A new national security law has come into effect in the Chinese territory of Macau, widening punishments for any opposition to Beijing.

The legislation puts greater emphasis on preventing foreign interference in the special administrative region.

It expands on legislation first introduced in Macau in 2009.

Macau's government says the changes are in line with legislation in Hong Kong, where Beijing has strictly tightened control following political turmoil.

The original national security law laid out seven major crimes such as treason, subversion, theft of state secrets and foreign collusion - with punishments of up to 25 years in jail.

Another of these offences, secession, has now been expanded to cover non-violent acts.

 

Meanwhile, opposition to any central government department and the ideology in Beijing can be punished under the updated definition of subversion.

Lookout Taiwan.

The new security law in China is driving out people and businesses, too. Acquaintances of mine there tell me it is increasingly difficult for foreigners to live in China. Everything is scrutinized, inspected, and monitored. Cash transactions are increasingly difficult to make. Everything is on Wechat. If you're not plugged into WeChat you can barely move about.