23 years ago Hong Kong was returned to China with the promise of autonomy for Hong Kong, set to expire in 2047. On Wednesday, July 1st 2020, China passed a new national security law for Hong Kong that will punish crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Laura Fagerlund, President of the International Committee of Svensk Ungdom, says that the principle of one country – two systems is practically dismantled. 

– Democracy and human rights are core values we need to protect and fight for. The national security law is not only an internal matter but a global matter that illustrates the worrisome developments we have seen in China, says Fagerlund.

Different nations have had different responses to China’s new national security law targeted at Hong Kong. The United Kingdom offers citizenship to Hong Kong residents, while Taiwan has opened an office helping asylum seekers from Hong Kong. 

– Now it’s time for stronger actions from the EU against China’s increasingly aggressive activities, and concrete measures from the EU on how to help Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong has to be free, Fagerlund concludes