Posted on 05/22/2020 5:31:43 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Governments around the world have decried the Chinese regime’s proposed national security law for Hong Kong, a move seen as a major blow to the city’s autonomy.
The UK, Australia, and Canada in a joint statement on Friday said they were “deeply concerned” by the plans. The regime’s rubber-stamp parliament is set to pass a law, bypassing Hong Kong’s legislature, to ban “treason, secession, sedition, and subversion.” The legislation could also see the regime’s securities agencies set up bases in the city.
“Making such a law on Hong Kong’s behalf without the direct participation of its people, legislature or judiciary would clearly undermine the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, under which Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy,” the governments said. Under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which set the terms of Hong Kong’s transfer to Chinese rule, the regime agreed to grant the city autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed in the mainland, under the formula of “one country, two systems.”
Earlier in the day, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the move, saying it would mark the “death knell” of the city’s autonomy guaranteed under the treaty.
“The United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal, abide by its international obligations, and respect Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, democratic institutions, and civil liberties, which are key to preserving its special status under U.S. law,” Pompeo said in a statement.
The “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act” approved by President Donald Trump last year requires the State Department to certify at least annually that Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to justify favorable trading terms that have helped it maintain its position as a world financial center.
(Excerpt) Read more at theepochtimes.com ...
Sanction the crap out of the crap
The people of Hong Kong are wonderful and they love America. This is so sad.
Like China cares.
There is scheme to this. Xi Jinping has apparently decided to roll the dice on this power grab counting on the fact that the rest of the world is too occupied right now to react.
If the gamble pays off, Xi will be able to prevent a renewed series of protests in Hong Kong this fall and demonstrate strength at a moment when he would otherwise look weak.
This is red meat for Chinese nationalists and communists who have wanted a harder line on the pro-freedom troublemakers in Hong Kong for months. This is similar to Putin’s seizure of Crimea in 2014, the likely result will be increased support and approval for Xi’s leadership.
But it really depends on how the rest of the world responds and how willing the citizens of Hong Kong are to fight for what ever is left of their freedom.
Astute analysis.
I can’t virtue signal enough right now. Save our Hong Kong’s
The UK should declare breach of contract and resume responsibility over Hong Kong.
Winnie Xi Pooh is making military moves against India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines as well.
The world should respond by declaring Hong Kong as part of China and close the banking and currency loopholes that allow China to launder funds via Hong Kong banks. That will cut the balls off the bandits in Beijing!
“The UK should declare breach of contract and resume responsibility over Hong Kong.”
Yes. At least until Hong Kong decides if it wants to be independent.
And the UN should back this up.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.