The US Senate on June 25 passed a bill by unanimous consent that would impose sanctions on China for its decision to implement the controversial national security law in Hong Kong. Watch report.

Bipartisan rebuke of China: US Senate's move to protest Hong Kong's autonomy

The US Senate passed legislation on Thursday that would impose mandatory sanctions on people or companies that back efforts by China to restrict Hong Kong’s autonomy, pushing back against Beijing’s new security law for the city.

The measure also includes secondary sanctions on banks that do business with anyone found to be backing any crackdown on the territory’s autonomy, potentially cutting them off from American counterparts and limiting access to US dollar transactions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-guilty-of-forced-labour-under-horrendous-conditions-on-bri-project-us-report-308661">Also read|&nbsp;China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report</a>

The “Hong Kong Autonomy Act” passed by unanimous consent. To become law, it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a lead sponsor, said in the Senate the legislation would send a clear message to Beijing that there would be consequences if it acts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy.

The Hong Kong sanctions bill almost passed last week, Van Hollen said, but was blocked by Republican Senator Kevin Cramer - who had co-sponsored it - at the request of the Trump administration, which made a late request for technical corrections.

The delay underscored the complications of passing legislation pushing back on China, as the administration pursues a trade deal and the two powers grapple for international influence and clash over human rights.

US-China relations have worsened since the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, hit the United States.

China’s security legislation prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special economic treatment that has allowed Hong Kong to remain a global financial center.

China hawks in Congress have pushing for a strong US reaction to any clampdown in Hong Kong.

“This could be our last opportunity to stay Beijing’s hand before it destroys what is left of freedom in the city,” said Republican Senator Josh Hawley.

The Senate also passed a resolution, introduced by Hawley, condemning the proposed security law.

The US Senate passed legislation on Thursday that would impose mandatory sanctions on people or companies that back efforts by China to restrict Hong Kong’s autonomy, pushing back against Beijing’s new security law for the city.

The US Senate passed legislation on Thursday that would impose mandatory sanctions on people or companies that back efforts by China to restrict Hong Kong’s autonomy, pushing back against Beijing’s new security law for the city. The measure also includes secondary sanctions on banks that do business with anyone found to be backing any crackdown on the territory’s autonomy, potentially cutting them off from American counterparts and limiting access to US dollar transactions. Also read| China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report The “Hong Kong Autonomy Act” passed by unanimous consent. To become law, it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a lead sponsor, said in the Senate the legislation would send a clear message to Beijing that there would be consequences if it acts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. The Hong Kong sanctions bill almost passed last week, Van Hollen said, but was blocked by Republican Senator Kevin Cramer - who had co-sponsored it - at the request of the Trump administration, which made a late request for technical corrections. The delay underscored the complications of passing legislation pushing back on China, as the administration pursues a trade deal and the two powers grapple for international influence and clash over human rights. US-China relations have worsened since the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, hit the United States. China’s security legislation prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special economic treatment that has allowed Hong Kong to remain a global financial center. China hawks in Congress have pushing for a strong US reaction to any clampdown in Hong Kong. “This could be our last opportunity to stay Beijing’s hand before it destroys what is left of freedom in the city,” said Republican Senator Josh Hawley. The Senate also passed a resolution, introduced by Hawley, condemning the proposed security law.

US Senate backs bill to punish China over Hong Kong autonomy

US sanctions China over Hong Kong Security Law

In a major show of support to pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, UK PM Boris Johnson has announced his intension to overhold British immigration policy to fast track citizenship for Hong Kong residents. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: UK to China, Roll back security law or face visa rules

Hing Kong's government has asked the US to stop interfering in its internal matters. It also warned the US government&nbsp;that withdrawing its special US status could be a "double-edged sword". The special US status has&nbsp;underpinned the city as a global financial hub.

"Any sanctions are a double-edged sword that will not only harm the interests of Hong Kong but also significantly those of the US," Hong Kong government said late on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-hold-press-conference-today-on-china-301689">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump to hold press conference today on China</a>

The statement has been released a day before the&nbsp;US President Donald Trump is due to announce later&nbsp;his response to the Chinese parliament's new security laws for Hong Kong.

