In a recent development, the British Foreign Office has released the latest “Hong Kong Half-year Report”, detailing the significant political and economic events that took place in Hong Kong in the second half of last year. British Foreign Secretary Cameron has reassured the local Hong Kong community of their safety but also used the report as a platform to criticize the recent implementation of the “Regulations on Safeguarding National Security” in Hong Kong.
Cameron expressed his concern in the report, stating that Beijing’s enforcement of the “Hong Kong National Security Law” in Hong Kong goes against the “Sino-British Joint Declaration.” He highlighted the suppression of political opposition, criminalization of dissent, and marginalization of civil society under the new law. He further emphasized that the Hong Kong government’s crackdown on voices supporting the positions of both the Hong Kong and Chinese governments is alarming.
Moreover, Cameron assured the safety of the Hong Kong community in the UK, specifically mentioning the issuance of red notices by the Hong Kong police for individuals living overseas, some of whom now reside in the UK. He affirmed that the National Security Law has no jurisdiction in the UK and vowed to protect individuals against any form of intimidation or harm.
Additionally, the report drew criticism towards the recent enforcement of the “Maintenance of National Security Ordinance” in Hong Kong, questioning its compatibility with international human rights laws and its impact on the people’s freedoms and rights. Cameron called for the release of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and founder of Next Media, and urged Beijing to retract the National Security Law.
Following the release of the report, UK human rights group, Hong Kong Watch, called for sanctions against officials involved in the implementation of the National Security Law, an expansion of the BN(O) visa program, and a review of the diplomatic privileges of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. They emphasized the need for concrete measures to prevent Beijing from further infringing on Hong Kong’s freedoms.
In response, the Chinese and Hong Kong governments strongly condemned the report, accusing the UK of interference in China’s internal affairs and prioritizing politics over the rule of law. The Chinese Embassy in the UK criticized the UK for double standards, hypocrisy, and violating the basic norms of international relations.
The ongoing tensions between the UK and China over the situation in Hong Kong highlight the complexities of international relations and the continued struggle for upholding human rights and freedoms in the region.