China passes controversial Hong Kong security law despite international criticism
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China passed a restrictive new national security law for Hong Kong that criminalizes treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, espionage, sabotage, and external interference.
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The law aims to suppress dissent in Hong Kong after the 2019 pro-democracy protests, but critics say it erodes civil liberties.
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The US and other countries criticized the law, but China defended it as necessary to restore stability.
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The law was passed very quickly with limited public consultation compared to a failed 2003 attempt.
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The law has created uncertainty for some groups in Hong Kong, like media and NGOs, some of which have relocated operations out of the city.