The new security legislation approved by the Chinese government has faced a lot of backlash and critique from democracy activists and western countries, who claim that the law could erode the city's freedoms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-approves-law-to-override-hong-kongs-autonomy-301672">Also watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: China approves law to override Hong Kong's autonomy</a>

It also pointed out&nbsp;that the US trade surplus with Hong Kong was the biggest among all its trading partners between 2009 to 2018, and totaled to roughly&nbsp;$297 billion of merchandise, with&nbsp;1,300 US firms office addresses in Hong Kong.

Beijing says the new legislation will tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in the city. It could see Chinese intelligence agencies set up bases there.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Hing Kong's government has asked the US to stop interfering in its internal matters. It also warned the US government that withdrawing its special US status could be a "double-edged sword".

Hing Kong's government has asked the US to stop interfering in its internal matters. It also warned the US government that withdrawing its special US status could be a "double-edged sword". The special US status has underpinned the city as a global financial hub. "Any sanctions are a double-edged sword that will not only harm the interests of Hong Kong but also significantly those of the US," Hong Kong government said late on Thursday. Also read: Donald Trump to hold press conference today on China The statement has been released a day before the US President Donald Trump is due to announce later his response to the Chinese parliament's new security laws for Hong Kong. The new security legislation approved by the Chinese government has faced a lot of backlash and critique from democracy activists and western countries, who claim that the law could erode the city's freedoms. Also watch| Gravitas: China approves law to override Hong Kong's autonomy It also pointed out that the US trade surplus with Hong Kong was the biggest among all its trading partners between 2009 to 2018, and totaled to roughly $297 billion of merchandise, with 1,300 US firms office addresses in Hong Kong. Beijing says the new legislation will tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in the city. It could see Chinese intelligence agencies set up bases there. (With inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong warns US to stop interfering; calls withdrawing special US status double-edged sword

Thirty years ago there was Tiananmen square when China unleashed its troops on protestors asking for democratic reform. The year was 1989 and there was a massacre.

Thirty years ago there was Tiananmen square when China unleashed its troops on protestors asking for democratic reform. The year was 1989 and there was a massacre. Also read: Hong Kong security law undermines one country, two systems framework, say US, UK Now in 2020, China doesn't have to roll out tanks anymore. It can kill democracy with a law. Hong Kong, as we know, may soon be history. China is taking control of ending Hong Kong's autonomy. Despite protests, both on the streets of Hong Kong and in international political circles. Beijing is imposing the controversial national security law. It was proposed almost a week back. Today it was passed by China's parliament, the National People’s Congress. Also read: Mandatory divorce 'cooling-off' period meets with outrage in China And it doesn’t come as a surprise because the Chinese parliament - the NPC, is essentially a rubber-stamp parliament. In the final vote count there were 2,878 votes in favour and one against. Just one delegate was against it. Six chose to abstain and when the bill was passed, there was applause. This is in stark contrast to what happened in Hong Kong. Some very different scenes were playing out. There were clashes even as the legislative council was debating a different bill. However, the anger against Beijing was quite apparent. The law makes disrespecting China’s national anthem a criminal offence. An opposition lawmaker got so angry that he got up, spoke against the bill and threw rotten plants at the president’s seat. The lawmaker said that the rotten plants symbolised the decay of Hong kong’s political system. Two pro-democracy lawmakers were made to leave and emergency services were called in. Security guards were seen covering the container. One official was seen spraying air purifier around the chamber. All this is a signal of things to come as pro-democracy protesters gear up to fight Beijing on the streets again. China’s move to impose the national security law on Hong Kong will lead to an angry backlash. Beijing's new law is being described as a death knell for Hong Kong. It allows China to install its own security agencies in the region. It also gives China the power to quash any protest in Hong Kong. The devil, they say, is in the detail but there are no details. The final law hasn’t even been drafted yet. The top leadership of China under Xi Jinping and six others get to decide what the final law will look like and Hong Kong most likely, won't have a say in the process. Once the law is written, the leadership of Hong Kong, that is appointed by Beijing will be required to enforce it immediately. Hong Kong will lose its autonomy, independence and freedom. Its judicial system will look more like China’s. Activist groups could face bans and pro-democracy campaigners could be thrown in jail for a long period. This is what China has done in the face of rising protests and in the full glare of the global community, it has killed democracy in Hong Kong. However, this time world powers are not mute spectators. They are hitting back at Beijing with a series of retaliatory moves.

