, there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year. Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the suspension in operations meant requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Taiwan would be handled through hotlines and via a Hong Kong government website. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong suspends operations at representative office in Taiwan as tensions rise 

The freezing of HKD 500 million of Jimmy Lai`s assets has nothing to do with press freedom, claimed Hong Kong administration after the city journalists association chided the latest action against the jailed media tycoon.

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange temporarily suspended trading of shares belonging to jailed media tycoon Lai`s Next Digital before the market opening on Monday, two days after the Security Bureau froze nearly HKD 500 million of his assets. Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu refused to go into details about the frozen assets, saying the government would make use of all legal measures to prevent and suppress any activities that endangered national security, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.

"Any activities that contravene the law, then the individuals or the related organisation will have to face the full force of the law," Lee said. "It is the illegal activities that we are dealing with, it is not press work."

The temporary suspension was revealed just before Lai, who is facing charges under the draconian Beijing-imposed national security law, arrived at court to face unauthorised assembly charges relating to a 2019 anti-government protest, according to SCMP.

The trading in Next Digital shares was `temporarily suspended` from 9 am, as per the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing website. Lai holds 71.26 per cent of shares in the company, which publishes local tabloid-style newspaper Apple Daily.Hong Kong authorities had earlier frozen nearly HKD 500 million of imprisoned Lai`s assets under the national security law.Issuing a statement on Friday night, the Hong Kong government announced that the secretary for security had ordered Lai`s shares in the Next Digital media company to be frozen, along with assets in the local bank accounts of three companies he owned, reported SCMP.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association chairman Chris Yeung Kin-hing questioned whether political factors were involved. "We are deeply concerned that the government`s decision [to freeze Lai`s assets] comes just around the same time that the police commissioner has repeatedly criticised Apple Daily`s news coverage, claiming it to be publishing fake news and inciting hatred," they said.This comes after Lai was sentenced by a Hong Kong court to 14 months in prison on Friday over an illegal assembly in August 2019.

Lai and some other protestors of the Hong Kong riots were convicted earlier by the local court for organising and participating in an unauthorised assembly on August 18, 2019, in Hong Kong.Subversion was made a criminally punishable offence in Hong Kong last year under the Beijing-drafted national security law.

According to Beijing, the legislation criminalises activities related to terrorism, separatism, subversion of state power and collusion with foreign forces, while local pro-democracy activists and certain Western nations claim that the law undermines Hong Kong`s civil liberties and democratic freedoms.Beijing was perturbed by violent anti-government protests in 2019 and has imposed the national security law to take action against those who protested against the government.&nbsp;

The freezing of HKD 500 million of Jimmy Lai`s assets has nothing to do with press freedom, claimed Hong Kong administration after the city journalists association chided the latest action against the jailed media tycoon.

The freezing of HKD 500 million of Jimmy Lai`s assets has nothing to do with press freedom, claimed Hong Kong administration after the city journalists association chided the latest action against the jailed media tycoon. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange temporarily suspended trading of shares belonging to jailed media tycoon Lai`s Next Digital before the market opening on Monday, two days after the Security Bureau froze nearly HKD 500 million of his assets. Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu refused to go into details about the frozen assets, saying the government would make use of all legal measures to prevent and suppress any activities that endangered national security, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. "Any activities that contravene the law, then the individuals or the related organisation will have to face the full force of the law," Lee said. "It is the illegal activities that we are dealing with, it is not press work." The temporary suspension was revealed just before Lai, who is facing charges under the draconian Beijing-imposed national security law, arrived at court to face unauthorised assembly charges relating to a 2019 anti-government protest, according to SCMP. The trading in Next Digital shares was `temporarily suspended` from 9 am, as per the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing website. Lai holds 71.26 per cent of shares in the company, which publishes local tabloid-style newspaper Apple Daily.Hong Kong authorities had earlier frozen nearly HKD 500 million of imprisoned Lai`s assets under the national security law.Issuing a statement on Friday night, the Hong Kong government announced that the secretary for security had ordered Lai`s shares in the Next Digital media company to be frozen, along with assets in the local bank accounts of three companies he owned, reported SCMP. The Hong Kong Journalists Association chairman Chris Yeung Kin-hing questioned whether political factors were involved. "We are deeply concerned that the government`s decision [to freeze Lai`s assets] comes just around the same time that the police commissioner has repeatedly criticised Apple Daily`s news coverage, claiming it to be publishing fake news and inciting hatred," they said.This comes after Lai was sentenced by a Hong Kong court to 14 months in prison on Friday over an illegal assembly in August 2019. Lai and some other protestors of the Hong Kong riots were convicted earlier by the local court for organising and participating in an unauthorised assembly on August 18, 2019, in Hong Kong.Subversion was made a criminally punishable offence in Hong Kong last year under the Beijing-drafted national security law. According to Beijing, the legislation criminalises activities related to terrorism, separatism, subversion of state power and collusion with foreign forces, while local pro-democracy activists and certain Western nations claim that the law undermines Hong Kong`s civil liberties and democratic freedoms.Beijing was perturbed by violent anti-government protests in 2019 and has imposed the national security law to take action against those who protested against the government.

