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

The UK, EU and Nato have expressed concern and anger after China passed a controversial security law giving it new powers over Hong Kong.

The law makes secession, subversion of the central government, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces punishable by up to life in prison.

It took effect from 2300 local time (1500 GMT) on Tuesday.

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam defended the law, saying it filled a "gaping hole" in national security.

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.

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The law has come into effect just a day before the 23rd anniversary of the return of sovereignty to China – a day that usually draws large pro-democracy protests.

China says the law is needed to tackle unrest and instability linked to a broadening pro-democracy movement.

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Opponents say it undermines the autonomy set out in Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which was agreed when the territory's sovereignty was returned by the UK in 1997.

Civil liberties such as free speech, the right to protest and an independent and robust judiciary are at risk, they say.

What's the reaction in Hong Kong?

There has been a mixture of concern for personal safety and defiance at the news.

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".

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But Democratic Party leader Wu Chi-wai said he would defy a ban on a "handover day" march scheduled for Wednesday, the South China Morning Post reports.

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He will be joined by Figo Chan, of the Civil Human Rights Front, who urged people to take to the streets, saying: "We are aware of the risks of being prosecuted. But we insist on taking the lead, as we want to tell Hongkongers not to fear."

Police plan to have 4,000 riot officers on standby.

And the international reaction?

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged China to "step back from the brink" and respect the rights of the people of Hong Kong.

He said: "The success of Hong Kong, the entrepreneurial spirit, the vibrancy, the economic success, has been built on its autonomy in 'one country, two systems'… That clearly is at threat."

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The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, said: "It risks seriously undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong and will have a detrimental impact on the judiciary and the rule of law and we deplore this decision."

The last UK governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten, said the law marked the end of one-country, two-systems.

Meanwhile, Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: "It is clear that China does not share our values – democracy, freedom, and the rule of law."

Japan called the law "regrettable" and Taiwan even warned its citizens of risks in visiting Hong Kong.

The US has already begun taking steps to end Hong Kong's special status trade relationship, a move China on Tuesday said would be met with unspecified "countermeasures".

'A tool to suppress political agitation'

Analysis by Stephen McDonell, BBC China correspondent

Hong Kong's sweeping new security law is a frighteningly open-ended tool to suppress political agitation.

Like similar laws on the Chinese mainland it appears that it can be manipulated to meet the needs of the Communist Party as required to crush almost any action deemed threatening.

Unlike elsewhere in China, Hong Kong has an independent judiciary. For this reason, the Party's leadership was not going to leave interpretation of this law in the hands of just any old judges.

No. Those who'll be allowed to preside in these matters will be hand-picked by Carrie Lam, the city's leader who was effectively installed by Beijing.

So, prior to the new security bill, which actions by activists – no matter how subversive – could not be dealt with under existing laws? What were "extremists" getting away with to warrant this new legislation?

Bomb making? No. Smashing up buildings? No. Meeting with international NGOs tRead More – Source

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