Hong Kong Passes New Security Bill, Triggering Warnings Overseas

Hong Kong has fast-tracked into law domestic security legislation, prompting fresh warnings from the US, European Union and UK that the move could muzzle open discussion in the global finance hub.

The measure was approved unanimously Tuesday evening by the city’s “patriots-only” legislature, in a snap meeting called one day before its regular weekly session. Lawmakers’ approval of the legislation within an 11-day window marks the fastest passing of a bill since the city returned to Chinese control in 1997.

“This is the high point of patriotism,” Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said after the law passed. “We all ...