Beijing’s quick moves to enact a security law for Hong Kong and flying the rainbow flag for a Pride march in central Taipei.

nytimes.com

Monday, June 29, 2020 | View in browser

Good morning. We’re covering the surge in U.S. coronavirus cases, Beijing’s quick moves to enact a security law for Hong Kong and flying the rainbow flag for a Pride march in central Taipei. A protester in Hong Kong on Sunday.  Anthony Kwan/Getty Images Beijing is moving quickly on Hong Kong security law China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, has been eager to impose control over Hong Kong. That may finally happen this week. Chinese lawmakers meeting in Beijing could approve a national security law for Hong Kong as early as Tuesday. The legislation is expected to drastically curb political protest and dissent in Hong Kong and is moving forward despite threats from the U.S. to strip the territory of its special trade status. Residents of the territory are still waiting to see the full text of the bill and even Hong Kong politicians who have endorsed the law, including the top local official, Carrie Lam, have said they have not been shown the full text by Beijing. Analysis: The sidelining of Hong Kong’s elite is the latest sign that President Xi, in his pursuit of power, is willing to defy political norms established over decades, and to do so swiftly and secretively. Related: With the world distracted by the coronavirus pandemic, China’s military is flexing its might in ways that have raised alarms across Asia and in Washington. Pride: Celebrations this year were cut back over coronavirus concerns, but Taiwan, which has kept its outbreak under control, was able to hold an in-person event on Sunday, with a rainbow flag-led procession in central Taipei.