Adrian Brown

The arrest of media tycoon Jimmy Lai under controversial national security law is expected to be the beginning of prominent people’s targeting.

It comes after the territory reported 108 new infections on Sunday, the highest one-day increase since the pandemic began.

Japanese local authority has approved a measure changing the status of disputed islands which are also claimed by China and Taiwan.

Concerns are growing about who will be targeted under security law for broad crimes which lack clear definition.

The wide-ranging laws, which include a ban on treason, secession, sedition and subversion – could now be in effect in a matter of weeks.

Anti-government protesters are angry over new proposed laws which they say damage the freedoms of Hong Kong’s people.

Activists say Beijing’s ban on activity considered subversive signals the end of autonomy and have called for demonstrations.

As protests reappear in Hong Kong, there are accusations that China’s envoy to Hong Kong is exceeding his powers.

The move would allow government officials to concentrate on controlling the coronavirus outbreak.