Hong Kong's opposition leaders have reacted furiously to a surprise move aimed at wiping out protests in the Chinese territory, warning it would be the 'end of Hong Kong'
Beijing is set to establish new national security agencies in Hong Kong as it attempts to wipe out protests in the Chinese territory.
The late-night move triggered swift reactions around the world. United States legislators are preparing a bipartisan bill to sanction Chinese officials who implement the laws and President Donald Trump threatened to address the issue "very strongly". The last British governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, said it was a “comprehensive assault on the city’s autonomy, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms”.
"The relevant institutions of the Central People’s Government for safeguarding national security shall establish institutions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as required, perform their duties of safeguarding national security according to law," the draft states.
The protests began last year in response to an extradition bill that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be tried in courts on China's mainland but once the unpopular legislation had been withdrawn, discontent morphed into wider anger at Beijing's influence and allegations of police brutality.
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