Fears China's national security legislation for Hong Kong could infringe peoples rights

The legislation would allow China to punish or prevent protests and any acts it considers endanger national security.

Allowing China to set up such a legal framework in the territory could contradict the 'one country, two systems' principle.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the principle assures Hong Kong a high level of autonomy.

Mr Peters says legislating on Hong Kong's behalf without the participation of its people would challenge that principle.