Beijing to base China security agencies in Hong Kong

Pro-democracy lawmakers denounced the plans as “the end of Hong Kong”.

China's intelligence agencies may set up bases in Hong Kong, part of a proposal to impose new national security laws from the mainland. There are new fears of harsh enforcement by Chinese authorities, and concern of new protests while the coronavirus pandemic still threatens.

The plan was announced on Friday, one day after Beijing put forth national security legislation in the national congress. From Reuters:

Hong Kong activists called on Friday for people to rise up against the proposal, aimed at tackling secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign interference, that has sent jitters across the business and diplomatic communities.

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In his annual report to the Chinese parliament, Premier Li Keqiang said China will establish a "sound" legal system and enforcement mechanisms to ensure national security in Hong Kong and Macau, its other semi-autonomous city.

The proposed legislation for Hong Kong requires the territory to quickly finish enacting national security regulations under its mini-constitution, the Basic law, according to a draft seen by Reuters.

The document said the laws will safeguard the central government's "overall jurisdiction" as well as Hong Kong's "high autonomy".

"When needed, relevant national security organs of the Central People's Government will set up agencies," in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, the draft said.

Read more:
Beijing may base security agencies in Hong Kong as part of new laws

[IMAGE: Hong Kong, a photo from the Chinese government: gov.cn]