Hong Kong’s leader said there is “no need for us to worry” over national security legislation proposed by China’s National People’s Congress, adding that the measure would not affect freedom in the semi-autonomous region.
“Hong Kong has proven that we uphold and preserve those values,” Carrie Lam, the city’s chief executive, told reporters on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press. “Hong Kong needs this piece of legislation for the bigger benefit of the great majority of Hong Kong people.”
The law, which is branded as a way to combat terrorism and secession, would criminalize disrespect of China’s national anthem, among other provisions. Critics of the proposed Chinese legislation argue that it could encroach on the rights of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s Bar Association said the legislation had “worrying and problematic features,” according to Reuters. The bill has been criticized by leaders in the U.S. and Britain.
Hong Kong operates under the “one country, two systems,” principle, which guarantees the former British colony a certain level of autonomy compared to other parts of China. In recent years, the city’s residents have feared Beijing has been pushing its policies into Hong Kong.
The legislation comes amid heightened unrest in the city, with the latest pro-democracy protests taking place Sunday. The demonstrators were initially sparked by a bill introduced by Lam that would have allowed some criminal suspects to be extradited to China. The Chinese government has called the protesters’ acts terrorism and attempts at secession.
“In the last 23 years, whenever people worried about Hong Kong’s freedom of speech and freedom of expression and protest, time and again, Hong Kong has proven that we uphold and preserve those values,” Lam said on Tuesday.