On March 11, 2021, the Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC) passed another draft amendment to Hong Kong‘s electoral system.
The Chinese Communist Party passed a so-called “reform” of Hong Kong’s electoral system on Thursday (March 11), prompting condemnation from Western countries. Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) and the European Union issued a joint statement on Friday (March 12) expressing serious concern over the Communist Party’s decision to “fundamentally erode” the democratic elements of Hong Kong’s electoral system.
The joint statement was released Friday on the U.S. State Department’s website. In addition to the G-7 foreign ministers, the statement was joined by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The full text of the joint statement
“We, the Foreign Ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries, namely Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, are unanimous in expressing our grave concern about the decision by the Chinese (Communist Party) authorities to fundamentally erode the democratic component of Hong Kong’s electoral system. This decision is a strong indication that the Chinese (Communist) authorities on the mainland are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong.
“The revised package (for Hong Kong’s electoral system) adopted by the National People’s Congress, coupled with the mass arrests of (Hong Kong’s) pan-democrats and politicians, undermines Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The package will also stifle political pluralism, which runs counter to the goal of striving for universal suffrage as stipulated in the Basic Law. In addition, the changes would undermine the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
“The people of Hong Kong should be trusted that they will vote in the best interests of Hong Kong. Discussion, not suppression of dissenting views, is the way to ensure Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity.
“We call on China (the Chinese Communist Party) to act in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration and other legal obligations, and to respect Hong Kong’s fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Basic Law. We also call on China (the Chinese Communist Party) and the Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in Hong Kong’s political system and to stop the unjustified suppression of those who promote democratic values and defend rights and freedoms.”
The United States and the European Union also issued separate statements condemning
China’s Communist Party-controlled legislature, the National People’s Congress, passed a “reform” of Hong Kong’s electoral system on Thursday (March 11), giving Beijing loyalists more power to choose Hong Kong’s local leaders and members of the legislature. Analysts say the “reform” will give Beijing a greater say in who leads Hong Kong.
State Department spokesman Ned Price said the same day Thursday, “We condemn China’s (Chinese Communist Party) continued attacks on Hong Kong’s democratic institutions.” He said the purpose of the so-called “decision” adopted by the National People’s Congress is “to stifle political debate, disdain the clear will of the people of Hong Kong, and stifle the voice of self-government.
In a statement released Thursday, the State Department said “the NPC’s decision today to unilaterally change Hong Kong’s electoral system is a direct attack on the autonomy for Hong Kong people promised in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.”
The EU issued a statement saying, “Fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and political pluralism are at the heart of Hong Kong’s identity and prosperity. The EU regrets that these (values) are now under increasing pressure from the (Chinese Communist) authorities.”
“The EU calls on the Chinese (Communist Party of China) and Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in the democratic process in Hong Kong and to stop persecuting those who preach democratic values.”
EU authorities have previously decided to restrict the export of equipment that could be used for surveillance in Hong Kong. EU foreign ministers have also discussed the possibility of extending sanctions if the situation worsens.
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