“More than half the U.S. firms in Hong Kong are ‘very concerned’ about the new security law, survey shows”, 3 June 2020

More than 80% of the U.S. companies in Hong Kong surveyed by the American Chamber of Commerce said they’re concerned about China’s plan to impose a new national security law in the city.

Out of the 180 AmCham members that responded to the survey earlier this week, 53.5% were “very concerned,” while 30.0% were “moderately concerned” about the security legislation. The survey results were published on Wednesday and are not intended to be scientific, said the chamber.

Respondents cited concerns such as threats to Hong Kong’s overall business environment, as well as the legislation’s potential impact on freedom of speech and other “basic civil liberties.”…

The process of enacting China’s new law will bypass Hong Kong’s legislature, which raised concerns over the city’s eroding autonomy promised under the “one country, two systems” framework…

The new law is aimed at prohibiting secession, subversion of state power, terrorism activities and foreign interference — some reports said it could also lead to Chinese intelligence agencies setting up bases in Hong Kong. Critics say the law could grant the central government broad powers to crack down on dissent and protesters…

…  60% of U.S. firms surveyed by AmCham thought the law would harm their business operations.

Some companies said implementation of the law could result in a reduction in foreign investments into the city, as well as greater difficulty in hiring as people leave or avoid Hong Kong…