Hong Kong police have arrested three people for chanting slogans on the university campus&nbsp;last month. The three activists have been accused of chanting "banned" slogans and violating the controversial national security law.

The arrests have sparked a fresh row of protests in the city.

Li Kwai-wah, a senior officer in Hong Kong's new national security unit claimed the three had been arrested for "inciting secession" and unlawful assembly." They were spotted waving flags and chanting slogans advocating Hong Kong's independence," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-confirm-bank-account-freeze-of-runaway-pro-democracy-politician-347979">Hong Kong police confirm bank account freeze of runaway pro-democracy politician</a>

With the three main protestors, five others were also arrested for unlawful assembly.&nbsp;

These arrests have sparked fresh criticism against the national security law which has gained extreme criticism from various international organisations and governments and has also been dubbed as a tool to silence the pro-democracy voices.

Hong Kong has been observing protests since the proposal of the law was revealed in the middle of the pandemic year. Beijing has claimed the security law was needed to restore stability in the city. Locals and pro-democracy activists have, on the other hand, argued this law is yet another imposition by China to gain control over the city.

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These arrests were made for a series of protests and rallies that were held last month where masked students were spotted waving banners of "banned" slogans during a small unofficial graduation rally at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The slogans mentioned were "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our times" and "Hong Kong independence, the only way out" — two slogans which were popular last year but h been classified as "illegal" by the government.

The protestors had also sung "Glory to Hong Kong", a popular protest song that has been widely criticised by the Chinese government and officials.

Hong Kong police have arrested three people for chanting slogans on the university campus last month. The three activists have been accused of chanting "banned" slogans and violating the controversial national security law.

Hong Kong police have arrested three people for chanting slogans on the university campus last month. The three activists have been accused of chanting "banned" slogans and violating the controversial national security law. The arrests have sparked a fresh row of protests in the city. Li Kwai-wah, a senior officer in Hong Kong's new national security unit claimed the three had been arrested for "inciting secession" and unlawful assembly." They were spotted waving flags and chanting slogans advocating Hong Kong's independence," he said. Also read| Hong Kong police confirm bank account freeze of runaway pro-democracy politician With the three main protestors, five others were also arrested for unlawful assembly. These arrests have sparked fresh criticism against the national security law which has gained extreme criticism from various international organisations and governments and has also been dubbed as a tool to silence the pro-democracy voices. Hong Kong has been observing protests since the proposal of the law was revealed in the middle of the pandemic year. Beijing has claimed the security law was needed to restore stability in the city. Locals and pro-democracy activists have, on the other hand, argued this law is yet another imposition by China to gain control over the city. × These arrests were made for a series of protests and rallies that were held last month where masked students were spotted waving banners of "banned" slogans during a small unofficial graduation rally at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The slogans mentioned were "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our times" and "Hong Kong independence, the only way out" — two slogans which were popular last year but h been classified as "illegal" by the government. The protestors had also sung "Glory to Hong Kong", a popular protest song that has been widely criticised by the Chinese government and officials.

Hong Kong: Three activists arrested for raising 'banned' pro-democracy slogans

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters. But last month, a judge quickly dismantled the prosecutors’ case against them.

In his ruling, District Judge Sham Siu-man said that police officers had given unreliable testimony and that they appeared to have gone against their training by using batons to subdue one protester. He found all eight defendants not guilty, saying one had merely been asking officers to do their job when she used a loudspeaker to urge restraint.

The next day, a Chinese government-owned newspaper in Hong Kong splashed a photo of the judge, wearing his court wig and robes, on its front page beside images of protesters and burning barriers. “Strange opinion issued by the court,” the headline read. The judge, it continued, says the protesters “were actually the ones wronged.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-keeps-piles-of-cash-at-home-due-to-us-sanctions-346176">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam keeps 'piles of cash' at home due to US sanctions</a>

As the Chinese Communist Party extends its grip over Hong Kong, pro-Beijing forces are increasingly targeting the city’s independent judiciary, an institution that forms the backbone of this global center for commerce and capital.

State newspapers have railed for months against “yellow judges” seen as lenient toward protesters. (The color yellow is a symbol of the protest movement.) Party officials have called for an overhaul of the courts to rein in judges’ autonomy. The city’s leadership has exerted more influence over the selection of judges.

“It would be naive for anyone to think they will leave the judiciary alone. Why would they?” said Dennis Kwok, who represented Hong Kong’s legal sector in the local legislature until he was removed from office this month. “They want to get their hands on everything.”

The far-reaching national security law that Beijing passed this summer gives the state even more authority over the Hong Kong judiciary. China’s legislature also bypassed the local courts to force the ouster of four lawmakers in November, exercising new powers that some lawyers and legal scholars worry could be turned against judges.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-charge-12-hong-kong-locals-who-were-caught-fleeing-345925">China to charge 12 Hong Kong locals who were caught fleeing</a>

The Hong Kong judiciary, with its British-born, 170-year-old tradition of robes, wigs and independence, is at the heart of an existential fight over the region’s future.

Hong Kong’s courts firmly divide the city from mainland China, where the opaque legal system is controlled by the Communist Party. The city’s underlying rule of law has helped attract droves of multinational corporations, bringing a flood of money that has made Hong Kong one of the world’s leading cities.

The judicial system’s integrity is fiercely defended in Hong Kong. The demonstrations that engulfed the city last year began over a proposal that many saw as potentially undermining the local courts, by allowing extraditions to mainland China.

In addition to imposing the national security law, Communist Party officials and state newspapers in the city are pushing for still more control. In a continuing series, Ta Kung Pao, a newspaper owned by the Chinese government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, has demanded that judges be patriotic. It has called for establishing a council to set the length of sentences, an external panel to handle complaints about judges and greater scrutiny over the judicial selection process.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-prison-wrong-to-cut-long-hair-locks-says-court-345775">Hong Kong prison wrong to cut ‘Long Hair’ locks, says court</a>

“Beijing understands that this is an area that people will be very sensitive to and the international community will be watching over,” said Eric Cheung, a legal scholar at the University of Hong Kong. “Beijing may not want to be seen as interfering with judicial independence, but I think it is very clear some Beijing officials are not happy with some decisions made by our judges.”

Even before the protests and the security law, Beijing had significant judicial oversight. When China reclaimed Hong Kong from Britain in 1997, the ultimate authority for interpretation of its laws moved to Beijing.

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp legislature, has the power to interpret the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s local constitution. Several of its rulings have gone against the city’s pro-democracy camp. The committee’s interpretation of oath-taking in 2016 paved the way for the removal of six pro-democracy lawmakers who had protested during their swearing-in ceremonies.

The security law has further constricted the city’s courts. It allows for some cases, such as those involving foreign forces or imminent threats, to be tried on the mainland. Under the law, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, will designate judges for trials on national security charges.

Hong Kong’s Department of Justice recently pressed beyond the scope of the law, asking that a judge authorized to hear national security matters handle the trial of Tam Tak-chi, an activist charged with sedition and unauthorized assembly. Those charges do not fall under the security law.

Britain is considering whether to bar its judges from serving in Hong Kong. Foreign judges serve temporary roles on the Court of Final Appeal so the city can maintain ties to common-law countries.

Both the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps have found fault with the courts over protest cases — perhaps signaling that the judiciary remains an impartial institution, with a range of outlooks among judges.

A High Court judge was criticized by pro-Beijing figures for ruling this month that the riot police had not been carrying sufficient identification and that mechanisms for dealing with complaints of police mistreatment needed to be improved. The Hong Kong Journalists Association had filed the suit over the police’s handling of reporters during protests.

Some judges have been condemned by the opposition for giving tough sentences to demonstrators or for appearing to sympathize with people who attacked protesters. After a district judge compared the protest movement to terrorism in an April ruling, Geoffrey Ma, chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal, barred him from future cases related to the political upheaval.

The criticism of judges, from both sides, has grown so frequent this year that Ma issued a lengthy defense of the judiciary’s independence.

“It is wrong to make serious accusations of bias or breach of fundamental principles merely based on a result of a case not to one’s liking,” he wrote in September. “The judiciary is not above criticism by any means, but any criticism must be solidly based and properly made. In particular, there must not be a politicization of the judiciary and its functions.”

So far, the protest cases that have been prosecuted do not indicate that the courts lean strongly to one side or another.

Of 10,148 people arrested in the protests, 2,325 have been prosecuted for crimes such as rioting, unlawful assembly or assault. As of the end of October, 372 had been convicted and 77 acquitted, according to Hong Kong police records.

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters.

