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Protesters rallied in opposition to the brand new legislation in Hong Kong and police made a number of hundred arrests
The US Home of Representatives has authorised new Hong Kong-related sanctions, after Beijing imposed a safety legislation that was condemned by international locations world wide.
The measure, which was handed unanimously, penalises banks that do enterprise with Chinese language officers.
It should be authorised by the Senate earlier than going to President Trump.
Critics say China’s legislation ends freedoms that have been assured for 50 years when British rule resulted in 1997.
“The legislation is a brutal, sweeping crackdown in opposition to the folks of Hong Kong, supposed to destroy the freedoms they have been promised,” stated Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated the passing of the legislation was a “clear and critical breach” of the 1985 Sino-British joint declaration.
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Underneath this declaration, Hong Kong was handed again to China in 1997, with sure freedoms assured for no less than 50 years underneath the “one nation, two techniques” settlement.
The UK has supplied residency, after which citizenship, to as much as three million Hong Kongers.
However on Thursday China threatened “corresponding measures” to dam the citizenship plan.
“If the British facet makes unilateral adjustments to the related apply, it should breach its personal place and pledges, in addition to worldwide legislation and fundamental norms,” stated the Chinese language Embassy within the UK.
In the meantime, a 24-year-old man from Hong Kong – suspected of stabbing a police officer throughout Wednesday’s protests – has been arrested on a airplane whereas attempting to flee to London.
The suspect, identified solely as Mr Wong, was detained on the airplane moments earlier than it set off.
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China stated the safety legislation was essential to cease the kind of protests seen in Hong Kong throughout a lot of 2019.
And regardless of condemnation within the West, greater than 50 international locations, led by Cuba, supported China on the UN this week.
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What does the US legislation say?
The Hong Kong Autonomy Act imposes sanctions on banks that do enterprise with Chinese language officers who’re concerned in cracking down on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
Ms Pelosi stated the legislation was an “urgently wanted response to [China’s passing] of its so-called ‘nationwide safety’ legislation… which is goal constructed to dismantle democratic freedoms in Hong Kong”.
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Earlier than the invoice was signed, the US had already started eliminating Hong Kong’s particular standing – halting defence exports and limiting the territory’s entry to high-technology merchandise.
Final 12 months, the US additionally signed into legislation the Human Rights and Democracy Act, supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
What produce other international locations stated?
The UK stated it might supply as much as three million Hong Kong residents the possibility to settle there and in the end apply for full British citizenship.
Australia can also be “actively contemplating” providing secure haven to Hong Kong residents – with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying there have been proposals that can “quickly be thought of by cupboard”.
In the meantime a senior Taiwanese official stated its residents ought to now keep away from pointless transits by means of or visits to Hong Kong.
Chiu Chui-Cheng, deputy head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, stated the brand new safety legislation was “probably the most outrageous in historical past”. Taiwan’s de facto consulate in Hong Kong would proceed to function, he stated.
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Japan was among the many different international locations that spoke out in opposition to the legislation, calling it “regrettable”.
“It should undermine belief for the precept of ‘one nation, two techniques’,” stated Overseas Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
European Council President Charles Michel stated it “deplored” the legislation, which he stated had a “detrimental impact on the independence of the judiciary and rule of legislation”.
And Canada modified its journey recommendation to Hong Kong, saying the brand new legislation “elevated the chance of arbitrary detention on nationwide safety grounds and doable extradition to mainland China”.
Yesterday, a senior Chinese language official hit again at overseas critics, saying Hong Kong’s affairs have been “none of your enterprise”.
Have all international locations been vital?
No. On the United Nations this week, Cuba – on behalf of 53 international locations – welcomed the legislation.
Talking on the 44th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, it stated: “Non-interference in inner affairs of sovereign states is a necessary precept enshrined within the Constitution of the United Nations.
“We imagine each nation has the proper to safeguard its nationwide safety by means of laws, and commend related steps taken for this goal.”
How has the brand new legislation been used thus far?
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A police flag warning protesters in opposition to the brand new legislation
Simply hours after the legislation was handed, Hong Kong police made their first arrests.
Ten folks have been accused of violating the brand new legislation, together with a person with a pro-independence flag. About 360 others have been detained at a banned rally.
Underneath the brand new legislation, inciting hatred of China’s central authorities and Hong Kong’s regional authorities are offences.
Acts together with damaging public transport amenities – which frequently occurred throughout the 2019 protests – might be thought of terrorism.
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