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posted by martyb on Wednesday July 01 2020, @08:00AM   Printer-friendly
from the security-for-whom? dept.

China Enacts Security Law, Asserting Control Over Hong Kong

Beijing's top legislative body has unanimously passed a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong, a controversial move that could effectively criminalize most dissent in the city and risks widening the rift between China and western countries who have criticized the law.

The news was first reported by local Hong Kong media: cable televsion station NOWNews; the city's public broadcaster; and a slew of newspapers, including Wei Wen Po and Ta Kung Pao, two pro-Beijing outlets which often signal official Chinese policy.

Hours later, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported President Xi Jinping had already signed the measure into law. Xinhua said it will be incorporated into Hong Kong's Basic Law, the city's mini-constitution, and become effective Wednesday, the anniversary of Hong Kong's 1997 handover from British to Chinese Rule.

Hong Kong security law: Anger as China's Xi signs legislation

One key pro-democracy group said it was now ceasing all operations. Demosisto announced the move on Facebook after Joshua Wong, one of Hong Kong's most prominent activists, said he was leaving the group, which he had spearheaded.

[...] Demosisto said several members had asked to be delisted and it had decided to "dissolve and stop all meetings". It said that the fight against "totalitarian oppression" would have to continue in a "more flexible manner". Joshua Wong said the law marked "the end of Hong Kong that the world knew before".

Also at NYT, Reuters, and Hong Kong Free Press.


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  • (Score: 2) by takyon on Thursday July 02 2020, @01:27AM (1 child)

    by takyon (881) <reversethis-{gro ... s} {ta} {noykat}> on Thursday July 02 2020, @01:27AM (#1015234) Journal

    It could be hubris, or it could just be their strength blossoming. They don't need to use patience anymore because there's almost no consequences.

    Even if Hong Kong evaporates, that's just about 2.7% of their GDP. But it can probably continue to chug along after this, with some businesses and skilled individuals fleeing.

    Whether or not it is a "good" move will be difficult to determine until years or decades later. The PRC could last another 100 years, or maybe only 10 years.

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  • (Score: 1) by khallow on Thursday July 02 2020, @02:14AM

    by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Thursday July 02 2020, @02:14AM (#1015246) Journal

    Even if Hong Kong evaporates, that's just about 2.7% of their GDP.

    Sounds like the California approach. Hopefully, China will replace the current clowns with someone who has a better interest in the future of their country.