China is proposing to introduce a new security law in Hong Kong that could ban sedition, secession and subversion.
The move is likely to provoke strong opposition internationally and in Hong Kong, which was last year rocked by months of pro-democracy protests.
China's delayed National People's Congress, its legislature, will debate the issue when it opens on Friday.
Chinese media said the move defended national security, but opponents said it could be the "end of Hong Kong".
Demonstrators in Hong Kong have repeatedly protested against what they see as a gradual erosion of the territory's autonomy by the communist lead government in Beijing.
The BBC's Robin Brant, in Shanghai, says that what makes the latest proposal so incendiary is that the Beijing government could bypass Hong Kong's elected officials and simply impose the changes.
The last British governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, called the move a "comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy".
President Donald Trump said the US would react strongly if China followed through with its proposals.
The Hong Kong dollar dropped sharply on Thursday in anticipation of the announcement.
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Shocking stuff in the middle of this 'Covid Crisis' out of China.
China struggles to keep it's people fed and in line Got to hit them where it hurts, in the pocket China has a history of vicious dynasties, it's in their DNA to be cruel oppressors
China struggles to keep it's people fed and in lineGot to hit them where it hurts, in the pocketChina has a history of vicious dynasties, it's in their DNA to be cruel oppressors
Hate to agree in advance with the usual suspects but they need to be treated like a Pariah State. Don’t expect the politicians to take the lead. We need to start finding alternatives to made in China. If they succeed we are heading to 1984.
Hate to agree in advance with the usual suspects but they need to be treated like a Pariah State. Don’t expect the politicians to take the lead. We need to start finding alternatives to made in China. If they succeed we are heading to 1984.
The world needs to stand united in support of the HK people.
Police in Hong Kong have fired tear gas and water cannon at protesters rallying against China's plans to impose a new security law on the territory.Thousands of demonstrators have been marching through the city centre. Police say 120 have been arrest