G7 demanded that China “end oppression” in Hong Kong

The G7 powers on Friday called on China to honor its commitments in Hong Kong and end “oppression” against activists promoting democracy, after Beijing imposed changes in the region’s electoral system.

The heads of diplomacy of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and United States, as well as the European Union, they said in a statement that they “call on China and the Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in Hong Kong’s political institutions and end the unwarranted oppression of those who promote democratic values ​​”.

Under the influence of Beijing, the Parliament of the former British colony on Thursday approved a reform which establishes that only “patriots” can occupy positions there. Before the UK ceded control to China in 1997, the territory was guaranteed an independent system.

“Such a decision clearly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong ”, G7 countries and the EU said in their statement.

The Chinese authorities want to impose electoral reform in the former British colony that would give them de facto veto rights over candidates in favor of the pro-democracy opposition. It was announced at the end of February and, according to its promoters, the criteria for discerning a “true patriot” include love for the country, the Constitution and the Communist Party.

China also plans to require district councilors, many of whom are elected directly by their constituents and tend to be more politically independent, to pledge allegiance to Hong Kong as a special region of China. Currently, only the CEO, senior officials, members of the executive council, legislators and judges are required to take the oath.

According to the Secretary for Constitutional and Continental Affairs, Erick Tsang, those who take an oath inappropriately or do not respect the mini-constitution of the city, the basic law, will be disqualified and banned from running for public office for five years. .

Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Bureau chief Xia Baolong added that the judiciary should also be made up of “patriots”, clearly signaling the Chinese government’s attempt to undermine the independence of Hong Kong courts.

In this regard, the G7 statement urges “to believe that the people of Hong Kong will vote in the best interests of Hong Kong.” “Debating divergent points of view and not silencing them is the way to ensure Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity,” add the document.

Under pressure from Western critics, China has justified its plan as a second “blow” necessary to “effectively curb the chaos” in Hong Kong., after last year’s controversial national security law. This law, designed to regain control of the semi-autonomous territory and put an end to pro-democracy protests, had already provoked a series of Western sanctions and condemnations from the G7.

Hong Kong was the scene of massive pro-democracy protests, some violent, in 2019 against Beijing’s interference. Since then, the Chinese government has cracked down on the opposition, detaining dozens of activists and enforcing the draconian national security law.

With information from AFP

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