Amid protests in Hong Kong, China passes security law

China&nbsp;has adopted the plan of&nbsp;imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent&nbsp;unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

The country’s legislature on Thursday nearly unanimously approved the plan to&nbsp;tackle secession, subversion, terrorism,&nbsp;foreign interference and any act&nbsp;that might threaten national security in the semi-autonomous city.

The National People's Congress voted 2,878 to 1 in favour of the decision to empower its standing committee to draft the legislation, with six abstentions. The legislators gathered in the Great Hall of the People burst into sustained applause when the vote tally was projected onto screens.

The new law is expected to take effect by September.

The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong.

China has passed the law defying worldwide outcry. It had&nbsp;drawn a rebuke from foreign governments, human rights groups and some business lobbies.&nbsp;

Thousands of protestors last week had taken to the streets of Hong Kong last week in defiance of the controversial law.&nbsp;

The protest march had not received official authorisation, and went against coronavirus social distancing guidelines. Chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and other slogans echoed through the streets. Police, hence, declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-fired-at-hong-kong-security-law-protestors-300772">Also read |&nbsp;Tear gas fired at Hong Kong security law protestors</a>

China&nbsp;dismissed foreign complaints as "meddling," and said the proposed laws would&nbsp;not harm Hong Kong's autonomy or investors.

US government officials, however, said the legislation would end the Chinese-ruled city's autonomy and would be bad for both Hong Kong's and China's economies. They said it could jeopardise the territory's special status in US law, which has helped it maintain its position as a global financial centre.

To this end, White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said on Sunday that China's proposed national security legislation for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-proposed-security-law-for-hong-kong-could-lead-to-us-sanctions-says-white-house-300793">Also read |&nbsp;China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House</a>

Also,&nbsp;Taiwan on Thursday promised to settle Hong Kongers who have been fleeing the city, offering help from employment to counselling as China pushes new security legislation that has triggered fresh protests.

China has adopted the plan of imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

China has adopted the plan of imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997. The country’s legislature on Thursday nearly unanimously approved the plan to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism, foreign interference and any act that might threaten national security in the semi-autonomous city. The National People's Congress voted 2,878 to 1 in favour of the decision to empower its standing committee to draft the legislation, with six abstentions. The legislators gathered in the Great Hall of the People burst into sustained applause when the vote tally was projected onto screens. The new law is expected to take effect by September. The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong. China has passed the law defying worldwide outcry. It had drawn a rebuke from foreign governments, human rights groups and some business lobbies. Thousands of protestors last week had taken to the streets of Hong Kong last week in defiance of the controversial law. The protest march had not received official authorisation, and went against coronavirus social distancing guidelines. Chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and other slogans echoed through the streets. Police, hence, declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them. Also read | Tear gas fired at Hong Kong security law protestors China dismissed foreign complaints as "meddling," and said the proposed laws would not harm Hong Kong's autonomy or investors. US government officials, however, said the legislation would end the Chinese-ruled city's autonomy and would be bad for both Hong Kong's and China's economies. They said it could jeopardise the territory's special status in US law, which has helped it maintain its position as a global financial centre. To this end, White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said on Sunday that China's proposed national security legislation for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions. Also read | China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House Also, Taiwan on Thursday promised to settle Hong Kongers who have been fleeing the city, offering help from employment to counselling as China pushes new security legislation that has triggered fresh protests.

China parliament adopts plan to impose security law on Hong Kong

China's proposed new security law to firm up its control over Hong Kong could run into problems in courts, the city's Bar Association has warned, stressing that Beijing has no legal authority to enact its national security law for the former British colony. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-will-provide-necessary-assistance-to-protesters-in-hong-kong-300913">Also read: Taiwan will provide 'necessary assistance' to protesters in Hong Kong</a> 
 
In a strongly-worded statement, the Hong Kong Bar Association also expressed concern over suggestions that mainland security agencies would be set up to safeguard national security within the city, saying it was "entirely unclear" how that arrangement would comply with Article 22 of the Basic Law, which stipulates that Beijing departments not to interfere in local affairs. 
 
