Under Hong Kong s New National Security Law, Authorities Arrest Top Pro-Democracy Activists
December 17, 2020 | By Heath Sloane
Introduction
In recent weeks, Hong Kong authorities have conducted sweeping arrests of high-profile activists for alleged breaches of the country s new National Security Law. In the latest blow to the city s pro-democracy movement, veteran activists Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow, and Ivan Lam were sentenced to extended prison time, while media mogul Jimmy Lai was formally charged with colluding with foreign forces. [1] As Beijing cracks down on political dissent and media freedom in the city, Hong Kong s hopes for any semblance of autonomy under the One Country, Two Systems framework are disappearing at an alarming rate.
HK officials pledge allegiance to SAR, vow to uphold Basic Law
By Wang Qi Source: Global Times Published: 2020/12/16 19:43:42
Hong Kong government holds an oath-taking ceremony for undersecretaries and political assistants on Wednesday. Witnessed by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the 12 undersecretaries and 14 political assistants vowed to uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and swore allegiance to the HKSAR. Photo: AFP
All undersecretaries and political assistants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government took the oath of allegiance to the HKSAR Basic Law and the HKSAR on Wednesday morning, a move that will be completed by all Hong Kong civil servants by the end of next month, Hong Kong media reported.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. [Photo/Agencies]
China announced reciprocal sanctions on Thursday against US officials and personnel for their egregious behavior on Hong Kong issues, and the revoking of visa exemption treatment for US diplomatic passport holders paying temporary visits to Hong Kong and Macao.
The sanctions will be imposed on US executive officials, congressional members and nongovernmental organization personnel who have performed badly on Hong Kong-related issues, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a news briefing.
Their immediate family members will also be affected, Hua said.
Citizens of the United States enjoy visa-free entry to Hong Kong for 90-day stays for visits and tourism.
China Regulators Remove Restrictions on Insurance Fund Investment
China
December 11 2020
On November 12, 2020, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (“CBIRC”) issued a new rule with regard to removing industry restrictions on financial equity investment by insurance companies. The newly released Notice on Matters Related to Insurance Fund Financial Equity Investment (the “Notice”) took effect on November 12, 2020 and is consistent with the speech made by China Premier Li Keqiang on July 15, 2020, calling for the “cancellation of industry restrictions for insurance funds undertaking financial equity investment.” Chinese insurance companies are some of the biggest in the world by market capitalization. This new Notice is undoubtedly good news to relevant industries and companies.
Experts say national security law returns freedom from fear to Hong Kong residents en.people.cn - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from en.people.cn Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.