Hong Kong govt says freezing of Jimmy Lai's assets has nothing to do with press freedom

Taiwan has raised concern about the survival of international businesses in Hong Kong a day after authorities announced plans to freeze all assets of media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai.

The freezing of Lai’s assets sends a message that risks for international businesses in Hong Kong has increased alarmingly, Taiwan warned, and it "highlights the National Security Law's threats".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-freezes-jimmy-lais-assets-and-shares-in-media-publications-385069">Hong Kong freezes Jimmy Lai's assets and shares in media publications</a>

"It's equivalent to announcing to the international community that Hong Kong's business risks are increasing," Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement.

Taiwan, which has been a supporter of Hong Kong’s pro-democratic voices, has urged China and Hong Kong government to stop ‘suppressing’ the locals and activists in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-billionaire-jimmy-lai-sentenced-14-months-in-prison-over-anti-beijing-protests-378005">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-billionaire-jimmy-lai-sentenced-14-months-in-prison-over-anti-beijing-protests-378005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We also once again call on relevant parties to stop suppressing Hong Kong democrats, otherwise they will drift away from popular sentiment," the statement read.

Jimmy Lai, a 73-year-old pro-democracy activist and media tycoon, was sentenced to 12 months in jail a few weeks ago for attending a massive pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong and has been accused of calling for sanctions against China. If proven guilty, he could face a life-long prison sentence. &nbsp;

Following that, all his assets and his shares in media houses such as Next Digital have been forfeited and also "the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him".

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan has raised concern about the survival of international businesses in Hong Kong a day after authorities announced plans to freeze all assets of media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai.

Taiwan has raised concern about the survival of international businesses in Hong Kong a day after authorities announced plans to freeze all assets of media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai. The freezing of Lai’s assets sends a message that risks for international businesses in Hong Kong has increased alarmingly, Taiwan warned, and it "highlights the National Security Law's threats". Also read | Hong Kong freezes Jimmy Lai's assets and shares in media publications "It's equivalent to announcing to the international community that Hong Kong's business risks are increasing," Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement. Taiwan, which has been a supporter of Hong Kong’s pro-democratic voices, has urged China and Hong Kong government to stop ‘suppressing’ the locals and activists in Hong Kong. Watch | "We also once again call on relevant parties to stop suppressing Hong Kong democrats, otherwise they will drift away from popular sentiment," the statement read. Jimmy Lai, a 73-year-old pro-democracy activist and media tycoon, was sentenced to 12 months in jail a few weeks ago for attending a massive pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong and has been accused of calling for sanctions against China. If proven guilty, he could face a life-long prison sentence. Following that, all his assets and his shares in media houses such as Next Digital have been forfeited and also "the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him". (With inputs from agencies)

'Risky for businesses': Taiwan warns against freezing of Jimmy Lai's assets

In what has become the annual figure in 15 years, nearly 2000 civil servants quit working for Hong Kong government, as per report by South China Morning Post. The number of civil servants choosing to leave the service has seen a steady increase since 2006-2007 according to a paper prepared for legislators by the Civil Service Bureau which encompasses the past 15 years.&nbsp;

However, the figure for 2020-21 represented 1.05 per cent. While the government argued that percentage-wise, the number leaving was insignificant, some lawmakers want civil servants to be offered better packages to stop the continuing exodus.

