Hong Kong Hands More Power To Xi Jinping With New Security Law Cementing China's Control
Mar 19, 2024
In a move that has drawn international attention, Hong Kong has enacted a new security law that gives more control to China, raising concerns about the city’s autonomy and its future as a global business hub. What Happened: Hong Kong has swiftly enacted a new domestic security law, raising alarms over the potential impact on the city’s freedoms and international business relations, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The legislation, known as Article 23, was unanimously passed by Hong Kong’s legislature, which is now composed exclusively of “patriots” aligned with Xi Jinping‘s Communist Party’s ideologies. The bill’s rapid approval, within just 11 days, is unprecedented since the city’s 1997 handover to China. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, praised the law as a peak of patriotism and is set to sign it into effect on Saturday. The law concludes a two-decade-long initiative to implement local security measures aimed at safeguarding the Chinese state. Security Secretary Chris Tang stated that the law has widespread support in Hong Kong, with the majority of public feedback during consultations being positive. The new law introduces severe penalties, including life sentences for treason and insurrection, and aligns with China’s broad laws on espionage. See Also: Bank Of Japan Raises Interest Rates, Abandoning 17-Year Negative Interest Rate Stint ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
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