In pictures:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-take-to-streets-in-hong-kong-to-oppose-chinas-controversial-law-300786">Thousands take to streets in Hong Kong to oppose China's controversial law</a>

A draft bill on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security was tabled in China's National People's Congress (NPC) on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wionews.com/world/chinas-proposed-security-law-for-hong-kong-could-lead-to-us-sanctions-says-white-house-300793" hreflang="en">China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House</a>

It is expected to be passed on May 28.

The bill is regarded as a political bombshell for the former British colony as China has decided to bypass local Legislative Council to bring about a new national security law tailor-made to take control of Hong Kong which has been witnessing mass protests by pro-democracy groups since last year demanding autonomy and freedom from Beijing.

Thousands of people took part in mass protests in Hong Kong on Sunday. Police fired tear gas and water cannons at the protesters.

The Hong Kong police is gearing up for another mass protests on Wednesday outside the local legislature.

"It is entirely unclear how the proposed agencies set up in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will operate under the laws of the HKSAR, whether they will be bound by the laws of the HKSAR, whether they have the power of enforcement, and whether such powers as exercised will be limited by the laws currently in force in the HKSAR," Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted the Bar Association statement as saying.

The Bar Association also pointed out that there was no assurance that the proposed legislation "given its status as a national law" would comply with provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Hong Kong is a signatory, or that there would be a public consultation before promulgation.

The absence of public consultation would stand in sharp contrast to the city's attempt to legislate a national security law on its own in 2003, where an extensive consultation process was undertaken.

The bill was ultimately withdrawn after 500,000 people took to the streets to oppose it.

"This is unprecedented. The public must be allowed the opportunity to properly consider and debate about proposed laws which affect their rights and obligations," the statement read.

It also questioned a line in Beijing's Friday resolution that named the judiciary alongside the administration and legislature as Hong Kong organs required to prevent, stop and punish acts endangering national security, arguing it had given rise to perceptions the courts were "being or will be instructed to act in a particular way."

On Monday, Xie Feng, commissioner of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, attempted to lay some of those fears to rest, the Post report said.

Speaking at a briefing, he underscored the judiciary's independence, saying the new law would not "change the legal system in Hong Kong SAR, or affect the independent judicial power, including the right of final adjudication exercised by the judiciary in Hong Kong."

The proposed national security law was unveiled after almost a year of increasingly violent social unrest in Hong Kong, which was sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill and later evolved into a wider anti-government movement.

Meanwhile, China's Vice-Premier Han Zheng said the country's determination to implement a new national security law for Hong Kong must not be underestimated, as the decision was reached after careful consideration of the interests of the country and city.

"Don't underestimate Beijing's determination. When the decision is made, we will implement it till the end," Han, China's state leader who oversees Hong Kong and Macau affairs told local deputies to China's legislature on Sunday, the Post report said.

A legislator Wong Yuk-shan said, "Han stressed that the move was made after careful deliberation, taking into account the long-term interests of Hong Kong, and more importantly, of the state and the nation." State broadcaster CCTV reported Han as saying the law would target only a small fraction of people who advocated Hong Kong's independence and the "dark forces" behind them.

The term is used by Beijing to refer to supposed overseas support for the anti-government movement.

Han said only three groups would be affected - pro-independence activists, violent radicals and protesters seeking to derail the city's economy with a mentality of "if we burn, you burn with us".

China's proposed new security law to firm up its control over Hong Kong could run into problems in courts, the city's Bar Association has warned, stressing that Beijing has no legal authority to enact its national security law for the former British colony.