"In 2020-21, the wastage in the civil service was about 8,500, accounting for around 4.8 per cent of the strength," the Bureau said adding that "Retirement was the primary reason for departure of civil servants, while the other reasons, including resignation, completion of agreement and death, accounted for only a small proportion of wastage."

The bureau added that the majority of those who resigned left before the end of their probationary period.&nbsp;

"It is understandable that probationers, who are at the initial stage of their civil service career, would leave the service during their probationary period if they find it unsuitable to develop a long-term career in the government,"&nbsp;

According to South China Morning Post, Unionist lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung, who chairs the panel on public service at the Legislative Council where the paper will be discussed next Monday, agreed that "given a 170,000-something-strong civil service, having 1,000-plus people leave in a year may not look a big deal".

But he said that it was not something to be taken "too lightly" and placed the blame for the rise in resignations on "new terms" introduced by the government in 2000, which said those joining the service after June that year would not be entitled to pension benefits, and medical and dental benefits after retirement.

In what has become the annual figure in 15 years, nearly 2000 civil servants quit working for Hong Kong government, as per report by South China Morning Post. The number of civil servants choosing to leave the service has seen a steady increase since 2006-2007 according to a paper prepared for legislators by the Civil Service Bureau which encompasses the past 15 years.

In what has become the annual figure in 15 years, nearly 2000 civil servants quit working for Hong Kong government, as per report by South China Morning Post. The number of civil servants choosing to leave the service has seen a steady increase since 2006-2007 according to a paper prepared for legislators by the Civil Service Bureau which encompasses the past 15 years. However, the figure for 2020-21 represented 1.05 per cent. While the government argued that percentage-wise, the number leaving was insignificant, some lawmakers want civil servants to be offered better packages to stop the continuing exodus. "In 2020-21, the wastage in the civil service was about 8,500, accounting for around 4.8 per cent of the strength," the Bureau said adding that "Retirement was the primary reason for departure of civil servants, while the other reasons, including resignation, completion of agreement and death, accounted for only a small proportion of wastage." The bureau added that the majority of those who resigned left before the end of their probationary period. "It is understandable that probationers, who are at the initial stage of their civil service career, would leave the service during their probationary period if they find it unsuitable to develop a long-term career in the government," According to South China Morning Post, Unionist lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung, who chairs the panel on public service at the Legislative Council where the paper will be discussed next Monday, agreed that "given a 170,000-something-strong civil service, having 1,000-plus people leave in a year may not look a big deal". But he said that it was not something to be taken "too lightly" and placed the blame for the rise in resignations on "new terms" introduced by the government in 2000, which said those joining the service after June that year would not be entitled to pension benefits, and medical and dental benefits after retirement.

Hong Kong: 2000 civil servants quit in 2020-21, highest in 15 years

Hong Kong authorities have frozen all assets of the pro-democracy activist and billionaire tycoon, Jimmy Lai a few weeks after he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Lai, along with a few other activists was held for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-sentences-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-to-12-months-prison-377963">Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison</a>

Along with all assets, the 73-year old’s shares in media houses such as Next Digital have also been forfeited and also "the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him".

While many feared this ruling will bring a disruption in the city’s leading 'Apple Daily', which has often been looked up to as an upcoming pro-democracy institution. However, the organisation has dismissed these concerns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-govt-could-intervene-in-bar-association-if-necessary-380676">Hong Kong leader says govt could intervene in Bar Association if necessary</a>

Apple Daily claimed that the asset freeze covered 7&nbsp;per cent of billionaire’s shared in Next Daily, but "the group and Apple Daily's operation and financial assets will not be affected," Apple Daily said in a statement.

This has come at a time when China has unveiled the new policy of "patriots rule Hong Kong"&nbsp;under which every individual standing for office will first be politically vetted and reduce the number of directly elected seats in the legislature to a small minority.

