UK fears that new security law will undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy
CHINA’S MOVE to gain more control over former British colony Hong Kong undermines the territory’s autonomy, Downing Street has warned.
No 10 said the Government is “deeply concerned” after China’s ceremonial legislature, the National People’s Congress, endorsed a security law for Hong
Kong that has strained relations with the UK and the US.
The law will alter the territory’s miniconstitution, or Basic Law, to require its government to enforce measures to be decided later by Chinese leaders.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official spokesman told a Westminster briefing yesterday: “We are deeply concerned about China’s legislation related to national security in Hong Kong. We have been very clear that the security legislation risks undermining the principle of one country, two systems.
“We are in close contact with our international partners on this and the Foreign Secretary spoke to US Secretary Pompeo last night.” He added: “The steps taken by the Chinese government place the Joint Declaration under direct threat and do undermine Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy.”
Foreign ministers from the UK, Australia, Canada and US have urged China to work with the government of Hong Kong to find a “mutually acceptable accommodation that will honour China’s international obligations” under the Joint Declaration. The signatories to the joint statement – Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo – stated their “deep concern” over Beijing’s move.
Mr Raab, speaking outside the Foreign Office, said Britain will change the status of British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong if China implements its controversial national security legislation.
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy, pictured, earlier said the UK must be more robust with Beijing. She said: “This is the latest in a series of attempts by China to start to erode the joint declaration which Britain co-signed with the Chinese government when we handed over Hong Kong, and protected its special status.”