Hong Kong legislature passes new national security law, expanding government's power to quash dissent

The Safeguarding National Security Bill was passed in a special session on Tuesday, adding to the national security law imposed by Beijing four years ago. The bill includes new measures on treason, espionage, external interference, state secrets, and sedition, giving the government more power to quash dissent. Critics argue it further threatens Hong Kong's freedoms and is a regressive step for human rights protection. The legislation targets "external interference" and theft of state secrets, with implications for businesses, journalists, civil servants, and others. It was passed at the behest of Beijing, thwarting decades of public resistance. The law provides Hong Kong's courts with new tools to cover a wide range of political crimes, with severe punishments including life imprisonment. The legislation has been widely criticized as another step in a sweeping political crackdown triggered by pro-democracy protests in 2019. Some articles suggest the law will strike a lasting blow to Hong Kong's promised autonomy from China. Officials argue it is necessary for maintaining national security and guarding against "black violence" and color revolution. The legislation drew protests from law and journalist groups, with some multinational corporations expressing concerns about operating in Hong Kong.