US-China Clash Over 'Hong Kong Security Law'... Trump "Will Respond Strongly"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The United States and China clashed on the 22nd over the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law), following disputes over responsibility for the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). China took an unprecedented strong step by declaring it would directly enact the 'National Security Law' applicable to Hong Kong, which enjoys a certain degree of autonomy, while the U.S. opposed this, stating it would destabilize Hong Kong and announced a firm stance on strong countermeasures.

Premier Li Keqiang, during the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress (NPC) annual session, reported on government work, saying, "We will uphold the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle for Hong Kong and Macau, but establish legal and enforcement systems for national security to ensure these regions fulfill their constitutional responsibilities." Earlier, Zhang Yesui, spokesperson for the NPC, announced at a press conference held the previous day (local time) that among the nine proposals at this NPC session, there is a proposal concerning the enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law.

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the draft resolution on the introduction of the Hong Kong Security Law was officially submitted on the afternoon of the 22nd and that all representatives will vote to pass it during this session. According to the One Country, Two Systems principle, Hong Kong's laws are basically enacted through the Legislative Council, Hong Kong's parliament, but the NPC, China's parliament, has the authority to create laws related to national defense, foreign affairs, etc., and insert them into the annex of Hong Kong's Basic Law.

A source told SCMP, "Beijing has concluded that it is impossible for Hong Kong's Legislative Council to pass the National Security Law," and explained, "Therefore, the NPC will take responsibility on its behalf."

However, the U.S. opposed any effort to impose a National Security Law that does not reflect the will of Hong Kong residents, stating that such actions would make the situation very unstable and would face strong criticism from the U.S. and the international community. Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, criticized on the day, saying, "China's statement on enacting the National Security Law undermines China's commitments and obligations." She urged China to respect Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom, emphasizing that this is key to preserving Hong Kong's special status.

President Donald Trump also warned that if China enacts and implements the new National Security Law, the U.S. would respond strongly. Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clearly expressed opposition to U.S. interference in Hong Kong affairs. On the day, Zhao said, "Enacting laws to safeguard national security in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is entirely China's internal affair, and foreign countries have no right to interfere," raising his voice.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.