As geopolitical tensions rise over the central government’s growing grip on Hong Kong, a Chinese official portrayed international criticism as irrational.
As geopolitical tensions rise over the central government’s growing grip on Hong Kong, a Chinese official portrayed international criticism as irrational.
“Some countries are threatening us with sanctions. I would say this is the logic of bandits,” said Zhang Xiaoming, executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, China’s top executive body. He was speaking through an official English translation of his Mandarin-language remarks at a press conference on Wednesday.
Late Tuesday, the Communist Party-controlled Chinese government revealed details on a controversial new Hong Kong national security law, which also took effect that night. While Beijing sees the legislation as a measure to protect China’s security, critics say the law undermines the democratic freedoms in the semi-autonomous region that have made it attractive for foreign business.
