Finally, China approved the controversial security law for Hong Kong, which for many represents the end of autonomy in the territory.
A little context
Beijing was tough and hit on its intentions to pass a security law for Hong Kong, an autonomous territory that is part of China but operates under a different political system. As of Tuesday night, the Chinese Parliament passed the law and President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to enact it.
What is the law about?
In the text that was released shortly after it was enacted, sentences of up to life in prison are set for people who commit crimes of secession, treason against China, subversion, terrorism or collusion with other countries. With this new legal framework, which gives the tower the “one country, two systems” model, many critics and activists could be jailed.
How did activists respond?
Apparently they consider the new law as a direct threat because many deleted their profiles on social networks. In addition, critical voices such as Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow presented their resignation to the Demosisto political group, which moments later announced its closure. And they were not the only ones, the Hong Kong National Front, an independence group, confirmed that its activities will continue from Taiwan and the United Kingdom, but it is leaving the autonomous territory.
The world's reactions.
The president of the Council of the European Union considered China's decision “deplorable”, while Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission said that the club is already analyzing what measures it will take in response.
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