Beijing passes Hong Kong National Security Law

Beijing (dpa) 30 June 2020 - China’s top legislative body approved a national security law for Hong Kong on Tuesday in a move expected to raise tensions between Beijing and 
foreign governments.   

Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong’s sole representative to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, confirmed the law’s passage in an interview broadcast by Hong Kong broadcaster RTHK.   

Tam said the law, which targets secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong, is not “too spicy” and that he believes people won’t be too worried after they see the details.   

Critics fear, however, that the law intends to quash dissent in the financial hub, which has been roiled by protests for the past year.   

The law was approved unanimously by the standing committee within minutes of the start of its meeting on Tuesday morning, sources told the South China Morning Post.   

The legislation is expected to come into effect on July 1, the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from Britain to China.