According to a statement from the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ottawa denounced the suppression of freedom of expression and the peaceful expression of alternative opinions. in Hong Kong. The Chinese Embassy in Canada denounced this press release.
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CANADA DENOUNCES SECURITY ACT NATIONALE
“Unfortunately, since the imposition of the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, and over the past two years, we have seen freedom of speech and the peaceful expression of alternative views deleted»the ministry wrote in the statement.
Ottawa added that “the implementation of the LSN (national security law, editor’s note) eliminated significant political opposition”, indicating that “NGOs, trade unions and human rights organizations have dissolved or left”.
“Media freedoms continue to erode, following the closure of Apple Daily, Stand News and other independent outlets”deplored Canadian diplomacy, which called, them “central authorities in Hong Kong and China to act in accordance with the international obligations they voluntarily entered into 25 years ago.”
“The high degree of autonomy provided by the Basic Law and China’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms are also essential today for stability and prosperity. of Hong Kong as they were when they joined in 1997. They will continue to be so tomorrow and into the next 25 years and beyond”insists the text.
OTTAWA WELCOMES ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH HONG KONG
The Canadian ministry also welcomed “the historical and people-to-people ties that unite Canada and Hong Kong, deep and diverse ties”. “Across the Pacific, Canada witnessed, on July 1, 1997, Hong Kong’s historic return to Chinese sovereignty and the creation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.”underlined the minister.
Canada followed closely, continues the same source, “the events that have shaped the Special Administrative Region over the past 25 years and which have led to this major event”.
The press release recalls that “Hong Kong was the first place Canadians fought a land battle during the Second World War,” adding that now “more than half a million Hong Kong citizens who live in Canada and approximately 300,000 Canadians reside in Hong Kong”.
In the wake of that statement, Canada announced that it was suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and banning exports of sensitive military items to the region, in response to China’s national security legislation for Hong Kong.
THE CHINESE EMBASSY REACTS
The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa has urged Canada not to interfere in Hong Kong affairs after Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. In a statement, the embassy said outside forces should not make “irresponsible remarks”.
“The so-called deep ties between Canada and Hong Kong cannot be a reason for Canada to interfere in Hong Kong affairs”did he declare. “The Canadian side’s slander of the successful application of ‘one country, two systems’ is futile, and it is impossible to intervene in Hong Kong affairs. »
“Some Western countries, including Canada, have interfered in Hong Kong affairs under the pretext of human rights, which seriously violates international law and basic norms of international relations”said the embassy spokesman.
Regarding the suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong KongHong Kong’s new chief executive, John Lee, says Canada’s withdrawal from the extradition treaty with Hong Kong puts politics above the law.
He noted that Hong Kong usually extradites one or two fugitives each year in cases such as drugs, firearms or aggravated assault, and the mechanism is needed to tackle serious cross-border crimes.
“We strongly oppose Canada’s action. He is not fulfilling his responsibility within the international community”did he declare. “The Canadian government must explain to the world why fugitives are allowed to escape legal responsibility. »
