The situation on the streets of Hong Kong is coming to a head again. Critics fear an abrupt end to the freedoms guaranteed by China. Security forces use tear gas against thousands of demonstrators.
Hong Kong (AP) - China's plans to enact its own security laws for Hong Kong have triggered new protests in the Chinese special administrative region.
A large security force launched tear gas against thousands of demonstrators in Causeway Bay's main shopping district on Sunday. Arrests were also made, according to local media reports. Some protesters held banners that read, among other things, "Heaven will destroy the Chinese Communist Party". There were also calls for independence.
The police had warned in advance that demonstrations would be closed as illegal gatherings. Because of the corona pandemic, distance rules apply in the densely populated Asian economic and financial metropolis, which allow groups of a maximum of eight people. In anticipation of possible protests, the police had also mobilized water cannons.
The new demonstrations were sparked by the plans of the Chinese leadership to enact laws to protect national security in Hong Kong. The Chinese People's Congress, which has been meeting since Friday, is expected to adopt a decision at the end of its plenary session on Thursday, which will instruct Parliament's Standing Committee to enact such a law, which is to be annexed to the Hong Kong Basic Law. The People's Congress would bypass the Hong Kong parliament.
The law targets activities that are considered to be subversive or that may aim for independence. It is also against foreign interference. "If necessary", Chinese security organs should also be stationed and used in Hong Kong. The project met with violent criticism in Hong Kong and internationally. It is seen as a massive interference in the autonomy of the former British crown colony.
Since the return to China in 1997, Hong Kong has been governed autonomously as a separate territory under the principle of "one country, two systems" under Chinese sovereignty. Since last summer, the metropolis has been experiencing demonstrations every week directed against its own government, brutal police operations and Beijing's growing influence.