China outlaws pro-independence Hong Kong party

BRITAIN has demanded China respect the autonomy of Hong Kong after Beijing banned a political party that supports independence.

“We are concerned by the decision”, the Foreign Office said. “The UK does not support Hong Kong independence, but Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and its rights and freedoms are central to its way of life, and it is important they are fully respected.”

The ban was instituted yesterday on the grounds that the Hong Kong National Party (HKNP) was found a threat to national security, as Beijing continues to stamp out challenges to its sovereignty.

It is the first such ban on a political party since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997.

Under the move, it is now illegal to be a party member, raise money for the group and to participate or act on behalf of the organisation. Anyone in violation could face up to three years in prison.