“We were doing it, and we are still doing it, out of our clear conscience, and our commitment to Hong Kong,” Ms. Lam said after hundreds of thousands of people marched through Hong Kong over the weekend. “I have not received any instruction or mandate from Beijing to do this bill,” she added.

The government’s plan, which is heading for a vote this month, set off widespread fears that it would accelerate Beijing’s growing influence over Hong Kong and leave residents subject to the whims of the Chinese authorities.

Explainer: The relationship between Hong Kong and the central government in Beijing is complicated and evolving. Here’s some background.

Perspective: In an Op-Ed, a former editor of The Hong Kong Economic Journal writes that the legislation also threatens the territory’s business community.