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters. But last month, a judge quickly dismantled the prosecutors’ case against them. In his ruling, District Judge Sham Siu-man said that police officers had given unreliable testimony and that they appeared to have gone against their training by using batons to subdue one protester. He found all eight defendants not guilty, saying one had merely been asking officers to do their job when she used a loudspeaker to urge restraint. The next day, a Chinese government-owned newspaper in Hong Kong splashed a photo of the judge, wearing his court wig and robes, on its front page beside images of protesters and burning barriers. “Strange opinion issued by the court,” the headline read. The judge, it continued, says the protesters “were actually the ones wronged.” Also read| Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam keeps 'piles of cash' at home due to US sanctions As the Chinese Communist Party extends its grip over Hong Kong, pro-Beijing forces are increasingly targeting the city’s independent judiciary, an institution that forms the backbone of this global center for commerce and capital. State newspapers have railed for months against “yellow judges” seen as lenient toward protesters. (The color yellow is a symbol of the protest movement.) Party officials have called for an overhaul of the courts to rein in judges’ autonomy. The city’s leadership has exerted more influence over the selection of judges. “It would be naive for anyone to think they will leave the judiciary alone. Why would they?” said Dennis Kwok, who represented Hong Kong’s legal sector in the local legislature until he was removed from office this month. “They want to get their hands on everything.” The far-reaching national security law that Beijing passed this summer gives the state even more authority over the Hong Kong judiciary. China’s legislature also bypassed the local courts to force the ouster of four lawmakers in November, exercising new powers that some lawyers and legal scholars worry could be turned against judges. Also read| China to charge 12 Hong Kong locals who were caught fleeing The Hong Kong judiciary, with its British-born, 170-year-old tradition of robes, wigs and independence, is at the heart of an existential fight over the region’s future. Hong Kong’s courts firmly divide the city from mainland China, where the opaque legal system is controlled by the Communist Party. The city’s underlying rule of law has helped attract droves of multinational corporations, bringing a flood of money that has made Hong Kong one of the world’s leading cities. The judicial system’s integrity is fiercely defended in Hong Kong. The demonstrations that engulfed the city last year began over a proposal that many saw as potentially undermining the local courts, by allowing extraditions to mainland China. In addition to imposing the national security law, Communist Party officials and state newspapers in the city are pushing for still more control. In a continuing series, Ta Kung Pao, a newspaper owned by the Chinese government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, has demanded that judges be patriotic. It has called for establishing a council to set the length of sentences, an external panel to handle complaints about judges and greater scrutiny over the judicial selection process. Also read| Hong Kong prison wrong to cut ‘Long Hair’ locks, says court “Beijing understands that this is an area that people will be very sensitive to and the international community will be watching over,” said Eric Cheung, a legal scholar at the University of Hong Kong. “Beijing may not want to be seen as interfering with judicial independence, but I think it is very clear some Beijing officials are not happy with some decisions made by our judges.” Even before the protests and the security law, Beijing had significant judicial oversight. When China reclaimed Hong Kong from Britain in 1997, the ultimate authority for interpretation of its laws moved to Beijing. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp legislature, has the power to interpret the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s local constitution. Several of its rulings have gone against the city’s pro-democracy camp. The committee’s interpretation of oath-taking in 2016 paved the way for the removal of six pro-democracy lawmakers who had protested during their swearing-in ceremonies. The security law has further constricted the city’s courts. It allows for some cases, such as those involving foreign forces or imminent threats, to be tried on the mainland. Under the law, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, will designate judges for trials on national security charges. Hong Kong’s Department of Justice recently pressed beyond the scope of the law, asking that a judge authorized to hear national security matters handle the trial of Tam Tak-chi, an activist charged with sedition and unauthorized assembly. Those charges do not fall under the security law. Britain is considering whether to bar its judges from serving in Hong Kong. Foreign judges serve temporary roles on the Court of Final Appeal so the city can maintain ties to common-law countries. Both the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps have found fault with the courts over protest cases — perhaps signaling that the judiciary remains an impartial institution, with a range of outlooks among judges. A High Court judge was criticized by pro-Beijing figures for ruling this month that the riot police had not been carrying sufficient identification and that mechanisms for dealing with complaints of police mistreatment needed to be improved. The Hong Kong Journalists Association had filed the suit over the police’s handling of reporters during protests. Some judges have been condemned by the opposition for giving tough sentences to demonstrators or for appearing to sympathize with people who attacked protesters. After a district judge compared the protest movement to terrorism in an April ruling, Geoffrey Ma, chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal, barred him from future cases related to the political upheaval. The criticism of judges, from both sides, has grown so frequent this year that Ma issued a lengthy defense of the judiciary’s independence. “It is wrong to make serious accusations of bias or breach of fundamental principles merely based on a result of a case not to one’s liking,” he wrote in September. “The judiciary is not above criticism by any means, but any criticism must be solidly based and properly made. In particular, there must not be a politicization of the judiciary and its functions.” So far, the protest cases that have been prosecuted do not indicate that the courts lean strongly to one side or another. Of 10,148 people arrested in the protests, 2,325 have been prosecuted for crimes such as rioting, unlawful assembly or assault. As of the end of October, 372 had been convicted and 77 acquitted, according to Hong Kong police records.

Hong Kong’s courts are still independent. Some want to rein them in.

China's Vice Premier Han Zheng today hailed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for rising to "challenges" while "controlling the pandemic" and "implementing the national security law".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-envisions-a-new-hong-kong-firmly-under-its-control-340596">Also Read:&nbsp;China envisions a new Hong Kong, firmly under its control</a>

"This year, under the central government's strong leadership, the chief executive has led the government of the special administrative region to conquer different difficulties," Zheng said, adding, "the central government firmly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam."

Hong Kong's economy has been in a downturn since last year due to COVID-19 and strident anti-government protests.&nbsp;

"The central government firmly supports the government of the special administrative region to govern in accordance to the law," the Chinese vice premier added.

Last month, Lam had travelled to Shenzhen, which celebrating its 40th anniversary as a special economic trade zone.

Hong Kong was managed by China under the "One Country, Two Systems" model after the British left the island nation in 1997 and handed it back to China, however, last year pro-democracy activists challenged authorities in the financial hub riling Beijing.

As a result, the Chinese government threw its full support behind Lam as protests escalated.

After the national security law was passed in China, authorities resorted to mass arrests. The protests faded after the coronavirus pandemic hit the city and authorities clampdown on movement and put measures in place to stop unrest amid the upheaval.

China's Vice Premier Han Zheng today hailed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for rising to "challenges" while "controlling the pandemic" and "implementing the national security law".

China's Vice Premier Han Zheng today hailed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for rising to "challenges" while "controlling the pandemic" and "implementing the national security law". Also Read: China envisions a new Hong Kong, firmly under its control "This year, under the central government's strong leadership, the chief executive has led the government of the special administrative region to conquer different difficulties," Zheng said, adding, "the central government firmly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam." Hong Kong's economy has been in a downturn since last year due to COVID-19 and strident anti-government protests. "The central government firmly supports the government of the special administrative region to govern in accordance to the law," the Chinese vice premier added. Last month, Lam had travelled to Shenzhen, which celebrating its 40th anniversary as a special economic trade zone. Hong Kong was managed by China under the "One Country, Two Systems" model after the British left the island nation in 1997 and handed it back to China, however, last year pro-democracy activists challenged authorities in the financial hub riling Beijing. As a result, the Chinese government threw its full support behind Lam as protests escalated. After the national security law was passed in China, authorities resorted to mass arrests. The protests faded after the coronavirus pandemic hit the city and authorities clampdown on movement and put measures in place to stop unrest amid the upheaval.

China applauds Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for 'rising' to challenges of security law, COVID-19

Activists in Hong Kong are being forced to leave their homeland, and&nbsp;are seeking asylum abroad due to China’s authoritarianism. But India can leverage the exodus from Hong Kong to stand up for democracy and human rights, and to gain an upper hand in its fight against the Communist Party of China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hong-kong-teen-activist-arrested-near-us-consulate-338309" hreflang="en">Hong Kong teen activist arrested near US consulate</a>

According to South China Morning Post, activists that wanted asylum in the United States managed to enter the American consulate, but were reportedly turned away. China has been cracking down on pro-democracy campaigners.

Watch |&nbsp;

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But why?

Leading democracies are reportedly giving an asylum to them. And India should open its doors to the pro-democracy activists too. Not just because of the stand-off at the border. But because India is a democracy, and as a rising world power, it has a responsibility to protect democratic rights in its neighbourhood. Additionally, it must voice its opposition when human rights and basic freedoms are violated.

Not unprecedented&nbsp;

In 1959, India had granted immediate asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans. This was after a revolt against the Chinese regime had failed. India's move demonstrated its commitment to human rights and democratic values.

If New Delhi extends asylum to pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong, it would set an example one more time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hundreds-rally-in-taiwan-call-for-release-for-hong-kong-citizens-arrested-by-china-337910" hreflang="en">Hundreds rally in Taiwan, call for release for Hong Kong citizens arrested by China</a>

And India&nbsp; would not be the only country to give asylum. Many Indian allies are welcoming refugees from Hong Kong. A group of activists have been given asylum by the United States, Canada and Germany.

The US has put activists from Hong Kong right at the top of their priority list, and specific allocations have been made in this year's proposed refugee resettlement programme. There are at least three bills before the US Congress now that propose greater protections for the people fleeing Hong Kong for the United States.

The British government has made special provisions for activists from HK too. In June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson allowed holders of British overseas passports in Hong Kong to come to the Great Britain, allowing them to live and work in Britain for up to five years. Additionally, they can apply for citizenship too. The residency plan is open to nearly three million people. Hong Kong is a former British colony, and the British government is standing up to defend democracy in Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-will-consider-not-recognizing-british-issued-hong-kong-passports-zhao-lijian-337668" hreflang="en">China will consider not recognizing British-issued Hong Kong passports: Zhao Lijian</a>

China says the national security law in Hong Kong&nbsp;is an internal matter. Indians could end up in Chinese jails, if New Delhi doesn't keep the heat on Beijing. With the national security law, China can target foreigners. Its provisions are written so vaguely that any criticism of the Communist Party can be termed a violation.

Any resident of Hong Kong - local or a foreigner - can be potentially detained. This implies that Indians are vulnerable too. The Indian community in Hong Kong has almost 38,000 members. In July, India had urged the United Nations to "seriously and objectively" address its concerns over the developments in Hong Kong.

Activists in Hong Kong are being forced to leave their homeland, and are seeking asylum abroad due to China’s authoritarianism. But India can leverage the exodus from Hong Kong to stand up for democracy and human rights, and to gain an upper hand in its fight against the Communist Party of China.

Activists in Hong Kong are being forced to leave their homeland, and are seeking asylum abroad due to China’s authoritarianism. But India can leverage the exodus from Hong Kong to stand up for democracy and human rights, and to gain an upper hand in its fight against the Communist Party of China. Also read: Hong Kong teen activist arrested near US consulate According to South China Morning Post, activists that wanted asylum in the United States managed to enter the American consulate, but were reportedly turned away. China has been cracking down on pro-democracy campaigners. Watch | But why? Leading democracies are reportedly giving an asylum to them. And India should open its doors to the pro-democracy activists too. Not just because of the stand-off at the border. But because India is a democracy, and as a rising world power, it has a responsibility to protect democratic rights in its neighbourhood. Additionally, it must voice its opposition when human rights and basic freedoms are violated. Not unprecedented In 1959, India had granted immediate asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans. This was after a revolt against the Chinese regime had failed. India's move demonstrated its commitment to human rights and democratic values. If New Delhi extends asylum to pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong, it would set an example one more time. Also read: Hundreds rally in Taiwan, call for release for Hong Kong citizens arrested by China And India would not be the only country to give asylum. Many Indian allies are welcoming refugees from Hong Kong. A group of activists have been given asylum by the United States, Canada and Germany. The US has put activists from Hong Kong right at the top of their priority list, and specific allocations have been made in this year's proposed refugee resettlement programme. There are at least three bills before the US Congress now that propose greater protections for the people fleeing Hong Kong for the United States. The British government has made special provisions for activists from HK too. In June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson allowed holders of British overseas passports in Hong Kong to come to the Great Britain, allowing them to live and work in Britain for up to five years. Additionally, they can apply for citizenship too. The residency plan is open to nearly three million people. Hong Kong is a former British colony, and the British government is standing up to defend democracy in Hong Kong. Also read: China will consider not recognizing British-issued Hong Kong passports: Zhao Lijian China says the national security law in Hong Kong is an internal matter. Indians could end up in Chinese jails, if New Delhi doesn't keep the heat on Beijing. With the national security law, China can target foreigners. Its provisions are written so vaguely that any criticism of the Communist Party can be termed a violation. Any resident of Hong Kong - local or a foreigner - can be potentially detained. This implies that Indians are vulnerable too. The Indian community in Hong Kong has almost 38,000 members. In July, India had urged the United Nations to "seriously and objectively" address its concerns over the developments in Hong Kong.

