The Chinese parliament largely passed the "subversive" law • Meaning: violating the city's autonomy • Protest: Thousands left to protest in the streets

The Chinese parliament on Thursday approved the controversial security laws in large part. The new laws, according to the Chinese government, are intended to prevent foreign intervention and entry of terrorists into the city. The foreign approved, straining relations with the United States and the United Kingdom and causing the thousands to take to the streets.

The law was overwhelmingly approved by 2,878 against only one opponent and 6 abstentions, in a vote taken under health restrictions following the Corona epidemic.

Protest back to Hong Kong streets // Photo: Reuters

The approval means a change to the Hong Kong Constitution, as well as the Basic Laws and Territories and to add the National Security Law drafted by the Chinese leadership and the National People's Committee on Legislation to go over the details. Social activists in Hong Kong argue that the law could undermine civil rights and may suppress political activity.

During the vote, three pro-democracy lawmakers were removed from the Hong Kong Legislature during a heated debate over the bill that would address issues like the change and use of the Chinese anthem in the city. At the same time, China canceled a UN meeting with the British Security Council to discuss the bill and its implications scheduled for yesterday.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday informed the US Congress that Hong Kong can no longer be considered as autonomous territory and therefore not entitled to special treatment granted to it by US law. A dramatic announcement was made against Beijing's intention to include Hong Kong's National Security Law.

This move will allow the central Chinese regime's security forces to act against, interrogate, and even extradite to city authorities. In addition, the Chinese are working to enact a new national anthem law within which it can be fined and even sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years anyone who insults or improperly uses the anthem.