Beijing’s passage of national security law for Hong Kong draws international criticism

Beijing’s passage of the national security law in Hong Kong on June 30 has drawn international criticism. The European Council said it “deplores” the move. The US has condemned the law, and legislators called for “severe consequences”.

The legislation marks the most significant change to the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution. It was passed unanimously by China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee on the eve of the Hong Kong handover’s 23rd anniversary, but full details of the new law did not emerge until 15 hours after.