A protest against the national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city’s handover from Britain to China. Photo: AFP
A protest against the national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city’s handover from Britain to China. Photo: AFP

Japan tells China it ‘can’t tolerate mass arrests’ under Hong Kong’s national security law

  • Tokyo says it has ‘grave concerns’ at situation in Hong Kong, where it desires ‘democratic’ and stable growth
  • ‘Unusually forceful’ statement is seen as both a warning to Beijing and as ‘returning a favour’ to the United States for its support in the East China Sea