The US Senate has approved a legislation to punish China for its actions in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which was approved unanimously on Thursday, will impose sanctions on businesses and individuals that help Beijing to curb Hong Kong’s autonomy.
The move comes as China passed a draconian national security law in Hong Kong earlier this week, which critics say will destroy political freedoms and threaten Hong Kong’s identity by allowing Beijing to strengthen its control over the semi-autonomous territory. The legislation has been widely criticized, not just by pro-democracy leaders in Hong Kong, but also human rights groups and politicians across the globe. China, however, has repeatedly stated that the law is needed to tackle unrest and instability in the city that has become “a base of subversive activities” over the years, and that it would protect the freedoms of Hong Kongers.
“The law is a brutal, sweeping crackdown against the people of Hong Kong, intended to destroy the freedoms they were promised,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She added that it “signals the death” of the city’s treasured autonomous status. The Hong Kong Autonomy Act is now awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature.
Also read: China Passes Controversial Hong Kong National Security Law
Countries like Taiwan, the UK and Australia have also sought to aid those fleeing from Hong Kong. Taiwan opened up an office in Taipei on Wednesday to help asylum seekers and businesses to resettle in Taiwan. UK Prime Minister has said that the law is a “clear and serious breach” of the 1985 Sino-British declaration, and has offered residency, and possible citizenship, to up to three million Hong Kongers. Australian PM Scott Morrison said on Thursday that the country was “prepared to step up and provide support” to Hong Kong residents, and considering offering them safe haven, adding that details were yet to be finalized.
Also read: UK Vows to Admit Nearly 3 Million Hongkongers if China Imposes New Security Law
Beijing has rejected any criticism as interference in its internal affairs. After the US’ announcement regarding impending sanctions, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) condemned US actions saying that they “seriously violated international law, as well as the basic norms governing international relations”. It also warned that China reserved the right to respond with “all necessary countermeasures”. China has warned of retaliation against the UK and Australia as well, asserting that Hong Kong’s affairs were “none of your business” and that foreign pressure would “never succeed”.
Also read: Taiwan Opens New Office to Help Those Fleeing From Hong Kong
Other nations have welcomed the law. Cuba, on behalf of 53 nations, spoke at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council, saying: “Non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states is an essential principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations”.
The legislation has triggered serious alarm among activists and rights groups. Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, labeled the opponents of the new law “the enemy of the people” and urged them to stop “smearing” efforts to bring peace and stability to the territory. As calls for revolution are now deemed illegal by the government, many prominent young democracy activists have fled the city, fearing imprisonment by Beijing.
Image Source: Hong Kong News