China's legislature is reviewing a controversial national security bill for Hong Kong that critics worldwide say will severely compromise human rights in the semi-autonomous Chinese region.
ABC’s Ian Pannell reports on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and a Beijing security bill that threatens Hong Kong’s autonomy.BEIJING -- China’s legislature on Sunday began reviewing a controversial national security bill for Hong Kong that critics worldwide say will severely compromise human rights in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.
The U.S. says it will respond by ending favorable trading terms granted to the former British colony after it passed to Chinese control in 1997. The Senate on Thursday unanimously approved a bill to impose sanctions on businesses and individuals — including the police — that undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy or restrict freedoms promised to the city's residents.
Last week, a former United Nations human rights chief and eight former U.N. special envoys urged the body’s secretary-general to appoint a special envoy on Hong Kong over what they said is a pending “humanitarian tragedy.” Britain has said it would grant passports to as many as 3 million of Hong Kong's 7.8 million people.The law would criminalize secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities and colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security.
Few details have been released, but it appears that Beijing will have ultimate power over government appointments, further reducing the relative independence it promised to Hong Kong in a 1984 joint declaration with Britain that is considered an international treaty.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pompeo imposes Chinese visa restriction in response to Hong KongMike Pompeo today said he's imposing visa restrictions on current and former Chinese Communist Party members believed to be responsible for undermining Hong Kong's right to govern itself in most areas
Read more »
US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong KongUS Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the officials who were targeted were 'responsible for, or complicit in, undermining Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy,' which Beijing promised before regaining control of the territory in 1997.
Read more »
U.S. imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong autonomyU.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday the United States was imposing visa restrictions on Chinese Communist Party officials believed responsible for restricting freedoms in Hong Kong.
Read more »
U.S. curbs visas for Chinese officials over Hong Kong freedoms: PompeoU.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday Washington was imposing visa restrictions on Chinese officials responsible for restricting freedoms in Hong Kong, but he did not name any of those targeted.
Read more »
Chinese lawmakers review Hong Kong security bill as protests continueMeanwhile, residents of Hong Kong marched silently through the financial hub's streets in protest of the planned national security legislation.
Read more »
China Warns U.S. ‘Meddling’ In Hong Kong Could Derail Phase One Trade DealRising U.S.-China tensions have put the trade deal in jeopardy.
Read more »