(LEAD) S. Korea backs Hong Kong's prosperity under 'one nation, two systems' policy: ministry
(ATTN: RECASTS lead; UPDATES with Beijing parliament's approval)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, May 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea believes it is important that Hong Kong maintains its prosperity and development under China's "one nation, two systems" policy, the foreign ministry said Thursday, amid growing international criticism over Beijing's push for controversial security laws on the semiautonomous territory.
"Hong Kong is an important region that has a close relationship with South Korea in terms of people-to-people and economic exchanges. We see it as important for prosperity and development in Hong Kong to be maintained under the 'one nation, two systems' framework," ministry spokesperson Kim In-chul said in a press briefing ahead of a vote by the Chinese legislature.
China's ceremonial parliament later approved the legislation that would allow it to enact new national security laws prohibiting subversion, secession or treason. The laws would also allow the central government to bolster censorship in the former British colony.
Its push for the security laws has spawned criticism, especially from the United States, as that would be acting against its own pledge to guarantee Hong Kong's liberties and autonomy under the "one country, two systems" framework. Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Washington has warned Beijing of strong actions if it goes ahead with its push for the legislation, including the possible removal of Hong Kong from its special trading status with the U.S.

This AFP photo shows riot police in Hong Kong sending warnings to protesters opposing the national security bills to stop demonstrations, on May 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Nuclear envoys of S. Korea, U.S., Japan condemn N. Korea's stipulation of nuclear policy
-
Defense minister nominee vows to 'firmly punish' N. Korea in event of provocation
-
(URGENT) N. Korea decides to expel U.S. soldier Travis King
-
BTS' Jungkook to drop 2nd solo single
-
Opposition leader Lee again proposes talks with President Yoon
-
(LEAD) Court rejects arrest warrant for opposition leader Lee over corruption charges
-
Defense minister nominee vows to 'firmly punish' N. Korea in event of provocation
-
Police launch belated probe into another teacher's suicide after parental harassment
-
(LEAD) Defense minister nominee vows to 'firmly punish' N. Korea in event of provocation
-
(LEAD) N. Korea stipulates nuclear force-building policy in constitution
-
(LEAD) S. Korea's Coast Guard apprehends 22 Chinese after illegal entry attempt
-
N. Korea slams IAEA's adoption of resolution on Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program
-
(LEAD) (Asiad) S. Korea takes 2 silvers in roller skating relays
-
S. Korea's Coast Guard apprehends 21 Chinese after illegal entry attempt
-
U.S. calls on China to encourage N. Korea's return to diplomacy