Last year’s protests in Hong Kong drive China to pass highly influential legislation. Jasmine Razeghi writes on what this legislation entails.
On June 29th, China passed national security legislation for Hong Kong which included drastic changes to the territory.
The law passed in response to pro-democracy protests last year. The legislation increased tensions between Beijing and the United States, Britain, and other Western governments. Vice-president of a think-tank under the Beijing cabinet’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Lau Siu-kai, told Reuters the law was passed unanimously with 162 votes.
What Does This Legislation Entail?
Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong stated that the legislation aimed at a few “troublemakers” and will not affect the rights and freedoms, nor investor interests, of individuals. The legislation focuses on four crimes which include separatist activity, state subversion, terrorist activity, and collusion with foreign forces.
Reuters highlighted parts of the legislation that others should consider. Anyone convicted of violating security legislation is not allowed to stand in any Hong Kong elections. Damaging certain transportation vehicles and equipment is now an act of terrorism under the new legislation. Authorities can also surveil and wire-tap persons suspected of endangering national security. These sections are only a small part of the historic legislation in response to the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.