Why India should provide asylum to pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has postponed her annual policy speech until she travels to Beijing to ask the Chinese central government for help with measures to help her city's battered economy.

Chief executive&nbsp;Carrie&nbsp;Lam&nbsp;had been due to make a key annual address on Wednesday outlining her administration's plans for the politically restless city.

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Lam's speech clashed with Chinese President Xi Jinping visit&nbsp;to the Chinese southern coastal city of Shenzhen to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the special economic zone.

She said she is postponing the address after submitting several proposed measures to Beijing seeking their support to help boost Hong Kong's economy, which has taken a battering due to the coronavirus pandemic and months of anti-government protests last year.

Lam said at a news conference that she will travel to Beijing at the end of October to participate in meetings with various ministries and commissions and see if the central authorities will support the proposed measures. She declined to give details on the proposals.

"It is a matter of responding to a positive indication from the central government that they want to take into account the chief executive's recommendations, that they really want to facilitate those policy measures so that&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people have more confidence that the economy will bounce back."

The Chinese government has thrown its full support behind&nbsp;Lam, a pro-Beijing appointee, despite her dismal approval ratings.

The central government's role in the semi-autonomous former British colony has been in the spotlight, in particular with the imposition in June of a security law after months of pro-democracy protests - the most intense in decades - last year.

The protests were triggered in part by fears in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;that the central government was whittling away the freedoms granted when the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula.

The protests and later the novel coronavirus have battered the city's economy with full year gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to contract 6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 8 per cent.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has postponed her annual policy speech until she travels to Beijing to ask the Chinese central government for help with measures to help her city's battered economy.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has postponed her annual policy speech until she travels to Beijing to ask the Chinese central government for help with measures to help her city's battered economy. Chief executive Carrie Lam had been due to make a key annual address on Wednesday outlining her administration's plans for the politically restless city. Lam's speech clashed with Chinese President Xi Jinping visit to the Chinese southern coastal city of Shenzhen to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the special economic zone. She said she is postponing the address after submitting several proposed measures to Beijing seeking their support to help boost Hong Kong's economy, which has taken a battering due to the coronavirus pandemic and months of anti-government protests last year. Lam said at a news conference that she will travel to Beijing at the end of October to participate in meetings with various ministries and commissions and see if the central authorities will support the proposed measures. She declined to give details on the proposals. "It is a matter of responding to a positive indication from the central government that they want to take into account the chief executive's recommendations, that they really want to facilitate those policy measures so that Hong Kong people have more confidence that the economy will bounce back." The Chinese government has thrown its full support behind Lam, a pro-Beijing appointee, despite her dismal approval ratings. The central government's role in the semi-autonomous former British colony has been in the spotlight, in particular with the imposition in June of a security law after months of pro-democracy protests - the most intense in decades - last year. The protests were triggered in part by fears in Hong Kong that the central government was whittling away the freedoms granted when the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula. The protests and later the novel coronavirus have battered the city's economy with full year gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to contract 6 per cent to 8 per cent.

Hong Kong leader delays major policy address until Beijing visit

A Hong Kong appeals panel upheld a police ban on a mass protest planned for China National Day. Police asks protesters to stay home or risk arrest for the 1 October.

Wion Dispatch: Protesters vow to hold rally despite ban on China National Day in Hong Kong

China has been tightening it's grip over the pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong since the national security law (NSL) came into force. 12 Hong Kong residents, including an activist charged under the city’s National Security Law, have been detained by China’s coastguard while trying to flee to Taiwan.

China tightens it's grip over the pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong after NSL

12 Hong Kong residents, including an activist charged under the city’s National Security Law, have been detained by China’s coastguard while trying to flee to Taiwan.

Twelve arrested at sea while trying to flee to Taiwan from Hong Kong

A 12-year-old girl was pinned to the ground in Hong Kong by police officers in riot gear during pro-democracy protests that led to hundreds of arrests.

Her detention was caught on video and is being held up as evidence to show the unnecessary force used by the police. The video is creating massive outrage around the world.

The girl, who is only being identified as Pamela, said she was out buying art supplies with her brother Sunday afternoon when she got caught in the protest crowds in the Mong Kok area. 
&nbsp; 
Although the young girl was not among nearly 300 people arrested that day, images of her being restrained on the streets of Mong Kok angered advocates for women’s and children’s rights.

Footage shows two cops approaching her and telling her to stand still before she takes off away from them.

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Police in Hong Kong have come under heavy criticism after a widely circulated video showed officers tackling a 12-year-old girl to the ground during a pro-democracy protest. <a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> brings you the story <a href="https://t.co/U9746adUc2">pic.twitter.com/U9746adUc2</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1303207808289005568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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One of the cops tackles her to the ground, while several others work to pin her down, video shows.

However, Police said that the girl was attempting to flee during a stop-and-search action on Sunday in Mong Kok and they had used the “minimum necessary force” in subduing her.

The police issued penalty ticket to Pamela, her elder brother and a passer-by, accusing them of violating the Covid-19 ban on group gatherings of more than two people.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 12-year-old girl was pinned to the ground in Hong Kong by police officers in riot gear during pro-democracy protests that led to hundreds of arrests. Her detention was caught on video and is being held up as evidence to show the unnecessary force used by the police.

A 12-year-old girl was pinned to the ground in Hong Kong by police officers in riot gear during pro-democracy protests that led to hundreds of arrests. Her detention was caught on video and is being held up as evidence to show the unnecessary force used by the police. The video is creating massive outrage around the world. The girl, who is only being identified as Pamela, said she was out buying art supplies with her brother Sunday afternoon when she got caught in the protest crowds in the Mong Kok area. Although the young girl was not among nearly 300 people arrested that day, images of her being restrained on the streets of Mong Kok angered advocates for women’s and children’s rights. Footage shows two cops approaching her and telling her to stand still before she takes off away from them. Police in Hong Kong have come under heavy criticism after a widely circulated video showed officers tackling a 12-year-old girl to the ground during a pro-democracy protest. @MollyGambhir brings you the story pic.twitter.com/U9746adUc2 — WION (@WIONews) September 8, 2020 × One of the cops tackles her to the ground, while several others work to pin her down, video shows. However, Police said that the girl was attempting to flee during a stop-and-search action on Sunday in Mong Kok and they had used the “minimum necessary force” in subduing her. The police issued penalty ticket to Pamela, her elder brother and a passer-by, accusing them of violating the Covid-19 ban on group gatherings of more than two people. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police criticised for tackling girl to ground during protests

Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai has received a hero's welcome upon his return to his newsroom in Apple Daily. Watch report.

Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai receives a hero's welcome upon return to his newsroom

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai appeared on Twitter live and thanked his supporters and said their action showed the police raid was a “violation of Hong Kong people’s belief” in wide-ranging freedoms, which he likened to oxygen.

China tightens grip on Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai warns young protesters

Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong needs patient, not radical democracy campaign

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law.

According to the South Morning China Post, the newspaper will file an interim injunction against the police raid in the newspaper’s offices.

In conversation with SMCP, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief Ryan Law said that they were seeking an injunction order after “journalistic materials were included in the documents of Apple Daily Charitable Foundation seized by police”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/jimmy-lai-tells-staff-to-fight-on-for-people-of-hong-kong-after-being-released-from-police-custody-319886" hreflang="en">Jimmy Lai tells staff to 'fight on' for 'people of Hong Kong' after being released from police custody</a>

According to Law, lawyers have already applied for sealing seized material like hard drives, which includes articles, pictures, and video footage.

Hong Kong police force undertook a nine-hour long search operation at the newspaper’s office, after which 30 boxes of documents and three hard drives were reportedly seized.

Is it legal?

Law has questioned the legality of this search operation, and claimed that he had requested the officers to hold back the operation until lawyers had arrived on the spot, but to no avail.

Over 200 officers stormed the Tseung Kwan O offices of the newspaper on Monday, and video footage showed officers rummaging through documents on the desks of journalists.

The police claims that some of the arrested were on the same floor as the editorial department, and did not intend to stir trouble for the journalists, which is why they had undertaken an “initial screening” of what qualifies as editorial materials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-released-on-bail-319811" hreflang="en">Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail</a>

According to Section 50(7) of the Police Force Ordinance, officers may enter premises to search people with warrants, but it does not grant them the power to see material of “journalistic material”. This would require authorisation from a higher court.

The Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance of Section 82 defines “journalistic materials” as any material created for the purpose of journalism.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail.&nbsp;Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong.

"Let's fight on"

"Fight on! Let's fight on," Lai said in a Facebook live broadcast.&nbsp;"We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down”, he said.

A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/how-arrest-of-hong-kongs-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-back-fired-319812" hreflang="en">How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired</a>

The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing.

His arrest came&nbsp;amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula.

