BEIJING: A controversial security law for Hong Kong proposed by China during its national legislative session should be imposed "without the slightest delay", China's foreign minister said on Sunday (May 24).
The proposal is expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition, and comes after Hong Kong was shaken by months of massive and sometimes violent protests.
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Wang Yi told a press conference that the law was "imperative" after protests in Hong Kong last year "seriously endangered China's national security".
READ: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says national security law will not hamper judicial independence
READ: Hong Kong police fire tear gas on protesters opposing China security proposal
The draft measure would authorise Chinese lawmakers to directly enact controversial security legislation long called for under Hong Kong's mini-constitution but which authorities in the city have been unable to push through due to local public opposition.
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"It is imperative that the Hong Kong national security legal system and enforcement mechanism must be established without the slightest delay," Wang said.
He told reporters covering the week-long legislative session that "violent and terrorist activities are continuing to escalate, (and) foreign forces have deeply and illegally interfered in Hong Kong affairs."
