中 전인대, 홍콩보안법 초안 통과... 강경화 "고조되는 국제사회 갈등 예의주시 중"<br /><br />China's rubber-stamp legislature has approved controversial new security laws which, even before they were official, prompted the U.S. government to declare Beijing in breach of a policy granting Hong Kong a large degree of autonomy.<br />Aware of the rising tensions between the two sides, South Korea held an intergovernmental meeting to discuss possible risks and ways to minimize impact.<br />Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Jung-hee reports.<br />Despite backlash from the international community, the Chinese parliament approved the new national security law on Hong Kong, a move seen as putting Hong Kong further under Beijing's control.<br />On Thursday, China's National People's Congress voted and passed a draft resolution.<br />According to Chinese media, in a matter of weeks, the law will be drafted in detail and enacted.<br />With the new law, Beijing aims to prevent and punish what it sees as subversion, terrorism and separatism, as well as any foreign interference.<br />Beijing explains that this is to improve the "one country, two systems" framework that has existed since 1997.<br />But the law has been criticized internationally as eroding Hong Kong's freedoms.<br />The U.S. has even warned of sanctions, saying Hong Kong will no longer be able to enjoy the status of Asian financial hub.<br />Tension is rising between the U.S. and China not only over Hong Kong, but also the U.S. attempts to launch what it calls an Economic Prosperity Network a new economic bloc that excludes China.<br />South Korea held an inter-governmental meeting on Thursday to discuss the risks it could face.<br />"We are aware that there are growing concerns about the recent rise in international tensions and their possible impact. The government is closely monitoring the situation."<br />"We discussed recent issues surrounding the U.S.-China conflict. Our focus is on how to minimize the negative impact on our economy and companies."<br />The officials say that the Hong Kong national security law was not dealt with explicitly at the meeting.<br />However, as Washington and Beijing both continue trying to gain the support of South Korea, U.S.-China relations remain a critical diplomatic agenda for Seoul.<br />Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.<br />
