President Taiwan expressed disappointment after China's parliament passed controversial national security legislation

News24xx.com - President Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen expressed disappointment after China's parliament passed controversial national security legislation that critics fear will severely curtail freedoms in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

He has warned its citizens they could be at risk if they visited Hong Kong.

The new law would severely impact freedom, democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, Taiwan's cabinet said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the democratic island would continue to offer help to Hong Kong people.

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"The government strongly condemns (the law) and reiterates its support for the people of Hong Kong as they strive for democracy and freedom," cabinet spokesman Evian Ting said.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have said the legislation is aimed at a few "troublemakers" in Hong Kong and will not affect rights and freedoms.

The security legislation sets the stage for the most radical changes to the former British colony since it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997.