When did the controversial national security laws were approved for Hong Kong?
It was passed on 30 June 2020 by the mainland Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in the wake of intense pro-democracy protests instigated by a bill proposed in 2019 to enable extradition to the mainland, and came into force the same day.
What is China’s new security law for Hong Kong?
On 30 June 2020, China introduced the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong in response to massive pro-democracy protests that had swept through the city the previous year. The controversial law reduces Hong Kong’s judicial autonomy and makes it easier to punish demonstrators and activists.
What did China promised Hong Kong?
After Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, Beijing promised that Hong Kong citizens would be free to elect their local government.
Do China laws apply to Hong Kong?
The Basic Law says Chinese laws can’t be applied in Hong Kong unless they are listed in a section called Annex III – there are already a few listed there, mostly uncontroversial and around foreign policy. These laws can be introduced by decree – which means they bypass the city’s parliament.
Why is Hong Kong so important to China?
Hong Kong has become a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China since 1 July 1997. The “One Country, Two Systems” principle provides the HKSAR with a high degree of autonomy in economic, trade, financial and monetary matters.
What is the Hong Kong Security law explained?
The security law introduces some elements of China’s socialist legal system to Hong Kong’s common law system. The law targets terrorism, subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces. Its language is broad and carries many changes to Hong Kong’s legal system.
Why was Hong Kong given China?
The concept was intended to help integrate Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau with sovereign China while preserving their unique political and economic systems. (Qing Dynasty leaders ceded Hong Kong Island to the British Crown in 1842 after China’s defeat in the First Opium War.)
Who makes Hong Kong laws?
The Hong Kong Basic Law, which is a law passed by the Chinese National People’s Congress, came into effect in 1997, becoming the constitutional document in Hong Kong. The law was passed in accordance with Article 31 of the Chinese Constitution, which authorized the establishment of Special Administrative Regions.
Why was Hong Kong handed back to China?
The territory is being returned to China on that date because the British lease on the so-called New Territories, which make up the majority of the land area of Hong Kong, expires after ninety-nine years.