"The proposed national security law would risk seriously undermining the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle and the territory's high degree of autonomy. It would jeopardize the system which has allowed Hong Kong to flourish and made it a success over many years," the foreign ministers of United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the EU's High Representative said in the statement as quoted by ANI.

"We are also extremely concerned that this action would curtail and threaten the fundamental rights and freedoms of all the population protected by the rule of law and the existence of an independent justice system," the foreign ministers said.

The countries asked China to reconsider the decision on the crucial issue that has triggered protests in the city.

"We strongly urge the Government of China to reconsider this decision," the leaders stressed in the statement.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also urged China to reconsider the decision and tweeted: "My G7 counterparts and I have expressed our grave concern over China’s decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong. The proposal would jeopardize the system that has allowed Hong Kong to flourish and made it a success over many years. We urge the CCP to re-consider."

China's parliament recently backed a new security bill meant to bring about tighter control over Hong Kong, which underlines that anyone who undermines Beijing's authority in the territory will be treated as a criminal and his/her action will be deemed crime against the state.

The new bill has caused deep concern among those who say it could end Hong Kong's unique status.

The move has already sparked a new wave of anti-mainland protest.

Image: Wikimedia Commons