‘End of Hong Kong’ feared

HONG KONG: Activists in Hong Kong yesterday called for people to rise up against Beijing’s plans to impose national security legislation in the city, prompting alarm the new laws could erode its freedoms.

A proposed march at noon did not materialise after online calls were heeded and only a handful of activists and riot police were visible on streets.

But new calls have emerged for flash mobs, and activists including Joshua Wong planned to meet the press last night to announce ‘‘street action’’.

The security law plan hit financial markets, due to concerns the city’s status as a global financial hub was at risk, with Hong Kong stocks selling off as China’s parliament sat to discuss the new law.

Premier Li Keqiang told Parliament yesterday China would establish a ‘‘sound’’ legal system and enforcement mechanisms to ensure national security in Hong Kong and Macau, its other semiautonomous city.

The proposed legislation for Hong Kong requires the territory to quickly finish enacting national security regulations under its miniconstitution, the Basic law, according to a draft seen by Reuters.

The document says the laws will tackle secession, subversion and terrorism activities, as well as foreign interference.

‘‘When needed, relevant national security organs of the Central People’s Government will set up agencies,’’ in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, the draft says.

Foreign diplomats are urgently seeking more details, fearing the statement could formalise and expand the presence of mainland security and intelligence services in Hong Kong.

Local prodemocracy lawmakers denounced the plans as ‘‘the end of Hong Kong’’.

‘‘Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers’ critical voices with force and fear,’’ prodemocracy activist Joshua Wong tweeted.

In an apparent policy shift, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang left out the word ‘‘peaceful’’ yesterday in referring to Beijing’s desire to ‘‘reunify’’ with Chineseclaimed Taiwan.

In opening China’s parliament, Li said his country would ‘‘resolutely oppose and deter any separatist activities seeking Taiwan independence’’ and ‘‘will encourage [Taiwan’s people] to join us in opposing Taiwan independence and promoting China’s reunification’’.

A senior Taiwan official, however, said the absence of the word ‘‘peaceful’’ did not signal a fundamental change in China’s approach.