National security law: Beijing will not be deterred by opposition to legislation, Basic Law Committee vice-chairman Maria Tam says
- There can be no debate with those denying the need for the national legislation, Maria Tam says
- Activists march on foreign consulates calling for them to impose sanctions against Beijing in retaliation for security law
Basic Law Committee vice-chairman Maria Tam Wai-chu issued the warning on Friday as activists marched on foreign consulates in Hong Kong, urging G20 nations to impose sanctions on Beijing or to at least speak out against the legislation.
In a radio interview, Tam also gave the strongest indication yet that the law could be passed during a special three-day meeting of China’s top legislative body, which starts on Sunday.
While the law was yet to appear on the agenda of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, she said as many as 10 representatives from Hong Kong had been invited, compared with the four who typically attend its regular meetings held every two months.
Members of the Basic Law Committee, which sits under the NPCSC and advises on the interpretation of the city’s mini-constitution, would also be present, she added.