China has passed its controversial security law, giving the ruling Communist Party in Beijing increased powers over Hong Kong.
The law was passed unanimously earlier today by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in Beijing and will be written into Hong Kong’s Basic Law later today.
In the last month Beijing announced the expected imposition of the new law which will automatically criminalize any act seen as secession, subversion, terrorism and / or collusion with foreign forces.
Observers and China experts around the world have warned that the new law is an affront to the democracy, and freedoms Hong Kong has enjoyed in the post-Britain handover period, and that the very concept of Hong Kong’s identity, is now under threat.
Protests across the city and at Chinese embassies around the world have taken place since May when authorities in Beijing first announced its intention to pass the bill into law.
The Chinese Communist Party meanwhile has rejected all claims as interfering in the internal affairs of the country.
It is understood Beijing passed the law ahead of a proposed schedule to have it come into effect prior to annual political protests on July 1st – the anniversary of the official Britain – China handover of the territory.
At least one report now has the activist Joshua Wong, a pro-democracy advocate known for leading the group Demosisto, saying he will now resign his position in the group.