Hong Kong authorities have frozen all assets of the pro-democracy activist and billionaire tycoon, Jimmy Lai a few weeks after he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Hong Kong authorities have frozen all assets of the pro-democracy activist and billionaire tycoon, Jimmy Lai a few weeks after he was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Lai, along with a few other activists was held for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub. Also read | Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison Along with all assets, the 73-year old’s shares in media houses such as Next Digital have also been forfeited and also "the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him". While many feared this ruling will bring a disruption in the city’s leading 'Apple Daily', which has often been looked up to as an upcoming pro-democracy institution. However, the organisation has dismissed these concerns. Also read | Hong Kong leader says govt could intervene in Bar Association if necessary Apple Daily claimed that the asset freeze covered 7 per cent of billionaire’s shared in Next Daily, but "the group and Apple Daily's operation and financial assets will not be affected," Apple Daily said in a statement. This has come at a time when China has unveiled the new policy of "patriots rule Hong Kong" under which every individual standing for office will first be politically vetted and reduce the number of directly elected seats in the legislature to a small minority.

Hong Kong freezes Jimmy Lai's assets and shares in media publications

A new law that tightens patriotic loyalty tests for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;politicians will take effect later this month after being passed by the city's legislature on Wednesday, local media reported.

The new laws are part of sweeping changes that Beijing has ordered for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's already limited electoral system which will dramatically reduce the number of directly elected politicians and ensure only "staunch patriots" enter politics.

Along with a sweeping national security law, the political changes are part of a broad campaign to quash dissent after huge and often violent democracy protests rocked the finance hub in 2019.

Forty legislators approved the new law with just one dissenting vote in a chamber cleared of opposition members late last year ahead of the current political overhaul.

Under the new powers, all public office holders will be required to make a "pledge of loyalty" that they must adhere to throughout their term.

It includes principal government officials, cabinet members, legislators and judges as well as members of the legislature.

It also includes over 470 district councillors --&nbsp;local neighbourhood officials who are the only people&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kongers can choose via universal suffrage.

At the end of 2019, pro-democracy district council candidates won a landslide in a thumping rebuke of Beijing.

At least 26 district councillors resigned in the weeks leading up to Wednesday's legislature meeting.

The law grants authorities sweeping vetting powers. Political views of public office holders will be weighed against a "positive" and "negative" list designed to weed out disloyalty and any acts that might "endanger national security".

Critics say the definitions in those lists are overly broad.

Loyalty vetting will also continue beyond the pledge and throughout a person's term.

A public official will be immediately suspended if the Secretary for Justice finds him or her disloyal.

Those who are eventually disqualified for their views will also be barred from standing for election for five years.

"Some people might seem serious when taking the oath but can commit unlawful acts afterwards," Regine Ip, a pro-Beijing lawmaker, told the legislature, adding she was "very glad" to vote for the new law.&nbsp;

Authorities are also writing up a separate suite of laws that will also empower a committee,&nbsp;with help of police intelligence,&nbsp;to vet all election candidates for whether they are a national security threat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new law that tightens patriotic loyalty tests for Hong Kong politicians will take effect later this month after being passed by the city's legislature on Wednesday, local media reported.

