This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Published on June 18, 2020, China's move to pass a national security law for Hong Kong has raised international concerns about the territory's limited freedoms.
The law, which could be approved as soon as Saturday, has been criticized by the international community, including the Group of Seven foreign ministers.
According to the official Xinhua news agency, a draft of the law was submitted to the Standing Committee of National People's Congress, China's top lawmaking body.
Senior Chinese foreign policy official Yang Jiechi stated that Beijing's determination to introduce the law was unwavering, despite international criticism.
Under the 'One Country, Two Systems' agreement, Hong Kong was allowed to maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047, including legislative and judicial independence and freedom of speech.
However, the new national security law has sparked concerns that mainland-style political repression is on its way to Hong Kong.
Pro-democracy lawmakers, including Dennis Kwok and Tanya Chan, have expressed their opposition to the law, stating that it would severely undercut Hong Kong people's basic rights and freedoms.
