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Hong Kong Passes New Security Law. On March 19, lawmakers in Hong Kong unanimously passed Article 32. The national security bill "punishes treason, sabotage, sedition, the theft of state secrets and espionage with up to life imprisonment," Reuters reports. The legislation will go into effect on March 23. John Lee, a political leader in the country, referred to the new law as a "historic moment for Hong Kong". However, critics say that the new legislation could be utilized to "eliminate dissent through the fear of arrest and detention," restricting free speech and more. On March 14, the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China wrote Secretary of State Antony Blinken to oppose the new laws. The commission also urged the American government to "take additional steps to protect American citizens and businesses," Reuters reports. "An ever-expanding notion of national security will only make Hong Kong less safe for U.S. businesses and citizens living in Hong Kong as well as Hong Kongers seeking to exercise their fundamental freedoms." The U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China, via letter to Antony Blinken . China's Foreign Ministry Commissioner's office responded to the criticism. "Immediately stop the political manipulation and interference in Hong Kong affairs.", China's Foreign Ministry Commissioner's office, via statement. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT