China proposes to sidestep Hong Kong government with controversial law against ‘sedition’

Legislation would also ban any external interference in financial hub

China is set to limit opposition activity in Hong Kong following sometimes violent pro-democracy protests last year, a Chinese official has said.

Hong Kong media reported that the legislation would ban secession, foreign interference, terrorism and all seditious activities aimed at toppling the central government and any external interference in the financial hub.

The move appears to confirm speculation China will sidestep the territory’s own political body by enacting legislation to crack down on activity Beijing considers subversive.

“In light of the new circumstances and need, the National People’s Congress (NPC) is exercising its constitutional power” to establish a new legal framework and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security in Hong Kong, Zhang Yesui, the spokesman for the legislature, said.

Further details would be given on Friday, he added.

The legislation, which will be deliberated by the NPC, could be a turning point for China’s freest and most international city, potentially triggering a revision of its special status in Washington. It is likely to spark more unrest.

Online posts had already emerged urging people to gather to protest on Thursday night and dozens were seen shouting pro-democracy slogans in a shopping mall as riot police stood nearby.

Opposition democrats said the move would gravely wound Hong Kong’s reputation as a financial centre and its high degree of autonomy.

“If this move takes place, ‘one country, two systems’ will be officially erased,” said democratic politician Dennis Kwok.

“This is the end of Hong Kong,” added Mr Kwok, flanked by other opposition democrats.

Hong Kong residents took to the streets last year to protest a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions of criminal suspects to mainland China.

The movement broadened to include demands for greater democracy amid perceptions that Beijing was tightening its grip over the city.

Additional reporting by Reuters