China Passes Hong Kong Security Law Aimed at Crushing Protests

HONG KONG—China’s legislature accredited Tuesday a sweeping new legislation aimed at quashing threats to national security in Hong Kong, rejecting Western criticism that Beijing’s efforts will suppress people’s freedoms in the protest-torn town.

The legislation was passed by senior Chinese lawmakers, according to Lau Siu-kai, a senior adviser to Beijing on Hong Kong coverage. Drafted and accredited in an unusually rapid and opaque procedure, the legislation has stirred fears across professional-democracy groups, businesses, universities and media more than its opportunity…