China Condemns UK And EU's Criticism Of Hong Kong's Anti-Dissent Law

Hong Kong's newly enacted national security law was defended by China, which also criticized the UK and the EU for condemning the law, on Wednesday. Beijing urged these countries to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs and abandon any notions of maintaining colonial influence over the city.

Hong Kong Autonomy Under Scrutiny

Hong Kong, formerly a British colony, was returned to China in 1997 under the 'one country, two systems' principle, ensuring the city a level of autonomy. While both China and Hong Kong assert that this arrangement persists, critics and international rights organisations argue that Beijing's control over the city has strengthened over time.

The Safeguarding National Security Bill, including Article 23 addressing offenses such as external interference and insurrection, was passed during a special session by the pro-Beijing legislature in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Potential penalties include life imprisonment.

The commissioner's office of China's foreign ministry in Hong Kong condemned British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and the Council of the European Union for criticizing the law. A spokesman for the office stated that Britain had "no sovereignty, governance, or supervision" over Hong Kong after its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

Global Outcry Over Hong Kong's New Security Law Sparks Controversy

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian referred to the US and Japan's criticism of the law and stated that China deplores and firmly opposes a few countries and institutions smearing and slandering the new legislation. The legislative council of Hong Kong unanimously adopted the bill to protect national security and further consolidate the security of Hong Kong's development, he said.

Jian claimed that the new law balances the protection of national security, safeguarding rights and freedom, and economic development. China has firmed up its grip further on Hong Kong after the Special Administrative Region's Parliament enacted a tough law, which the local government says is necessary for stability.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader John Lee hailed its passing as a historic moment. China's Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang earlier said the swift enactment of the new legislation would protect 'core national interests' and allow Hong Kong to focus on economic development.

The US said it is 'alarmed' by the 'sweeping and... vaguely-defined' provisions in the legislation, a concern echoed by the EU. Amnesty International's China director Sarah Brooks said the new law 'delivered another crushing blow to human rights in the city'. Scores of international public figures have criticized Hong Kong's tough new security law, calling it yet another 'devastating blow' to freedom. Pro-democracy activists in exile told the BBC it's a 'final nail in a closed coffin'.