China Votes to Override Hong Kong and Impose Laws to Combat Anti-China Protests

In a 2,878 to 1 vote, the Chinese legislature approved a resolution that overrides Hong Kong’s autonomy and gives China the ability to impose national security laws over Hong Kong.

 
 

Thursday’s vote approves a decision to “establish and enhance the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms of national security,” according to China Central Television.  The move comes as Chinese officials say anti-China protests in Hong Kong threaten China’s sovereignty.

 
 

Opponents to the resolution say it’s a move to undercut Hong Kong’s system of self-governance.  China had agreed to keep Hong Kong a capitalist system for 50 years with a “one country, two systems” framework after the city was returned to Chinese rule in 1997.  Since then, protestors in Hong Kong allege China has suppressed civil liberties in the territory.

 
 

The resolution allows China to bypass Hong Kong’s Legislative Council in matters of national security.

 
 


 
 

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