The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law. According to the South Morning China Post, the newspaper will file an interim injunction against the police raid in the newspaper’s offices. In conversation with SMCP, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief Ryan Law said that they were seeking an injunction order after “journalistic materials were included in the documents of Apple Daily Charitable Foundation seized by police”. Also read: Jimmy Lai tells staff to 'fight on' for 'people of Hong Kong' after being released from police custody According to Law, lawyers have already applied for sealing seized material like hard drives, which includes articles, pictures, and video footage. Hong Kong police force undertook a nine-hour long search operation at the newspaper’s office, after which 30 boxes of documents and three hard drives were reportedly seized. Is it legal? Law has questioned the legality of this search operation, and claimed that he had requested the officers to hold back the operation until lawyers had arrived on the spot, but to no avail. Over 200 officers stormed the Tseung Kwan O offices of the newspaper on Monday, and video footage showed officers rummaging through documents on the desks of journalists. The police claims that some of the arrested were on the same floor as the editorial department, and did not intend to stir trouble for the journalists, which is why they had undertaken an “initial screening” of what qualifies as editorial materials. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail According to Section 50(7) of the Police Force Ordinance, officers may enter premises to search people with warrants, but it does not grant them the power to see material of “journalistic material”. This would require authorisation from a higher court. The Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance of Section 82 defines “journalistic materials” as any material created for the purpose of journalism. Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail. Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong. "Let's fight on" "Fight on! Let's fight on," Lai said in a Facebook live broadcast. "We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down”, he said. A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts. Also read: How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing. His arrest came amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula. The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms.

Hong Kong's Apple Daily taking legal action against unlawful seizure of 'journalistic materials'

Amid tensions over the national security bill, the Hong Kong government said today that it has suspended its extradition agreements with France and Germany.

Watch:

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"The two countries have politicised juridical co-operation, thereby damaging the basis of juridical co-operation between (Hong Kong) and Germany and France," the Hong Kong government said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-apple-daily-taking-legal-action-against-unlawful-seizure-of-journalistic-materials-319911">Also Read:&nbsp;Hong Kong's Apple Daily taking legal action against unlawful seizure of 'journalistic materials'</a>

The development comes as authorities in Hong Kong detained pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai, 71, under the new law but released him hours later after his lawyers applied for bail. He returned to work on Wednesday but urged his staff to "fight on".

"We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down," Lai said. The national security law which was enacted on June 30 bypassed the Hong Kong legislature criminalising subversion, secession and colluding with foreign forces as Hong Kongers protested the move.

Lai who is the owner of Apple Daily was taken away by police along with two of his sons and senior Apple Daily executives. 23-year-old Agnes Chow was also detained by police.

The US had imposed sanctions against the financial hub and taken away its special trading status. After Lai was arrested, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said: "It is further proof that Chinese authorities had eviscerated Hong Kong's freedoms and eroded the rights of its people."

Pompeo had also called the national security law draconian as China said Lai was an "anti-China rabble-rouser" who had conspired with foreigners to "stir up chaos."

Amid tensions over the national security bill, the Hong Kong government said today that it has suspended its extradition agreements with France and Germany. Watch: "The two countries have politicised juridical co-operation, thereby damaging the basis of juridical co-operation between (Hong Kong) and Germany and France," the Hong Kong government said.

Amid tensions over the national security bill, the Hong Kong government said today that it has suspended its extradition agreements with France and Germany. Watch: "The two countries have politicised juridical co-operation, thereby damaging the basis of juridical co-operation between (Hong Kong) and Germany and France," the Hong Kong government said. Also Read: Hong Kong's Apple Daily taking legal action against unlawful seizure of 'journalistic materials' The development comes as authorities in Hong Kong detained pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai, 71, under the new law but released him hours later after his lawyers applied for bail. He returned to work on Wednesday but urged his staff to "fight on". "We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down," Lai said. The national security law which was enacted on June 30 bypassed the Hong Kong legislature criminalising subversion, secession and colluding with foreign forces as Hong Kongers protested the move. Lai who is the owner of Apple Daily was taken away by police along with two of his sons and senior Apple Daily executives. 23-year-old Agnes Chow was also detained by police. The US had imposed sanctions against the financial hub and taken away its special trading status. After Lai was arrested, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said: "It is further proof that Chinese authorities had eviscerated Hong Kong's freedoms and eroded the rights of its people." Pompeo had also called the national security law draconian as China said Lai was an "anti-China rabble-rouser" who had conspired with foreigners to "stir up chaos."

Hong Kong suspends extradition agreements with France and Germany

In Hong Kong, pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and Agnis Chow have been released on bail after been rounded up this week under the new National Security Law. Watch report.

HK activist Jimmy Lai released on bail after 2 days of arrest

In Hong Kong, pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and Agnes Chow have been released on bail after been rounded up this week under the new National Security Law. Watch report.

Pro-Democracy activists Agnes Chow and Jimmy Lai released on bail: HK police confiscates Chow's passport

In Hong Kong, another prominent pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow has been arrested under China's National Security Law. Watch report.

Hong Kong arrests: Another pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow arrested

Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group&nbsp;under China's new National Security Law.

"They arrested him at his house at about 7am. Our lawyers are on the way to the police station," Mark Simon, a close aide of Lai told the media.

The media tycoon and his aides were detained on Monday for fraud and 'colluding with foreign forces'. Lai has been an active pro-democracy voice and had raised his voice against China's much criticised new National Security Law in Hong Kong, calling it&nbsp; "a death knell for Hong Kong".

"It will supersede or destroy our rule of law and destroy our international financial status," he said earlier.

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The new security law imposed by China in Hong Kong has been criticised internationally, and especially in Hong Kong. Since the implementation of the law, several pro-democracy activists have been arrested, as it was feared earlier.

Lai, a beloved voice in Hong Kong, is seen as a traitor and&nbsp;&nbsp;the biggest "black hand" in the Chinese media. However, Lai had earlier declared that he will be willing to go to the prison if that is what it took to raise his voice against the imposition of the new law.

"I'm prepared for prison," he had earlier said. "If it comes, I will have the opportunity to read books I haven't read. The only thing I can do is to be positive."

He had earlier predicted that the authorities would come after him and his journalists after the law was implemented. However, this is not his first arrest.&nbsp;He is already being prosecuted for taking part in last year's protests and for defying a police ban to attend a vigil in early June commemorating Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown in 1989.

Lai's team of lawyers had rushed to the authorities soon after his arrest.

Hours after the arrest was made dozens of Hong Kong police officers started an extensive search of Jimmy Lai's organisation, Apple Daily. Live images broadcast on Facebook by Apple Daily's own reporters showed officers searching their newsroom in an industrial park on the outskirts of the international financial hub.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group under China's new National Security Law. "They arrested him at his house at about 7am.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group under China's new National Security Law. "They arrested him at his house at about 7am. Our lawyers are on the way to the police station," Mark Simon, a close aide of Lai told the media. The media tycoon and his aides were detained on Monday for fraud and 'colluding with foreign forces'. Lai has been an active pro-democracy voice and had raised his voice against China's much criticised new National Security Law in Hong Kong, calling it "a death knell for Hong Kong". "It will supersede or destroy our rule of law and destroy our international financial status," he said earlier. × The new security law imposed by China in Hong Kong has been criticised internationally, and especially in Hong Kong. Since the implementation of the law, several pro-democracy activists have been arrested, as it was feared earlier. Lai, a beloved voice in Hong Kong, is seen as a traitor and the biggest "black hand" in the Chinese media. However, Lai had earlier declared that he will be willing to go to the prison if that is what it took to raise his voice against the imposition of the new law. "I'm prepared for prison," he had earlier said. "If it comes, I will have the opportunity to read books I haven't read. The only thing I can do is to be positive." He had earlier predicted that the authorities would come after him and his journalists after the law was implemented. However, this is not his first arrest. He is already being prosecuted for taking part in last year's protests and for defying a police ban to attend a vigil in early June commemorating Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown in 1989. Lai's team of lawyers had rushed to the authorities soon after his arrest. Hours after the arrest was made dozens of Hong Kong police officers started an extensive search of Jimmy Lai's organisation, Apple Daily. Live images broadcast on Facebook by Apple Daily's own reporters showed officers searching their newsroom in an industrial park on the outskirts of the international financial hub.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under National Security Law

Amid protests in Hong Kong on allowing Chinese mainland officials to conduct COVID-19 testing in the city, the Hong Kong government dismissed reports that it was using it as an opportunity to collect DNA samples from residents.

Watch:

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On Sunday, the Hong Kong government had allowed Chinese government experts to set up laboratories in the city in order to track the new virus outbreak in the country. Hong Kong had reported 115 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday with the total number of cases rising to 3,511.&nbsp;

Last week, the daily coronavirus cases had exceeded 100 for ten consecutive days in the city.&nbsp;

Sophia Chan Siu-chee, secretary for food and health while welcoming the experts had said: "At a time when Hong Kong sees a resurgence of the virus and many other places across the world experience major outbreaks, I think more testing is crucial and expanding our testing capacity will significantly help contain the epidemic."

The team landed even as Hong Kong's health services have been stretched to the limit. The two support teams from the mainland have been added to address shortcomings in Hong Kong's health care system.

However, &nbsp;reports claimed the mainland team was collecting DNA samples, however, the Hong Kong government said “certain individuals” were floating the theory online and spreading untrue "claims intentionally".

Hong Kong residents have been at loggerheads ever since China imposed the national security law in the city&nbsp;leading to large scale protests and international condemnation.&nbsp;

Last week the Hong Kong government had barred local legislative elections planned for September 6 and disallowed a dozen pro-democracy candidates from campaigning for office.

Amid protests in Hong Kong on allowing Chinese mainland officials to conduct COVID-19 testing in the city, the Hong Kong government dismissed reports that it was using it as an opportunity to collect DNA samples from residents.

Amid protests in Hong Kong on allowing Chinese mainland officials to conduct COVID-19 testing in the city, the Hong Kong government dismissed reports that it was using it as an opportunity to collect DNA samples from residents. Watch: On Sunday, the Hong Kong government had allowed Chinese government experts to set up laboratories in the city in order to track the new virus outbreak in the country. Hong Kong had reported 115 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday with the total number of cases rising to 3,511. Last week, the daily coronavirus cases had exceeded 100 for ten consecutive days in the city. Sophia Chan Siu-chee, secretary for food and health while welcoming the experts had said: "At a time when Hong Kong sees a resurgence of the virus and many other places across the world experience major outbreaks, I think more testing is crucial and expanding our testing capacity will significantly help contain the epidemic." The team landed even as Hong Kong's health services have been stretched to the limit. The two support teams from the mainland have been added to address shortcomings in Hong Kong's health care system. However, reports claimed the mainland team was collecting DNA samples, however, the Hong Kong government said “certain individuals” were floating the theory online and spreading untrue "claims intentionally". Hong Kong residents have been at loggerheads ever since China imposed the national security law in the city leading to large scale protests and international condemnation. Last week the Hong Kong government had barred local legislative elections planned for September 6 and disallowed a dozen pro-democracy candidates from campaigning for office.

