China Hits Back At West's Criticism Of Hong Kong Security Law

China has accused western governments and the United Nations of slander after they criticised Hong Kong's new national security law, which was rushed through the city's pro-Beijing parliament this week.

- Helen Davidson

The law, known as article 23, covers newly defined acts of treason, espionage, theft of state secrets, sedition and foreign interference.

Critics said it was ushering in a "new era of authoritarianism", would further erode the rights and freedoms of residents, and would scare off international business and investment.

The US state department deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said on Tuesday the US believed the law had the potential to accelerate the closing of a once open society. Patel said the crimes outlined in the legislation were poorly defined and that Washington was analysing potential risks to US citizens and American interests.