US, UK, Canada and Australia criticise new Hong Kong security law

New legislation outlaws ‘acts or activities’ that put China’s national security at risk

The Chinese government passed the draft by a vote of 2,878 votes to one during the session. Getty

The US, UK, Canada and Australia have criticised a new national security law in Hong Kong, saying it would undermine the former British colony’s status as a “bastion of freedom”.

In a statement from the foreign ministers of the four countries, they said they were concerned the action would increase divisions in Hong Kong that exist over the role of China.

The new legislation, approved by parliament in Beijing, bans “acts or activities” that put China’s national security at risk.

China says the law is necessary because there are national security concerns in Hong Kong that need to be addressed.

The statement added that the move “lies in direct conflict” with the “legally binding” 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. The agreement places Hong Kong under the authority of China but says the former UK colony would enjoy a “high degree of autonomy” for the next 50 years.

Hong Kong had been beset by protests since 2019 over an extradition bill with China that was eventually withdrawn.

“We are also extremely concerned that this action will exacerbate the existing deep divisions in Hong Kong society,” said the four countries.

“Rebuilding trust across Hong Kong society by allowing the people of Hong Kong to enjoy the rights and freedoms they were promised can be the only way back from the tensions and unrest that the territory has seen over the last year.”