White House warns of sanctions against China over security bill 1
`It seems like with this security law, China will basically take over Hong Kong,` US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said on NBC’s `Meet the Press` program on May 24.
US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien answered reporters outside the White House on May 24.
The Hong Kong security bill was submitted to the Chinese parliament during the opening session of the annual parliamentary session in Beijing on May 22, which prohibits separatist and subversive activities, as well as foreign interference.
US officials said the security law, when enacted, would end Hong Kong’s autonomy and harm both the economies of Hong Kong and mainland China.
`It’s hard to see Hong Kong remaining the Asian financial center if China takes over,` O’Brien said.
Beijing asserts that the bill in fact reinforces the `one country, two systems` principle, serving the interests and supporting Hong Kong’s development.
Thousands of Hong Kong people took to the streets yesterday to protest against the bill.
Many countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, UK and EU have voiced concerns about the Hong Kong security bill, calling on China to respect the rights, freedoms and high autonomy of Hong Kong.