A new law that tightens patriotic loyalty tests for Hong Kong politicians will take effect later this month after being passed by the city's legislature on Wednesday, local media reported. The new laws are part of sweeping changes that Beijing has ordered for Hong Kong's already limited electoral system which will dramatically reduce the number of directly elected politicians and ensure only "staunch patriots" enter politics. Along with a sweeping national security law, the political changes are part of a broad campaign to quash dissent after huge and often violent democracy protests rocked the finance hub in 2019. Forty legislators approved the new law with just one dissenting vote in a chamber cleared of opposition members late last year ahead of the current political overhaul. Under the new powers, all public office holders will be required to make a "pledge of loyalty" that they must adhere to throughout their term. It includes principal government officials, cabinet members, legislators and judges as well as members of the legislature. It also includes over 470 district councillors -- local neighbourhood officials who are the only people Hong Kongers can choose via universal suffrage. At the end of 2019, pro-democracy district council candidates won a landslide in a thumping rebuke of Beijing. At least 26 district councillors resigned in the weeks leading up to Wednesday's legislature meeting. The law grants authorities sweeping vetting powers. Political views of public office holders will be weighed against a "positive" and "negative" list designed to weed out disloyalty and any acts that might "endanger national security". Critics say the definitions in those lists are overly broad. Loyalty vetting will also continue beyond the pledge and throughout a person's term. A public official will be immediately suspended if the Secretary for Justice finds him or her disloyal. Those who are eventually disqualified for their views will also be barred from standing for election for five years. "Some people might seem serious when taking the oath but can commit unlawful acts afterwards," Regine Ip, a pro-Beijing lawmaker, told the legislature, adding she was "very glad" to vote for the new law. Authorities are also writing up a separate suite of laws that will also empower a committee, with help of police intelligence, to vet all election candidates for whether they are a national security threat. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong legislators pass 'patriotic' oath law

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report">Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report</a>

Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses.

But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it">China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it</a>

" The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts,"&nbsp;she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16">Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16</a>

Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus.

They said domestic workers were 'high risk'&nbsp;because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week.

Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated.

They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts.

Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths.

It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low.

So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity.

Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world.

Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses.

The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit.

After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines. Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia. Also read | Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses. But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn. Also read | China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it " The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts," she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia. Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination". Also read | Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16 Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus. They said domestic workers were 'high risk' because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week. Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated. They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths. It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low. So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity. Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world. Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses. The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit. After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong scraps mandatory vaccines for foreign domestic workers

Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been given an additional 10-month sentence on Thursday for participating in a protest last year to mark the Tiananmen Square crackdown.&nbsp;

Several protesters were killed in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989, an event that has been condemned globally and played down by China.&nbsp;

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/honk-kong-activist-joshua-wong-gets-10-more-months-in-jail-over-tiananmen-vigil-383163/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hong Kong has regularly marked the incident's anniversary to denounce China's use of violence against its own citizen, but last year for the first time, the event was banned with police mentioning coronavirus spread and security fears over pro-democracy protests.&nbsp;

However, tens of thousands defied the ban and peacefully gathered at the vigil's traditional site in Victoria Park.

The 15-month sentence was reduced to 10-month as Wong pleaded guilty.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-pleads-guilty-over-illegal-assembly-381552">Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong pleads guilty over 'illegal assembly'</a>

"Freedom of assembly is not unlimited," Judge Stanley Chan said.

Twenty four prominent activists faced prosecution for their participation at the vigil.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday, Wong and three other pro-democracy leaders were handed prison terms after they pleaded guilty to unlawful assembly charges last month.&nbsp;

Wong, one of the famous Hong Kong activists, is already serving a 13.5-month jail sentence which was given in December for his participation in anti-government protests in 2019. &nbsp;

Wong was given a 13-1/2 month sentence in December over an unlawful anti-government rally on June 21, 2019. &nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been given an additional 10-month sentence on Thursday for participating in a protest last year to mark the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been given an additional 10-month sentence on Thursday for participating in a protest last year to mark the Tiananmen Square crackdown. Several protesters were killed in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989, an event that has been condemned globally and played down by China. Watch | Hong Kong has regularly marked the incident's anniversary to denounce China's use of violence against its own citizen, but last year for the first time, the event was banned with police mentioning coronavirus spread and security fears over pro-democracy protests. However, tens of thousands defied the ban and peacefully gathered at the vigil's traditional site in Victoria Park. The 15-month sentence was reduced to 10-month as Wong pleaded guilty. Also read | Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong pleads guilty over 'illegal assembly' "Freedom of assembly is not unlimited," Judge Stanley Chan said. Twenty four prominent activists faced prosecution for their participation at the vigil. Earlier on Thursday, Wong and three other pro-democracy leaders were handed prison terms after they pleaded guilty to unlawful assembly charges last month. Wong, one of the famous Hong Kong activists, is already serving a 13.5-month jail sentence which was given in December for his participation in anti-government protests in 2019. Wong was given a 13-1/2 month sentence in December over an unlawful anti-government rally on June 21, 2019. (with inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Activist Joshua Wong given additional jail term for Tiananmen Square vigil

Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong will face an additional 10 months in jail for participating in an unauthorised assembly on June 4 last year to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on protesters in and around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

Honk Kong activist Joshua Wong gets 10 more months in jail over Tiananmen vigil

China&nbsp;criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies.