Hong Kong government denies China's COVID-19 team collecting DNA samples of residents

Chinese state television said on Friday that Hong Kong authorities had issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists who fled the city and are suspected of violating a national security law that came into effect on June 30.

CCTV said the six were wanted on suspicion of secession or colluding with foreign forces, crimes that the new law punishes with up to life in prison.

It named the six as Nathan Law, Wayne Chan Ka-kui, Honcques Laus, Samuel Chu, Simon Cheng and Ray Wong Toi-yeung.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-says-resistance-will-continue-317181">Also read:&nbsp;Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong says 'resistance will continue'</a>

Hong Kong police declined to comment.

Wong said he believed the move showed that the Chinese government was afraid of the advocacy work of Hong Kong activists internationally, and wanted to pressure them.

“I think they want to cut off our connection with people in Hong Kong ... it will make people fear that they may violate the national security law by contacting us,” Wong told Reuters by phone from Britain.

Nathan Law, who is currently also in Britain, remained defiant. He said on Facebook the “wanted bulletins”, recent arrests, and mass disqualifications of pro-democracy activists from a now-delayed election are “indications of our need to remain active on the global stage.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-postpones-elections-over-virus-as-china-crackdown-deepens-317298">Also read:&nbsp;Hong Kong postpones elections over virus as China crackdown deepens</a>

“That Hong Kong has no place for even such moderate views like ours underscores the absurdity of Chinese Communist rule.”

China imposed the contentious law on its freest city around one month ago, circumventing the local legislature, a move condemned by some Western governments, rights groups and activists in the territory.

Several countries have since suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong, including Britain, Australia, and most recently Germany, as a possible safeguard against attempts to use the national security laws to round up activists abroad.

“We have repeatedly made our expectation clear that China lives up to its legal responsibilities under international law,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Friday just after Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam postponed an election by a year.

Several have also offered Hong Kongers an expedited path to full citizenship.

Critics of the law fear it will crush freedoms in a city that is a world financial hub, prompting some to flee overseas.

“For me, the situation faced by Hong Kongers is even more dangerous than what I face. I can’t think too much about my personal safety,” Wayne Chan, a pro-independence activist, told Reuters by phone from an undisclosed country.

Supporters say the security legislation is needed to restore stability and order to the former British colony after a year of sometimes violent anti-government protests.

Chinese state television said on Friday that Hong Kong authorities had issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists who fled the city and are suspected of violating a national security law that came into effect on June 30.

Chinese state television said on Friday that Hong Kong authorities had issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists who fled the city and are suspected of violating a national security law that came into effect on June 30. CCTV said the six were wanted on suspicion of secession or colluding with foreign forces, crimes that the new law punishes with up to life in prison. It named the six as Nathan Law, Wayne Chan Ka-kui, Honcques Laus, Samuel Chu, Simon Cheng and Ray Wong Toi-yeung. Also read: Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong says 'resistance will continue' Hong Kong police declined to comment. Wong said he believed the move showed that the Chinese government was afraid of the advocacy work of Hong Kong activists internationally, and wanted to pressure them. “I think they want to cut off our connection with people in Hong Kong ... it will make people fear that they may violate the national security law by contacting us,” Wong told Reuters by phone from Britain. Nathan Law, who is currently also in Britain, remained defiant. He said on Facebook the “wanted bulletins”, recent arrests, and mass disqualifications of pro-democracy activists from a now-delayed election are “indications of our need to remain active on the global stage.” Also read: Hong Kong postpones elections over virus as China crackdown deepens “That Hong Kong has no place for even such moderate views like ours underscores the absurdity of Chinese Communist rule.” China imposed the contentious law on its freest city around one month ago, circumventing the local legislature, a move condemned by some Western governments, rights groups and activists in the territory. Several countries have since suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong, including Britain, Australia, and most recently Germany, as a possible safeguard against attempts to use the national security laws to round up activists abroad. “We have repeatedly made our expectation clear that China lives up to its legal responsibilities under international law,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Friday just after Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam postponed an election by a year. Several have also offered Hong Kongers an expedited path to full citizenship. Critics of the law fear it will crush freedoms in a city that is a world financial hub, prompting some to flee overseas. “For me, the situation faced by Hong Kongers is even more dangerous than what I face. I can’t think too much about my personal safety,” Wayne Chan, a pro-independence activist, told Reuters by phone from an undisclosed country. Supporters say the security legislation is needed to restore stability and order to the former British colony after a year of sometimes violent anti-government protests.

Arrest warrants issued for six Hong Kong democracy activists: Reports

The number of Hong Kong citizens applying to study at Australian universities has hit a three-year-high midway through 2020, according to government data, amid fears a new security law is ushering in a more authoritarian era for China`s freest city.

The rise in higher education applications from Hong Kong citizens in the first six months of the year contrasts with otherwise steep falls in the number of overseas students applying to study in Australia during the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-unknowingly-helps-hkindependence-trend-on-twitter-317026">Also read:&nbsp;Hong Kong police unknowingly helps #HKIndependence trend on Twitter</a>

The data released late on Thursday captured Hong Kong citizens` applications in the lead-up to the implementation of new security law late on June 30 which have exacerbated concerns over freedoms in the financial hub.

There was more than a 16% rise in applications from Hong Kong citizens in the first six months of 2020 compared to the corresponding period last year.

Australia is the third most popular destination for overseas students after the United States and United Kingdom, according to the International Education Association of Australia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-bars-12-prominent-democracy-activists-from-election-317150">Also watch:&nbsp;Hong Kong bars 12 prominent democracy activists from election</a>

Australian universities expect more students from Hong Kong will apply for study visas after the government earlier this month said Hong Kong students, graduates and workers on temporary visas will have the opportunity to stay and work for an extra five years and apply for permanent residency after that time.

"We have seen a sharp increase in enquiries from Hong Kong nationals in Australia and residents in Hong Kong following the government announcement," director at Stirling Henry global migration Simon De Vere told Reuters.

Australia`s $37 billion (US $26.54 billion) education sector, the country`s second largest services export after tourism, has taken a massive economic hit from the pandemic with universities warning they might lose A$16 billion in revenue by 2023.

Much of that anticipated loss is due to declining enrolments from mainland Chinese students, which has fallen to the lowest levels recorded since 2012-13 in the first half of the year, government data shows.

Australia has also effectively closed its international borders, allowing only a very limited number of inbound passengers each day. Universities are seeking schemes to allow foreign students in via travel bubbles with other countries.

The number of Hong Kong citizens applying to study at Australian universities has hit a three-year-high midway through 2020, according to government data, amid fears a new security law is ushering in a more authoritarian era for China`s freest city.

The number of Hong Kong citizens applying to study at Australian universities has hit a three-year-high midway through 2020, according to government data, amid fears a new security law is ushering in a more authoritarian era for China`s freest city. The rise in higher education applications from Hong Kong citizens in the first six months of the year contrasts with otherwise steep falls in the number of overseas students applying to study in Australia during the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Hong Kong police unknowingly helps #HKIndependence trend on Twitter The data released late on Thursday captured Hong Kong citizens` applications in the lead-up to the implementation of new security law late on June 30 which have exacerbated concerns over freedoms in the financial hub. There was more than a 16% rise in applications from Hong Kong citizens in the first six months of 2020 compared to the corresponding period last year. Australia is the third most popular destination for overseas students after the United States and United Kingdom, according to the International Education Association of Australia. Also watch: Hong Kong bars 12 prominent democracy activists from election Australian universities expect more students from Hong Kong will apply for study visas after the government earlier this month said Hong Kong students, graduates and workers on temporary visas will have the opportunity to stay and work for an extra five years and apply for permanent residency after that time. "We have seen a sharp increase in enquiries from Hong Kong nationals in Australia and residents in Hong Kong following the government announcement," director at Stirling Henry global migration Simon De Vere told Reuters. Australia`s $37 billion (US $26.54 billion) education sector, the country`s second largest services export after tourism, has taken a massive economic hit from the pandemic with universities warning they might lose A$16 billion in revenue by 2023. Much of that anticipated loss is due to declining enrolments from mainland Chinese students, which has fallen to the lowest levels recorded since 2012-13 in the first half of the year, government data shows. Australia has also effectively closed its international borders, allowing only a very limited number of inbound passengers each day. Universities are seeking schemes to allow foreign students in via travel bubbles with other countries.

Hong Kong student applications to Australia hit three year high ahead of new security law

China has announced the suspension of Hong Kong's extradition treaties with Canada, Australia and Britain, a tit-for-tat move following similar decisions by those countries

China suspends Hong Kong extradition treaties with Canada, Australia, UK

China's education ministry on Tuesday unveiled stringent draft rules for foreign teacher with strong "patriotic" fervour.

According to the draft, the foreign teachers cannot take part in "words and deeds" which is harmful to the country's sovereignty. The foreign teachers have also been banned from "illegally engaging in religious education or preaching".

Earlier foreign teachers in China were required to hold TESOL and&nbsp;TEFLs degrees and authorities had asked online educational platforms to ensure teachers personal credentials were&nbsp;displayed.

The new rules also require foreign teachers to undergo at least 20 hours of training on the Chinese constitution and ethics. The guidelines have also forbidden sex abuse and drug intake categorising them as criminal offence.

According to a survey by China's state media, there are 400,000 foreign teachers working in China. The teachers are also required to possess a bachelor's degree or higher and at least two years of teaching experience.

Teachers have had lucrative careers in China with several English teachers working in the country, however, reports said that several teachers have been working illegally with authorities now ready to bring in new guidelines to disallow them.

China's move comes amid the national security law in Hong Kong with several teachers fearful as they have been reportedly warned that on how they should teach.

In Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have reportedly asked teachers to ensure "patriotic" education.&nbsp;

China's education ministry on Tuesday unveiled stringent draft rules for foreign teacher with strong "patriotic" fervour. According to the draft, the foreign teachers cannot take part in "words and deeds" which is harmful to the country's sovereignty.

