Raab calls for united response to China

BRITAIN MUST bring together a coalition beyond the “usual suspects” to moderate China’s “egregious behaviour” against Hong Kong, the Foreign Secretary has said.

Dominic Raab said a bigger caucus of opinion must be built up globally to prevent China dismissing efforts to ensure it respects Hong Kong’s autonomy from Beijing.

He added the UK seeks to call out “flagrant violations” of international law, adding it has raised the issue of Hong Kong at the UN Security Council.

But Mr Raab told MPs: “China is a permanent member of the security council, China is extremely influential, it deploys all of its economic, political leverage and indeed intimidation to get others to stay quiet.

“And what the United Kingdom has shown is ... We’re standing up as a matter of principle and saying this is unacceptable.”

China’s ceremonial legislature, the National People’s Congress, recently endorsed a security law for Hong Kong which has strained relations with the UK and the US.

The law will alter the territory’s mini-constitution, or Basic Law, to require its government to enforce measures to be decided later by Chinese leaders.

Making a statement to the Commons, Mr Raab said the proposed national security law would be a “clear violation” of China’s international obligations and would “undermine” existing commitments to protect the rights and the freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, as set out in the Joint Declaration.

He reiterated the UK will provide a “pathway to citizenship” for British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong if China passes new security laws.

For Labour, Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy called for the UK Government to “step up” its response to China.