China's proposed new security law to firm up its control over Hong Kong could run into problems in courts, the city's Bar Association has warned, stressing that Beijing has no legal authority to enact its national security law for the former British colony. Also read: Taiwan will provide 'necessary assistance' to protesters in Hong Kong In a strongly-worded statement, the Hong Kong Bar Association also expressed concern over suggestions that mainland security agencies would be set up to safeguard national security within the city, saying it was "entirely unclear" how that arrangement would comply with Article 22 of the Basic Law, which stipulates that Beijing departments not to interfere in local affairs. In pictures: Thousands take to streets in Hong Kong to oppose China's controversial law A draft bill on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security was tabled in China's National People's Congress (NPC) on Friday. Also read: China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House It is expected to be passed on May 28. The bill is regarded as a political bombshell for the former British colony as China has decided to bypass local Legislative Council to bring about a new national security law tailor-made to take control of Hong Kong which has been witnessing mass protests by pro-democracy groups since last year demanding autonomy and freedom from Beijing. Thousands of people took part in mass protests in Hong Kong on Sunday. Police fired tear gas and water cannons at the protesters. The Hong Kong police is gearing up for another mass protests on Wednesday outside the local legislature. "It is entirely unclear how the proposed agencies set up in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will operate under the laws of the HKSAR, whether they will be bound by the laws of the HKSAR, whether they have the power of enforcement, and whether such powers as exercised will be limited by the laws currently in force in the HKSAR," Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted the Bar Association statement as saying. The Bar Association also pointed out that there was no assurance that the proposed legislation "given its status as a national law" would comply with provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Hong Kong is a signatory, or that there would be a public consultation before promulgation. The absence of public consultation would stand in sharp contrast to the city's attempt to legislate a national security law on its own in 2003, where an extensive consultation process was undertaken. The bill was ultimately withdrawn after 500,000 people took to the streets to oppose it. "This is unprecedented. The public must be allowed the opportunity to properly consider and debate about proposed laws which affect their rights and obligations," the statement read. It also questioned a line in Beijing's Friday resolution that named the judiciary alongside the administration and legislature as Hong Kong organs required to prevent, stop and punish acts endangering national security, arguing it had given rise to perceptions the courts were "being or will be instructed to act in a particular way." On Monday, Xie Feng, commissioner of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, attempted to lay some of those fears to rest, the Post report said. Speaking at a briefing, he underscored the judiciary's independence, saying the new law would not "change the legal system in Hong Kong SAR, or affect the independent judicial power, including the right of final adjudication exercised by the judiciary in Hong Kong." The proposed national security law was unveiled after almost a year of increasingly violent social unrest in Hong Kong, which was sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill and later evolved into a wider anti-government movement. Meanwhile, China's Vice-Premier Han Zheng said the country's determination to implement a new national security law for Hong Kong must not be underestimated, as the decision was reached after careful consideration of the interests of the country and city. "Don't underestimate Beijing's determination. When the decision is made, we will implement it till the end," Han, China's state leader who oversees Hong Kong and Macau affairs told local deputies to China's legislature on Sunday, the Post report said. A legislator Wong Yuk-shan said, "Han stressed that the move was made after careful deliberation, taking into account the long-term interests of Hong Kong, and more importantly, of the state and the nation." State broadcaster CCTV reported Han as saying the law would target only a small fraction of people who advocated Hong Kong's independence and the "dark forces" behind them. The term is used by Beijing to refer to supposed overseas support for the anti-government movement. Han said only three groups would be affected - pro-independence activists, violent radicals and protesters seeking to derail the city's economy with a mentality of "if we burn, you burn with us".

China has no legal authority to enact security law for Hong Kong: Bar Association

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

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

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

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

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday in defiance of China's controversial national security law. Beijing is set to impose the new law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong.

The protest march had not received official authorisation, and went against coronavirus social distancing guidelines. Chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and other slogans echoed through the streets. Police declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them.

Sporadic standoffs also broke out between police and demonstrators in the bar and nightlife district of Wan Chai near the heart of the business district.

Protestors set up road blocks and hurled umbrellas, water bottles and other objects, police said, adding they made more than 120 arrests.

The new security law has drawn a rebuke from foreign governments, human rights groups and some business lobbies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-the-new-national-security-law-china-is-set-to-impose-on-hong-kong-300437">Also read |&nbsp;Decoding the new national security law China is set to impose on Hong Kong</a>

China, however, has dismissed foreign complaints as "meddling," and said the proposed laws will not harm Hong Kong's autonomy or investors.