China's education ministry on Tuesday unveiled stringent draft rules for foreign teacher with strong "patriotic" fervour. According to the draft, the foreign teachers cannot take part in "words and deeds" which is harmful to the country's sovereignty. The foreign teachers have also been banned from "illegally engaging in religious education or preaching". Earlier foreign teachers in China were required to hold TESOL and TEFLs degrees and authorities had asked online educational platforms to ensure teachers personal credentials were displayed. The new rules also require foreign teachers to undergo at least 20 hours of training on the Chinese constitution and ethics. The guidelines have also forbidden sex abuse and drug intake categorising them as criminal offence. According to a survey by China's state media, there are 400,000 foreign teachers working in China. The teachers are also required to possess a bachelor's degree or higher and at least two years of teaching experience. Teachers have had lucrative careers in China with several English teachers working in the country, however, reports said that several teachers have been working illegally with authorities now ready to bring in new guidelines to disallow them. China's move comes amid the national security law in Hong Kong with several teachers fearful as they have been reportedly warned that on how they should teach. In Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have reportedly asked teachers to ensure "patriotic" education.

Now, China's new draft guidelines for foreign teachers takes 'patriotic' tilt

The New York Times on Wednesday said it was moving its digital news hub from Hong Kong to South Korea as a result of a national security law Beijing imposed on the city.

"China's sweeping new national security law in Hong Kong has created a lot of uncertainty about what the new rules will mean to our operation and our journalism," executives wrote in an email to staff, according to a news report published on the New York Times website.

"We feel it is prudent to make contingency plans and begin to diversify our editing staff around the region."

The newspaper has had a regional headquarters in Hong Kong for decades, overseeing Asia coverage and more recently helping to run the newspaper's 24-hour digital news operation.

In its own news report, the Times said it would move its digital team of journalists -- roughly one-third of its Hong Kong employees —- to Seoul over the next year.

It is the first major relocation by an international news organisation since Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on Hong Kong late last month.

The new law has sent a chill through the city because its broad wording criminalises some political speech and ramps up Communist Party control over the city.

One provision expressly calls upon authorities to&nbsp;"strengthen the management" of foreign news organisations.

The Times report said it had recently "faced challenges securing work permits" for its staff in Hong Kong, something it said was "commonplace in China but were rarely an issue in the former colony".

Hong Kong has been a major regional hub for international media for decades thanks to its easy business environment and key civil liberties that Beijing pledged to protect until 2047 under the handover deal with Britain.

Alongside the New York Times, media organisations that have major regional hubs in Hong Kong include AFP, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and the Financial Times.&nbsp;

The New York Times on Wednesday said it was moving its digital news hub from Hong Kong to South Korea as a result of a national security law Beijing imposed on the city.

The New York Times on Wednesday said it was moving its digital news hub from Hong Kong to South Korea as a result of a national security law Beijing imposed on the city. "China's sweeping new national security law in Hong Kong has created a lot of uncertainty about what the new rules will mean to our operation and our journalism," executives wrote in an email to staff, according to a news report published on the New York Times website. "We feel it is prudent to make contingency plans and begin to diversify our editing staff around the region." The newspaper has had a regional headquarters in Hong Kong for decades, overseeing Asia coverage and more recently helping to run the newspaper's 24-hour digital news operation. In its own news report, the Times said it would move its digital team of journalists -- roughly one-third of its Hong Kong employees —- to Seoul over the next year. It is the first major relocation by an international news organisation since Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on Hong Kong late last month. The new law has sent a chill through the city because its broad wording criminalises some political speech and ramps up Communist Party control over the city. One provision expressly calls upon authorities to "strengthen the management" of foreign news organisations. The Times report said it had recently "faced challenges securing work permits" for its staff in Hong Kong, something it said was "commonplace in China but were rarely an issue in the former colony". Hong Kong has been a major regional hub for international media for decades thanks to its easy business environment and key civil liberties that Beijing pledged to protect until 2047 under the handover deal with Britain. Alongside the New York Times, media organisations that have major regional hubs in Hong Kong include AFP, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and the Financial Times.

NYT to move some Hong Kong staff over security law

The European Union is all set to veil the new countermeasures against China over the newly imposed national security law. Watch report

EU vs China over Security law: EU mulling scholarships for HK students

A majority of U.S. companies in Hong Kong surveyed by the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) are concerned about the sweeping new national security law in the global financial hub, with a third looking to move assets or business longer-term.

The legislation, which punishes secession subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, has further strained relations between the United States and China.

The Amcham survey, published on Monday and to which 183 or 15% of its members responded on July 6-9, showed 36.6% of respondents were "somewhat" concerned and 51% were "extremely concerned" about the legislation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/500000-hong-kongers-cast-protest-vote-against-new-security-laws-312766" hreflang="en">500,000 Hong Kongers cast 'protest' vote against new security laws</a>

More than two-thirds of the respondents were more concerned than a month ago, when the full details of the law, which came into force just before the anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, were unveiled.

The legislation, which sees a Chinese intelligence agency openly operating in the city for the first time and gives police and mainland agents broad powers beyond the scrutiny of courts, raises a broad spectrum of worries for U.S. companies.

Some 65% were concerned about the "ambiguity in its scope and enforcement" and roughly 61% were concerned about the independence of Hong Kong's judicial system.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-opposition-kicks-off-primary-elections-under-shadow-of-security-law-312731" hreflang="en">Hong Kong opposition kicks off primary elections under shadow of security law</a>

About half were concerned about the city's status as a global finance centre and the erosion of the high degree of autonomy it was promised 23 years ago.

Other major concerns cited were data security, talent drain and retaliatory measures by other governments. The prospect of extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party, was considered a "game changer" by about 46%, with 17% saying it wasn't.

About 49% said the law would have a negative impact on their business, while some 13% said it would have a positive impact. Some 30% considered moving capital, assets or business out of Hong Kong in the medium-to-long term, while 5% said they consider doing so in the short-term.

More than half of the respondents said they felt less safe about living and working in Hong Kong. Also about half said they personally considered leaving the city.

A majority of U.S. companies in Hong Kong surveyed by the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) are concerned about the sweeping new national security law in the global financial hub, with a third looking to move assets or business longer-term.

A majority of U.S. companies in Hong Kong surveyed by the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) are concerned about the sweeping new national security law in the global financial hub, with a third looking to move assets or business longer-term. The legislation, which punishes secession subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, has further strained relations between the United States and China. The Amcham survey, published on Monday and to which 183 or 15% of its members responded on July 6-9, showed 36.6% of respondents were "somewhat" concerned and 51% were "extremely concerned" about the legislation. Also read: 500,000 Hong Kongers cast 'protest' vote against new security laws More than two-thirds of the respondents were more concerned than a month ago, when the full details of the law, which came into force just before the anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, were unveiled. The legislation, which sees a Chinese intelligence agency openly operating in the city for the first time and gives police and mainland agents broad powers beyond the scrutiny of courts, raises a broad spectrum of worries for U.S. companies. Some 65% were concerned about the "ambiguity in its scope and enforcement" and roughly 61% were concerned about the independence of Hong Kong's judicial system. Also read: Hong Kong opposition kicks off primary elections under shadow of security law About half were concerned about the city's status as a global finance centre and the erosion of the high degree of autonomy it was promised 23 years ago. Other major concerns cited were data security, talent drain and retaliatory measures by other governments. The prospect of extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party, was considered a "game changer" by about 46%, with 17% saying it wasn't. About 49% said the law would have a negative impact on their business, while some 13% said it would have a positive impact. Some 30% considered moving capital, assets or business out of Hong Kong in the medium-to-long term, while 5% said they consider doing so in the short-term. More than half of the respondents said they felt less safe about living and working in Hong Kong. Also about half said they personally considered leaving the city.

Majority of US firms in Hong Kong concerned about security law

Microsoft&nbsp;and Zoom on Tuesday joined other major internet firms that have stopped considering requests by Hong Kong's government for information on users in the wake of China's imposition of a sweeping new security law.

Microsoft&nbsp;and Zoom said they are pausing consideration of data requests by officials or police in Hong Kong, a precaution also taken by Facebook, Google and Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-google-twitter-block-hong-kong-govt-from-accessing-user-data-311243" hreflang="en">Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data</a>

"As we would with any new legislation, we are reviewing the new law to understand its implications,"&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;said.

"In the past, we've typically received only a relatively small number of requests from Hong Kong authorities, but we are pausing our responses to these requests as we conduct our review."

Zoom a video-conferencing platform that has boom during the pandemic, said it is monitoring developments in Hong Kong and looking for guidance from the US government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/national-security-a-red-line-hong-kong-leader-says-311354" hreflang="en">National security a 'red line', Hong Kong leader says</a>

"Zoom supports the free and open exchange of thoughts and ideas," the company said. "We have paused processing any data requests from, and related to, Hong Kong SAR."

The pause at leading online social network Facebook and its popular messaging service WhatsApp will remain in place "pending further assessment" of the new national security law, and include "formal human rights due diligence and consultations with human rights experts," according to the Silicon Valley giant.

"We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and support the right of people to express themselves without fear for their safety or other repercussions," the spokesman said.

Twitter and Google said that they too would not comply with information requests by Hong Kong authorities in the immediate future.

China last week imposed the security law on the city of around 7.5 million people, banning acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

The law stipulates that trials can be held behind closed doors without juries, with offenders subject to a maximum of a life sentence.

The legislation, which has sent a wave of fear through the territory, has criminalized dissenting opinions such as calls for independence or autonomy.

Microsoft and Zoom on Tuesday joined other major internet firms that have stopped considering requests by Hong Kong's government for information on users in the wake of China's imposition of a sweeping new security law.

Microsoft and Zoom on Tuesday joined other major internet firms that have stopped considering requests by Hong Kong's government for information on users in the wake of China's imposition of a sweeping new security law. Microsoft and Zoom said they are pausing consideration of data requests by officials or police in Hong Kong, a precaution also taken by Facebook, Google and Twitter. Also read: Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data "As we would with any new legislation, we are reviewing the new law to understand its implications," Microsoft said. "In the past, we've typically received only a relatively small number of requests from Hong Kong authorities, but we are pausing our responses to these requests as we conduct our review." Zoom a video-conferencing platform that has boom during the pandemic, said it is monitoring developments in Hong Kong and looking for guidance from the US government. Also read: National security a 'red line', Hong Kong leader says "Zoom supports the free and open exchange of thoughts and ideas," the company said. "We have paused processing any data requests from, and related to, Hong Kong SAR." The pause at leading online social network Facebook and its popular messaging service WhatsApp will remain in place "pending further assessment" of the new national security law, and include "formal human rights due diligence and consultations with human rights experts," according to the Silicon Valley giant. "We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and support the right of people to express themselves without fear for their safety or other repercussions," the spokesman said. Twitter and Google said that they too would not comply with information requests by Hong Kong authorities in the immediate future. China last week imposed the security law on the city of around 7.5 million people, banning acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. The law stipulates that trials can be held behind closed doors without juries, with offenders subject to a maximum of a life sentence. The legislation, which has sent a wave of fear through the territory, has criminalized dissenting opinions such as calls for independence or autonomy.