Beijing expressed anger after New Zealand's parliament passed a watered-down motion Wednesday expressing "grave concern" at human rights abuses involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in&nbsp;China's Xinjiang province.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's ruling Labour Party insisted any reference to genocide was scrubbed out of the motion, which was submitted by a minor opposition party, but the move failed to appease&nbsp;China's embassy in Wellington.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-uighur-abuses-new-zealand-shops-short-of-calling-it-a-genocide-383090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The embassy said in a statement that the New Zealand parliament was meddling in matters that concerned&nbsp;China's sovereignty.

This move grossly interferes in&nbsp;China's internal affairs and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said.&nbsp;

"The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes such action."

The embassy said the motion would "harm the mutual trust between&nbsp;China&nbsp;and NZ".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>
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At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps in Xinjiang, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.

Ardern's centre-left government has been noticeably less vocal than its allies in condemning the abuses, leading to accusations it is a weak link in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Ardern this week conceded New Zealand's differences with&nbsp;China&nbsp;on human rights were becoming "harder to reconcile", but said her government would continue to point out areas of concern to Beijing.

However, allies such as Australia have been much blunter in their criticism, spurring punitive levies from Beijing on more than a dozen Australian imports, including wine and barley.

China&nbsp;on Thursday suspended regular bilateral trade talks with Australia, in a move Canberra described as "disappointing".

China criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies.

China criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies. Beijing expressed anger after New Zealand's parliament passed a watered-down motion Wednesday expressing "grave concern" at human rights abuses involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's ruling Labour Party insisted any reference to genocide was scrubbed out of the motion, which was submitted by a minor opposition party, but the move failed to appease China's embassy in Wellington. The embassy said in a statement that the New Zealand parliament was meddling in matters that concerned China's sovereignty. This move grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said. "The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes such action." The embassy said the motion would "harm the mutual trust between China and NZ". Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps in Xinjiang, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. Ardern's centre-left government has been noticeably less vocal than its allies in condemning the abuses, leading to accusations it is a weak link in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Ardern this week conceded New Zealand's differences with China on human rights were becoming "harder to reconcile", but said her government would continue to point out areas of concern to Beijing. However, allies such as Australia have been much blunter in their criticism, spurring punitive levies from Beijing on more than a dozen Australian imports, including wine and barley. China on Thursday suspended regular bilateral trade talks with Australia, in a move Canberra described as "disappointing".

China slams New Zealand over parliament motion on Uyghur Muslim abuse

China&nbsp;on Thursday said it "strongly&nbsp;condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

Foreign ministers from&nbsp;G7&nbsp;countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged&nbsp;China&nbsp;to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London.

The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in&nbsp;China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

They also urged an end to the targeting of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;protesters in Hong Kong.

Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;for making "unfounded accusations against&nbsp;China&nbsp;and openly intervening in&nbsp;China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were&nbsp;China's own matters.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted&nbsp;China&nbsp;to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China&nbsp;principle.

Wang added the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>

"We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said.

Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where&nbsp;rights&nbsp;groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-slams-uighurs-treatment-in-china-stops-short-of-calling-it-genocide-383155/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour.

The United States has since accused&nbsp;China&nbsp;of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in&nbsp;China&nbsp;were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide".

But&nbsp;China&nbsp;has decried the&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors".

The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region.

Although the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members reserved their strongest&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;for&nbsp;China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops.&nbsp;

The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails.

