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China's Parliament Approves Controversial National Security Law for Hong Kong

VOA News

   China's rubber stamp parliament has approved a new national security
   law for Hong Kong that critics say threatens the city's semi-autonomous
   status.

   The National People's Congress approved the controversial measure
   Thursday by a vote of 2,878 to one, with six members abstaining.

   The new law would prevent and punish acts of "secession, subversion or
   terrorism activities" that threaten national security. The law would
   also allow Chinese national security organs to set up agencies in Hong
   Kong. The legislature's Standing Committee will begin drafting details
   of the law, which is expected to take effect in September.

   The legislation was widely condemned by business groups and Western
   nations as the death knell for Hong Kong's status under the "one
   country, two systems" concept established after Britain handed over
   control of the financial hub to China in 1997, especially since it
   bypasses Hong Kong's legislature.

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