National security law: Now, Microsoft and Zoom pause requests for Hong Kong data

<ul>
	<li>The National Security law formalizes the changes that have been taking place in Hong Kong for over the past year. Critics of the Chinese government fear that they will be prosecuted under the new draconian law. Further, Article 38 of the National Security law also applies to offences committed outside of Hong Kong by non-residents of Hong Kong and this includes foreign nationals.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Opposition members and protestors are frantically deleting their posts, tweets and other digital traces online due to the fear of prosecution from the Chinese government.</li>
	<li>The US House of Representatives has approved new Hong Kong related sanctions to penalize banks who do business with Chinese officials.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

End of Democracy

There is a new reality facing Hong Kong today. The Chinese Communist Party passed the controversial National Security Law amidst the darkness of midnight.&nbsp;

According to the treaty between the Chinese and the British government, people of Hong Kong were set to enjoy autonomy, fundamental rights and the two-system governance until the year 2047. Critics now fear that the government will use the new law to silence dissent and prosecute any voices that criticize the Chinese government. Due to this well-founded fear various opposition leaders, members and protestors are frantically deleting their posts, tweets and other digital traces that can be later used as evidence against them in the court of law. Even foreigners can be prosecuted under this law and various foreigners are showing their fear and discontent against the new laws online.&nbsp;

This sad affair for Hong Kong is a wake-up call to all the democracy-loving free nations of the world that the Chinese Communist Party is expanding its imperialistic behaviour towards its neighbours subverting international laws and treaties.

The future of Hong Kong lies in disarray. The financial capital of the world is now fighting for its freedom against the communist regime during the time the whole world is busy with its own domestic problems. Article 38 of the National Security Law also applies to offences committed outside of Hong Kong by non-residents of Hong Kong and this includes foreign nationals.&nbsp;

The Draconian Law - Silencing Dissent&nbsp;

The Hong Kong officials argue that the law would be beneficial for the long term stability of the government, but critics argue that the draconian law will be used to silence the voice of people with punishments as severe as life imprisonment. Carrie Lam, Hong Kong Chief Executive, said that “the purpose of this law is not only to punish but to deter people from committing serious offences such as succession, subverting the state power and terrorist activities.

The reality is that Hong Kong is legally gone, but the spirit and the strength of the people fighting for democracy remain with people still taking it to the streets to fight against the government. Boris Jonson criticized the move of the Chinese government as a “clear and serious” violation of its treaty with Britain.&nbsp;

The British parliament has introduced a bespoke five-year visa plan with the option to apply for citizenship afterwards for as many as 3 million Hong Kong citizens with British national overseas status. There is still hope for young Hong Kongers who will likely take this route, but it is going to lead to a lot of brain drain and corporate organizations shifting their locations as the special status provided to Hong Kong is removed by the US administration. China has threatened the British government and said it will take countermeasures against the UK should it grant residency to Hongkongers fleeing a harsh new national security law.&nbsp;

“The Chilling Effect” - Is Hong Kong Important for China in 2020?&nbsp;

Hong Kong has enjoyed success as a major financial hub next to the likes of New York and London. A major trading partner of the US. International businesses and organizations trust Hong Kong’s legal system and trusting the Chinese legal system is risky due to its authoritarian legal system and strict capital controls.

In the 1990s, Hong Kong’s economy accounted for 25 per cent of China’s GDP but now Hong Kong accounts only for 2.7 per cent of China’s GDP due to the emergence of powerhouses such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Harbin and Chengdu which has pushed China’s GDP to &nbsp;$14.1 trillion in 2019. Simply speaking, China does not care about Hong Kong anymore as Shenzhen, the metropolis outside Hong Kong has turned into a massive manufacturing powerhouse. The Communist party has little incentive to keep the people of Hong Kong happy and thus the Chinese government is going ahead with this calculated move. Hong Kong’s economy is stuttering, and the protests have paralyzed the economy giving rise to fear of capital flight from Hong Kong to Singapore and other safe havens in Asia.&nbsp;

Hong Kong consecutively ranked as the world's freest economy for 26 years since its inception in 1995. The political turmoil in Hong Kong is engulfing its economy and is refreshing worries over capital outflows from one of the major financial hubs. Due to the approval of the National Security Bill, there is a deep economic crisis facing Hong Kong that can result in capital flight in the long term.

Hong Kong still remains crucial for China, as Chinese companies prefer Hong Kong as its destination for borrowing and raising capital. Access to the global currency market through Hong Kong has allowed China to prop-up its national currency. According to the Bank for International Settlements, 30% of the average daily turnover of Yuan came from Hong Kong and due to this Mrs Carrie Lam, has proposed a plan to transform Hong Kong into a private wealth management hub and turn it into a prominent offshore renminbi centre. The government wants to promote greater liquidity and connect Hong Kong’s financial market with the Mainland’s financial markets.&nbsp;

The EU is Not Going to Help Hong Kong - It’s Strongest Ally Left

The UK government believes that the new law is a flagrant breach of the agreement between the two countries and honouring its commitment towards the people of Hong Kong, the UK government is granting citizenship to 3 million Hong Kongers through its 5-year visa plan. There has been a growing trend in Hong Kong for immigration over the past few years due to political unrest, the lending hand by the UK provides an incentive for professionals, young students, children and those seeking safer heavens to move overseas, in order to restore their way of life. Children born after 1997 without any link to their colonial past are choosing to stay and fight as they do not have dual citizenship.&nbsp;

The EU meanwhile has said that it is discussing with its international partners on a response, but there is not much that we can expect. There is not a lot of pressure coming from the EU, its members have released their predicted statements that denounce the actions of China and show their serious concern regarding the situation but with no indications of sanctions or strong actions whatsoever. The EU believes that the economic cost of creating a front on Hong Kong is going to be against their interests as the EU needs to save its cash-starved businesses and organisations. The matter of foreign policy falls within the purview of each member state of the EU and thus there are various vested interests linked to China and Chinese investments; not to mention that China remains EU’s global supply chain partner.&nbsp;

The strongest friend of Hong Kong, the UK is no longer part of the EU due to which the support for Hong Kong has diminished in Brussels. The EU has lost its most committed member when it comes to the faith of Hong Kong and finally, we have the coronavirus pandemic for which the EU council of ministers is prepaying a rescue fund and the last thing they want is an economic fight with China. Due to which the buck currently stops at money for the EU, even when it stands for the civil and political rights of the citizens of Hong Kong it cannot afford a cold war with China.

Hong Kongers and The Fight for Democracy&nbsp;

A million people marched the streets of Hong Kong last year against the extradition law being passed by the Chinese government. Afterwards, the city descended into chaos with months of violence between the police and the protestors. The Chinese government clamped down heavily on protestors and increased its mass surveillance efforts significantly to silence dissent.

"The law is a brutal, sweeping crackdown against the people of Hong Kong, intended to destroy the freedoms they were promised," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.&nbsp;

The international community needs to wake up and take cognizance of the imperialistic intentions of the Chinese government, a nation-state that enjoys the status as a permanent member of the security council. Even though China has developed and pulled millions of people out of poverty, the ideology that fuels the government is based on the same principles of Lenin and Mao Zedong, who are responsible for killing millions of innocent people under the guise of collective farming and labour. 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The National Security law formalizes the changes that have been taking place in Hong Kong for over the past year. Critics of the Chinese government fear that they will be prosecuted under the new draconian law.

