China to establish 'national security agency' in Hong Kong

The agency for semi-autonomous city will collect intelligence and handle crimes against national security, official Xinhua news agency reports.

Xinhua says national security law will eventually criminalise "secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces" that endanger security.
Reuters

Xinhua says national security law will eventually criminalise "secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces" that endanger security.

China has unveiled details of its new national security law for Hong Kong, paving the way for the most profound change to the city's way of life since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

The legislation, which has provoked deep concerns in Washington and Europe, includes a national security office for Hong Kong to collect intelligence and handle crimes against national security, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday.

It said Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam could also appoint specific judges to hear national security cases, a move likely to unnerve some investors, diplomats and business leaders in the global financial hub.

Xinhua said the eventual law would criminalise "secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces" that endanger security.

Read more: China's security law in Hong Kong, explained

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Beijing's aim for control

China says the draft law is aimed at tackling separatist activity, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, but critics fear it will crush wide-ranging freedoms that are seen as key to Hong Kong's status as a global financial centre.

The details of the law were unveiled following a three-day meeting of the top decision-making body of China's parliament.

The exact time frame for enacting the law was unclear, although political analysts expect it will take effect ahead of key Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong on September 6.

China's move to impose the law directly on Hong Kong, bypassing the city's legislature, comes after a year of sometimes violent anti-government and anti-Beijing protests that mainland and local authorities blame "foreign forces" for fomenting.

Some political commentators say the law is aimed at sealing Hong Kong's "second return" to the motherland after Britain's 1997 handover failed to bring residents of the restive city to heel.

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International concerns

At the time of the handover, China promised to allow Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy for 50 years under what is known as the "one country two systems" formula of governance, although democracy activists say Beijing has increasingly tightened its grip over the city.

Beijing proposed the new legislation last month, drawing a swift rebuke from Britain and the United States.

On Friday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would in future treat Hong Kong as a Chinese city, rather than a semi-autonomous one, and the United States was working its way through a decision-making process over who would be held accountable over curbs to Hong Kong's freedoms.

Underscoring global concerns over the move, the European Parliament on Friday voted in favour of taking China to the International Court of Justice in The Hague if Beijing imposes the security law on Hong Kong.

China has repeatedly warned foreign governments against interfering in its internal affairs.

Read more: What does Hong Kong losing its special status with the US mean?

Possible economic backlash

The controversial national security law has raised concerns that it will end the financial hub's remaining freedoms.

Hong Kong has said the law will not erode investor confidence and people who abide by it have no reason to worry.

Despite such assurances, the law has alarmed business groups, diplomats and rights organisations further strained ties between the United States and China, and prompted the G7 foreign ministers to urge Beijing not to go through with it. 

The draft also stipulates that if Hong Kong laws clash with the provisions of the upcoming legislation, the power of interpretation lies with the Standing Committee in Beijing.

Read more: All you need to know about China's controversial national anthem bill

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