R.UNIDO CHINA
London, Mar 13 (EFE) .- The United Kingdom considered this Saturday that China’s decision to impose “radical changes” to restrict participation in the Hong Kong electoral system constitutes a new “clear violation” of the Joint Declaration but- British.
In a statement released today, British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab alluded to the latest move by the Chinese authorities to tighten control over Hong Kong.
In that note, Raab regrets the Chinese decision to impose “radical changes” that reduce the role of citizens in choosing their territorial leaders, instead of granting a pro-Beijing committee the power to appoint more legislators.
According to the British minister, that decision by China is part “of a pattern designed to harass and suppress all voices critical of China’s policies.”
In addition, Raab added, “marks a third violation of the legally binding Joint Declaration in less than nine months.” The aforementioned Joint Declaration was signed in 1984 and the agreement stated that Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms would continue unchanged for 50 years.
“Beijing’s decision to impose sweeping changes to restrict participation in Hong Kong’s electoral system is a clear violation of the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration,” the minister said.
Raab noted that the continued action by the Chinese authorities means that the UK now considers Beijing to be “in a continuing state of not complying with the Joint Declaration, a demonstration of the growing gulf (existing) between Beijing’s promises and its actions. ”.
“The UK will continue to defend the people of Hong Kong. China must act in accordance with its legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, ”added the head.
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