The National Security law formalizes the changes that have been taking place in Hong Kong for over the past year. Critics of the Chinese government fear that they will be prosecuted under the new draconian law. Further, Article 38 of the National Security law also applies to offences committed outside of Hong Kong by non-residents of Hong Kong and this includes foreign nationals. Opposition members and protestors are frantically deleting their posts, tweets and other digital traces online due to the fear of prosecution from the Chinese government. The US House of Representatives has approved new Hong Kong related sanctions to penalize banks who do business with Chinese officials. End of Democracy There is a new reality facing Hong Kong today. The Chinese Communist Party passed the controversial National Security Law amidst the darkness of midnight. According to the treaty between the Chinese and the British government, people of Hong Kong were set to enjoy autonomy, fundamental rights and the two-system governance until the year 2047. Critics now fear that the government will use the new law to silence dissent and prosecute any voices that criticize the Chinese government. Due to this well-founded fear various opposition leaders, members and protestors are frantically deleting their posts, tweets and other digital traces that can be later used as evidence against them in the court of law. Even foreigners can be prosecuted under this law and various foreigners are showing their fear and discontent against the new laws online. This sad affair for Hong Kong is a wake-up call to all the democracy-loving free nations of the world that the Chinese Communist Party is expanding its imperialistic behaviour towards its neighbours subverting international laws and treaties. The future of Hong Kong lies in disarray. The financial capital of the world is now fighting for its freedom against the communist regime during the time the whole world is busy with its own domestic problems. Article 38 of the National Security Law also applies to offences committed outside of Hong Kong by non-residents of Hong Kong and this includes foreign nationals. The Draconian Law - Silencing Dissent The Hong Kong officials argue that the law would be beneficial for the long term stability of the government, but critics argue that the draconian law will be used to silence the voice of people with punishments as severe as life imprisonment. Carrie Lam, Hong Kong Chief Executive, said that “the purpose of this law is not only to punish but to deter people from committing serious offences such as succession, subverting the state power and terrorist activities. The reality is that Hong Kong is legally gone, but the spirit and the strength of the people fighting for democracy remain with people still taking it to the streets to fight against the government. Boris Jonson criticized the move of the Chinese government as a “clear and serious” violation of its treaty with Britain. The British parliament has introduced a bespoke five-year visa plan with the option to apply for citizenship afterwards for as many as 3 million Hong Kong citizens with British national overseas status. There is still hope for young Hong Kongers who will likely take this route, but it is going to lead to a lot of brain drain and corporate organizations shifting their locations as the special status provided to Hong Kong is removed by the US administration. China has threatened the British government and said it will take countermeasures against the UK should it grant residency to Hongkongers fleeing a harsh new national security law. “The Chilling Effect” - Is Hong Kong Important for China in 2020? Hong Kong has enjoyed success as a major financial hub next to the likes of New York and London. A major trading partner of the US. International businesses and organizations trust Hong Kong’s legal system and trusting the Chinese legal system is risky due to its authoritarian legal system and strict capital controls. In the 1990s, Hong Kong’s economy accounted for 25 per cent of China’s GDP but now Hong Kong accounts only for 2.7 per cent of China’s GDP due to the emergence of powerhouses such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Harbin and Chengdu which has pushed China’s GDP to $14.1 trillion in 2019. Simply speaking, China does not care about Hong Kong anymore as Shenzhen, the metropolis outside Hong Kong has turned into a massive manufacturing powerhouse. The Communist party has little incentive to keep the people of Hong Kong happy and thus the Chinese government is going ahead with this calculated move. Hong Kong’s economy is stuttering, and the protests have paralyzed the economy giving rise to fear of capital flight from Hong Kong to Singapore and other safe havens in Asia. Hong Kong consecutively ranked as the world's freest economy for 26 years since its inception in 1995. The political turmoil in Hong Kong is engulfing its economy and is refreshing worries over capital outflows from one of the major financial hubs. Due to the approval of the National Security Bill, there is a deep economic crisis facing Hong Kong that can result in capital flight in the long term. Hong Kong still remains crucial for China, as Chinese companies prefer Hong Kong as its destination for borrowing and raising capital. Access to the global currency market through Hong Kong has allowed China to prop-up its national currency. According to the Bank for International Settlements, 30% of the average daily turnover of Yuan came from Hong Kong and due to this Mrs Carrie Lam, has proposed a plan to transform Hong Kong into a private wealth management hub and turn it into a prominent offshore renminbi centre. The government wants to promote greater liquidity and connect Hong Kong’s financial market with the Mainland’s financial markets. The EU is Not Going to Help Hong Kong - It’s Strongest Ally Left The UK government believes that the new law is a flagrant breach of the agreement between the two countries and honouring its commitment towards the people of Hong Kong, the UK government is granting citizenship to 3 million Hong Kongers through its 5-year visa plan. There has been a growing trend in Hong Kong for immigration over the past few years due to political unrest, the lending hand by the UK provides an incentive for professionals, young students, children and those seeking safer heavens to move overseas, in order to restore their way of life. Children born after 1997 without any link to their colonial past are choosing to stay and fight as they do not have dual citizenship. The EU meanwhile has said that it is discussing with its international partners on a response, but there is not much that we can expect. There is not a lot of pressure coming from the EU, its members have released their predicted statements that denounce the actions of China and show their serious concern regarding the situation but with no indications of sanctions or strong actions whatsoever. The EU believes that the economic cost of creating a front on Hong Kong is going to be against their interests as the EU needs to save its cash-starved businesses and organisations. The matter of foreign policy falls within the purview of each member state of the EU and thus there are various vested interests linked to China and Chinese investments; not to mention that China remains EU’s global supply chain partner. The strongest friend of Hong Kong, the UK is no longer part of the EU due to which the support for Hong Kong has diminished in Brussels. The EU has lost its most committed member when it comes to the faith of Hong Kong and finally, we have the coronavirus pandemic for which the EU council of ministers is prepaying a rescue fund and the last thing they want is an economic fight with China. Due to which the buck currently stops at money for the EU, even when it stands for the civil and political rights of the citizens of Hong Kong it cannot afford a cold war with China. Hong Kongers and The Fight for Democracy A million people marched the streets of Hong Kong last year against the extradition law being passed by the Chinese government. Afterwards, the city descended into chaos with months of violence between the police and the protestors. The Chinese government clamped down heavily on protestors and increased its mass surveillance efforts significantly to silence dissent. "The law is a brutal, sweeping crackdown against the people of Hong Kong, intended to destroy the freedoms they were promised," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The international community needs to wake up and take cognizance of the imperialistic intentions of the Chinese government, a nation-state that enjoys the status as a permanent member of the security council. Even though China has developed and pulled millions of people out of poverty, the ideology that fuels the government is based on the same principles of Lenin and Mao Zedong, who are responsible for killing millions of innocent people under the guise of collective farming and labour. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

National Security Law and end of Hong Kong as we know it

More retail property in Hong Kong will be left vacant in the second half of the year as large global fashion and luxury brands consolidate their stores or leave the city, property consultancy CBRE said on Wednesday.

The property consultancy said overall vacancy rate in the tier-1 streets climbed to 13.5% in the first six months, a four-year high, while high street rents dropped 15.2%. It expected rents to decline another 5-10% in the rest of the year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/national-security-law-and-end-of-hong-kong-as-we-know-it-311585" hreflang="en">National Security Law and end of Hong Kong as we know It</a>

Hong Kong's retail sales slumped 32.8% in may from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the coronavirus pandemic and anti-government protests slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city.

British high street retailer Topshop is closing its last shop in the financial city, the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday. U.S. fashion brands Victoria's Secret and Gap have also decided to close respectively their only shop and most of the shops in the last few weeks.

"Hong Kong is still a strategic location for the big international groups...when rents fall low and tourists are back in the future, they wouldn't mind coming back to develop in Hong Kong again," said Lawrence Wan, a senior director of CBRE Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-opens-new-hong-kong-security-agency-headquarters-311499" hreflang="en">China opens new Hong Kong security agency headquarters</a>

The closures were mainly due to broader external economic reasons back home for the international brands, Wan said, adding that falling rents have on the other hand attracted some new businesses and expansion in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Food and beverage companies are more active in the retail space, Wan said, citing Japanese restaurant brands Don Don Donki and Sushiro as examples of new entries in the past year.

More retail property in Hong Kong will be left vacant in the second half of the year as large global fashion and luxury brands consolidate their stores or leave the city, property consultancy CBRE said on Wednesday.

More retail property in Hong Kong will be left vacant in the second half of the year as large global fashion and luxury brands consolidate their stores or leave the city, property consultancy CBRE said on Wednesday. The property consultancy said overall vacancy rate in the tier-1 streets climbed to 13.5% in the first six months, a four-year high, while high street rents dropped 15.2%. It expected rents to decline another 5-10% in the rest of the year. Also read: National Security Law and end of Hong Kong as we know It Hong Kong's retail sales slumped 32.8% in may from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the coronavirus pandemic and anti-government protests slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city. British high street retailer Topshop is closing its last shop in the financial city, the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday. U.S. fashion brands Victoria's Secret and Gap have also decided to close respectively their only shop and most of the shops in the last few weeks. "Hong Kong is still a strategic location for the big international groups...when rents fall low and tourists are back in the future, they wouldn't mind coming back to develop in Hong Kong again," said Lawrence Wan, a senior director of CBRE Hong Kong. Also read: China opens new Hong Kong security agency headquarters The closures were mainly due to broader external economic reasons back home for the international brands, Wan said, adding that falling rents have on the other hand attracted some new businesses and expansion in Hong Kong. Food and beverage companies are more active in the retail space, Wan said, citing Japanese restaurant brands Don Don Donki and Sushiro as examples of new entries in the past year.

Hong Kong retail vacancies seen rising as global brands downsize

China's controversial national security law for Hong Kong gives powers to officials to practically arrest anyone, even a foreign national. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the new law can apply to anyone on the planet.

Gravitas: What the new Hong Kong law means for you

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong.

"This isn't a gross interference in domestic affairs," Raab told Reuters in an interview.

"It's a matter of trust and lots of countries around the world are asking this question: does China live up to its international obligations?"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-security-law-is-not-doom-and-gloom-city-leader-says-311269" hreflang="en">Hong Kong security law is not 'doom and gloom,' city leader says</a>

Earlier on Monday, China's ambassador to London accused&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;of making unwarranted accusations about the new security legislation in Hong Kong which he said could damage future Chinese investment.

"The UK government keeps making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs," Ambassador Liu Xiaoming told reporters in the strongest rebuke Beijing has issued to London since&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;criticised the security law.

On&nbsp;Britain's offer to give British National Overseas (BNO) passport-holders in Hong Kong a path to British citizenship, he said: "This move constitutes gross interference in China's internal affairs."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-google-twitter-block-hong-kong-govt-from-accessessing-user-data-311243" hreflang="en">Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessessing user data</a>

Britain&nbsp;has said that China's imposition of a security law on Hong Kong was a "clear and serious" violation of the 1984 Joint Declaration and that London would offer around 3 million residents of the former colony a path to British citizenship.

Critics of the law have slammed the lack of transparency around it ahead of its publication and the speed at which it was pushed through. Beijing unveiled details of the legislation late on June 30 and the law came into effect the following day, sparking protests.

The new law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. It will also see mainland security agencies in Hong Kong for the first time and allows extradition to the mainland for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

Hong Kong's government has repeatedly said the security law won't affect freedom of speech and other rights in the city.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that Britain had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that Britain had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong. "This isn't a gross interference in domestic affairs," Raab told Reuters in an interview. "It's a matter of trust and lots of countries around the world are asking this question: does China live up to its international obligations?" Also read: Hong Kong security law is not 'doom and gloom,' city leader says Earlier on Monday, China's ambassador to London accused Britain of making unwarranted accusations about the new security legislation in Hong Kong which he said could damage future Chinese investment. "The UK government keeps making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs," Ambassador Liu Xiaoming told reporters in the strongest rebuke Beijing has issued to London since Britain criticised the security law. On Britain's offer to give British National Overseas (BNO) passport-holders in Hong Kong a path to British citizenship, he said: "This move constitutes gross interference in China's internal affairs." Also read: Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessessing user data Britain has said that China's imposition of a security law on Hong Kong was a "clear and serious" violation of the 1984 Joint Declaration and that London would offer around 3 million residents of the former colony a path to British citizenship. Critics of the law have slammed the lack of transparency around it ahead of its publication and the speed at which it was pushed through. Beijing unveiled details of the legislation late on June 30 and the law came into effect the following day, sparking protests. The new law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. It will also see mainland security agencies in Hong Kong for the first time and allows extradition to the mainland for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. Hong Kong's government has repeatedly said the security law won't affect freedom of speech and other rights in the city.

Britain rejects China's criticism of 'gross interference' over Hong Kong

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