Chinese security forces could be deployed in Hong Kong under new law

Hong Kong officials indicate powers will be used to try to suppress pro-democracy protests

China's proposed new security law for Hong Kong will allow Beijing's security forces to operate in the city, where local authorities have indicated the powers will be used to try to suppress the pro-democracy protests that broke out almost a year ago.

The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, said on Friday that the legislation was effectively a death knell" for Hong Kong's status as an autonomous city. He urged China to reconsider its disastrous proposal [and] abide by its international obligations".