The adoption of Hong Kong's national security law has caused concern around the world

The passage of China's national security law for Hong Kong has sparked deep concern and regret around the world and a staunch defense at home.

The law has caused a growing divide between China and the United States and some other countries over the future of Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory that Britain returned to Beijing in 1997 as part of the "one country, two systems" principle spelled out in a joint declaration between the two countries. .

Japan's foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, said the law was "regrettable" because it was passed despite strong concerns from the international community and Hong Kong citizens and threatened the credibility of the "one country, two systems" principle.

The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said he would announce a response to the law after a detailed review "to see if it conflicts with the Joint Declaration between Great Britain and China."

The British Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dominic Raab, expressed concern in London and assessed that the law is a "serious step".

"Even at this stage, we call on China to step back, to respect the rights of the people of Hong Kong and sincerely fulfill its international obligations under the joint declaration".

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen assessed that the law will "hit hard" on freedom, democracy and human rights and said that Taiwan will continue to provide assistance to the citizens of Hong Kong.

The head of the government in Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, pointed out that the law is aimed at a few "provocateurs" who break the law and will not affect the human rights and freedoms of the vast majority of Hong Kong residents.

"The law will not violate the principle of ``one country, two systems'' and Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijien said the passage of the law was "solely China's internal matter and no foreign country has the right to interfere."

"The Chinese government is unwavering in its determination to protect the interests of national sovereignty, security and development, to implement the policy of `one country, two systems' and to oppose all external forces that interfere in Hong Kong's affairs," he said.

The last British colonial governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, said that "this decision marks the end of "one country, two systems" and represents a major confrontation between the laws passed in China and the independent system in Hong Kong.