中 전인대, 홍콩보안법 초안 통과... 강경화 "고조되는 국제사회 갈등 예의주시 중"

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.
Aware of the rising tensions between the two sides, South Korea held an intergovernmental meeting to discuss possible risks and ways to minimize impact.
Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Jung-hee reports.
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.
On Thursday, China's National People's Congress voted and passed a draft resolution.
According to Chinese media, in a matter of weeks, the law will be drafted in detail and enacted.
With the new law, Beijing aims to prevent and punish what it sees as subversion, terrorism and separatism, as well as any foreign interference.
Beijing explains that this is to improve the "one country, two systems" framework that has existed since 1997.
But the law has been criticized internationally as eroding Hong Kong's freedoms.
The U.S. has even warned of sanctions, saying Hong Kong will no longer be able to enjoy the status of Asian financial hub.
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.
South Korea held an inter-governmental meeting on Thursday to discuss the risks it could face.
"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."
"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."
The officials say that the Hong Kong national security law was not dealt with explicitly at the meeting.
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.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.