Fear of foreign interference looms large in China's version of Hong Kong law

Riot police stand guard in the Central district ahead of an anticipated lunchtime protest in Hong Kong, on May 29, 2020. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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BEIJING - Few would disagree that China's late patriarch Deng Xiaoping was a wise and visionary leader. It took courage to grant Hong Kong autonomy in a "one country, two systems" framework that sets the city apart from other Chinese cities green with envy.

China would keep its hands off Hong Kong, pledging that the city's capitalist system and lifestyle will not change for 50 years and that it will be run by Hong Kongers except in foreign and defence affairs.

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