But they held the door open to&nbsp;China&nbsp;for future cooperation.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens. Foreign ministers from G7 countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged China to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London. The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged human rights violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet. Also read | At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report They also urged an end to the targeting of rights protesters in Hong Kong. Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the G7 for making "unfounded accusations against China and openly intervening in China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were China's own matters. The G7 statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted China to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China principle. Wang added the G7 should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community. Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' "We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said. Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international criticism mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where rights groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps. Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour. The United States has since accused China of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in China were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide". But China has decried the criticism over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors". The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region. Although the G7 members reserved their strongest criticism for China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops. The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails. But they held the door open to China for future cooperation. The G7 maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism

Brussels is seeking to strengthen its ability to control Chinese inroads into Europe's economy, with proposed new powers to probe state-backed foreign companies seeking to snap up European firms.

The regulation, to be announced by EU competition supremo Margrethe Vestager on Wednesday, is part of Europe's hardening stance against Beijing, all while China remains the continent's second-biggest trading partner after the United States.

Brussels is trying to maintain a careful balancing act in its relations with the Asian superpower, with Germany eager to nurture ties with a country that remains a top destination for its exports.

But other member states point to China's increasing authoritarianism, especially as seen in the plight of the Uyghur minority and in the political crackdown in Hong Kong.

According to an official document seen by AFP on Tuesday, the proposal would give Brussels new powers to investigate non-EU companies seeking to buy European firms with sales of 500 million euros or more.

State aid investigations could also be launched in companies bidding for big public contracts in Europe - such as trains or telecommunication equipment -- worth 250 million euros or more.

Furthermore, the commission could open probes of its own initiative, without a transaction necessarily meeting those thresholds.

Illegal subsidies could include companies enjoying zero-interest loans, preferential tax treatment or more traditional direct grants, the document said.

The proposal does not mention China and officially it is not intended to counter any country in particular, but sources agreed that long-held concerns about China were central to the idea.

The regulation comes shortly after the commission, which handles trade policy for the EU 27, surprised many by sealing an investment deal with Beijing when negotiations had been bogged down for years.

The investment pact faces a brutal ratification process and the anti-subsidy proposal by Vestager could reassure sceptics that the deal does not mean weaker scrutiny of Beijing.

The anti-subsidy regulation, after being announced by the commission, faces potential modifications by European Parliament and member states before coming into force.&nbsp;

Brussels is seeking to strengthen its ability to control Chinese inroads into Europe's economy, with proposed new powers to probe state-backed foreign companies seeking to snap up European firms.

Brussels is seeking to strengthen its ability to control Chinese inroads into Europe's economy, with proposed new powers to probe state-backed foreign companies seeking to snap up European firms. The regulation, to be announced by EU competition supremo Margrethe Vestager on Wednesday, is part of Europe's hardening stance against Beijing, all while China remains the continent's second-biggest trading partner after the United States. Brussels is trying to maintain a careful balancing act in its relations with the Asian superpower, with Germany eager to nurture ties with a country that remains a top destination for its exports. But other member states point to China's increasing authoritarianism, especially as seen in the plight of the Uyghur minority and in the political crackdown in Hong Kong. According to an official document seen by AFP on Tuesday, the proposal would give Brussels new powers to investigate non-EU companies seeking to buy European firms with sales of 500 million euros or more. State aid investigations could also be launched in companies bidding for big public contracts in Europe - such as trains or telecommunication equipment -- worth 250 million euros or more. Furthermore, the commission could open probes of its own initiative, without a transaction necessarily meeting those thresholds. Illegal subsidies could include companies enjoying zero-interest loans, preferential tax treatment or more traditional direct grants, the document said. The proposal does not mention China and officially it is not intended to counter any country in particular, but sources agreed that long-held concerns about China were central to the idea. The regulation comes shortly after the commission, which handles trade policy for the EU 27, surprised many by sealing an investment deal with Beijing when negotiations had been bogged down for years. The investment pact faces a brutal ratification process and the anti-subsidy proposal by Vestager could reassure sceptics that the deal does not mean weaker scrutiny of Beijing. The anti-subsidy regulation, after being announced by the commission, faces potential modifications by European Parliament and member states before coming into force.

EU targets China with new powers over state-backed firms

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