China's annual session of parliament is deliberating on the plan, announced on Thursday, before it is grafted into Hong Kong's mini-constitution.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday in defiance of China's controversial national security law. Beijing is set to impose the new law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday in defiance of China's controversial national security law. Beijing is set to impose the new law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997. The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong. The protest march had not received official authorisation, and went against coronavirus social distancing guidelines. Chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and other slogans echoed through the streets. Police declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them. Sporadic standoffs also broke out between police and demonstrators in the bar and nightlife district of Wan Chai near the heart of the business district. Protestors set up road blocks and hurled umbrellas, water bottles and other objects, police said, adding they made more than 120 arrests. The new security law has drawn a rebuke from foreign governments, human rights groups and some business lobbies. Also read | Decoding the new national security law China is set to impose on Hong Kong China, however, has dismissed foreign complaints as "meddling," and said the proposed laws will not harm Hong Kong's autonomy or investors. China's annual session of parliament is deliberating on the plan, announced on Thursday, before it is grafted into Hong Kong's mini-constitution.

Tear gas fired at Hong Kong security law protestors

Beijing is set to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong. The decision was taken by China after there were&nbsp;pro-democracy protests last year in the city.

Following the announcement by China, former Hong Kong governor, Chris Patten, feels that China has betrayed the people of Hong Kong.

"We should stop being fooled that somehow at the end of the all the kowtowing there's this great pot of gold waiting for us. It’s always been an illusion. We keep on kidding ourselves that unless we do everything that China wants we will somehow miss out on great trading opportunities. It's drivel,"&nbsp;the former governor said in an interview to a media organization.

The Britain, however,&nbsp;he feels had a moral, economic and legal&nbsp;duty to stand up for Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-planned-security-agencies-for-hong-kong-a-death-knell-for-autonomy-pompeo-300521">Also read:&nbsp;China's planned security agencies for Hong Kong a 'death knell' for autonomy: Pompeo</a>

Hong Kong got freedom from the UK in 1997, after almost 150 years of being ruled by Britain.

Hong Kong's freedom&nbsp;was formed on the concept of 'one country, two principles'. However, Patten feels that this move is a new Chinese dictatorship, and the new security laws pose a threat to the declaration that was established between the then Chinese President and the then British Prime Minister.

The United States has branded the laws a "death knell" for the city`s autonomy and Britain has said it is deeply concerned by the legislation which it said would undermine the "one country, two systems" principle. 
"What we are seeing is a new Chinese dictatorship," Patten said. "The British government should make it clear that what we are seeing is a complete destruction of the Joint Declaration."

United States President, Donald Trump, too has warned China that the Washington will take strict actions i China goes ahead with these new security laws.

Beijing is set to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong. The decision was taken by China after there were pro-democracy protests last year in the city.

Beijing is set to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong. The decision was taken by China after there were pro-democracy protests last year in the city. Following the announcement by China, former Hong Kong governor, Chris Patten, feels that China has betrayed the people of Hong Kong. "We should stop being fooled that somehow at the end of the all the kowtowing there's this great pot of gold waiting for us. It’s always been an illusion. We keep on kidding ourselves that unless we do everything that China wants we will somehow miss out on great trading opportunities. It's drivel," the former governor said in an interview to a media organization. The Britain, however, he feels had a moral, economic and legal duty to stand up for Hong Kong. Also read: China's planned security agencies for Hong Kong a 'death knell' for autonomy: Pompeo Hong Kong got freedom from the UK in 1997, after almost 150 years of being ruled by Britain. Hong Kong's freedom was formed on the concept of 'one country, two principles'. However, Patten feels that this move is a new Chinese dictatorship, and the new security laws pose a threat to the declaration that was established between the then Chinese President and the then British Prime Minister. The United States has branded the laws a "death knell" for the city`s autonomy and Britain has said it is deeply concerned by the legislation which it said would undermine the "one country, two systems" principle. "What we are seeing is a new Chinese dictatorship," Patten said. "The British government should make it clear that what we are seeing is a complete destruction of the Joint Declaration." United States President, Donald Trump, too has warned China that the Washington will take strict actions i China goes ahead with these new security laws.

China has betrayed the people of Hong Kong: Former HK Governor

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