Expert: "China violates international law"

It is not yet known exactly how the new laws will be designed, but Tim Rühlig, China expert at the Foreign Policy Institute, thinks there is reason to be concerned.   

- Already in 2003, the government tried to pass a similar bill, which was a violation of civil rights. It contained directives that could restrict, among other things, freedom of the press, he says. 

According to Tim Rühlig, there is concern that the new security laws will be designed in a similar way.

 - Anyone who expresses opinions that are not in line with the government's risk of being punished. Of course, it will cause many people to think both once and twice before opening their mouths, says Tim Rühlig. 

Last year, violent riots took place in the city, but Tim Rühlig does not believe in an equally widespread resistance movement now.   

"Not because the residents are okay with the bill in any way, but because of the corona virus," he says.  

Another big reason may be that the government does not allow large crowds at this time. If a protest march was approved by the rulers last year, often between one to two million people gathered to have their voices heard. Those who gathered to protest the authorities' directives despite, faced strong backlash from the police. Tim Rühlig believes that only those who are willing to take a big risk will gather at this time.  

- In the future, there may be more people protesting. It depends on how frightened people will be for the new laws. The young people in the city will react. They are based on the principle "if we burn, you will burn with us". But there is also a possibility that people will be scared and leave the city, he says.

According to the protesters, the principle of "One country - two systems" is threatened and Tim Rüling agrees.  

- That principle is dismantled, it no longer exists. It is clear that China is violating international law, he says.