- Sputnik International, 1920
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Tensions Soar as UK FM Raab Slams Beijing's Electoral Law After Chinese Legislators Back Reforms

© AP Photo / Vincent YuThe skyline of the business district is silhouetted at sunset in Hong Kong Monday, 13 July 2020.
The skyline of the business district is silhouetted at sunset in Hong Kong Monday, 13 July 2020. - Sputnik International, 1920, 11.03.2021
Subscribe
The statement comes as a major diplomatic row has worsened between London and Beijing, initiated by China introducing a National Security Law for Hong Kong, which came into force on 30 June 2020, and exacerbated by electoral reforms in late February aimed at strengthening Beijing's control in the special administrative region.

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab slammed China's electoral changes relating to Hong Kong on Thursday, stating that Beijing was attempting to "hollow out" democratic processes in the special administrative region.

The electoral reforms would cut 117 district councillor seats in Hong Kong's legislative body and replace them with "patriotic" pro-Beijing lawmakers.

“This is the latest step by Beijing to hollow out the space for democratic debate in Hong Kong, contrary to the promises made by China itself. This can only further undermine confidence and trust in China living up to its international responsibilities and legal obligations as a leading member of the international community," Raab said in a statement.

The news comes as Chinese lawmakers unanimously voted 2,895-0 on Thursday to change Hong Kong's electoral system.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks during news conference over planned changes to the electoral system, in Hong Kong - Sputnik International, 1920, 11.03.2021
Asia
Hong Kong's Chief Supports Beijing's Resolution on Region's Electoral System Reform
According to The Daily Telegraph, the UK government was reviewing changes to determine whether the measures breach the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

The news comes after clashes with the British ambassador to China, Caroline Wilson, who published an article on social media about press freedom which has provoked anger in Beijing.

Chinese officials later summoned the envoy because of the matter and blocked the post from being shared on social media.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - Sputnik International, 1920, 22.02.2021
British FM Raab Calls on UN to Probe China's Alleged Rights Violations in Xinjiang as Tensions Soar
Raab made similar statements to the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) - which started on 22 February and runs until 22 March - where he urged the international body to conduct an inquiry into alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam pledged "staunch support" for the electoral reforms in a statement, adding that the measures are aimed at strengthening the "One Country, Two Systems" policy which is designed to get the region "back on the right track".

 

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала