Secretary of State Liz Truss of Oregon said he would continue to support the rights of the people of Hong Kong 25 years after Britain returned its former colony to China.
In a statement commemorating Friday’s delivery anniversary, Ms. Truss acknowledged that in the last two years there has been a “steady erosion” of rights and freedoms agreed in the China-UK Joint Declaration.
However, she argued that Britain’s “historical commitment” to the people of the territory was still ongoing.
Her remarks were made when Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong prior to the ceremony celebrating this opportunity.
Authorities oppressed opposition, disputed, and kicked out those who could tell the truth to power.
This is his first visit outside mainland China since the outbreak of Covid-19, and he was greeted by supporters waving a flag at West Kowloon Station.
In her statement, Ms. Truss stated that China has an obligation to uphold Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms under the terms of a legally binding joint declaration signed in 1984. Stated.
However, there has been a steady erosion of political and civil rights since Beijing imposed the National Security Act in June 2020. This has led to massive protests against the law permitting transfer from Hong Kong to the mainland.
“The authorities have oppressed the opposition, disputed them, and kicked out those who could tell the truth to power,” she said.
“The UK’s historic efforts towards Hong Kong and its people continue. That is why we continue to challenge China for violating the legally binding promises signed under the Joint Declaration.
“We called for their actions on the world stage and worked with G7 partners to condemn the steady erosion of political and civil rights and the autonomy of Hong Kong.
“Twenty-five years later, the United Kingdom remains a solid position for Hong Kong. We are an ally and partner as part of a global network of freedoms to bind China to its international obligations. We are cooperating with. “
It follows her call to NATO allies to provide Taiwan with defense weapons amid growing concerns that China is preparing to invade the autonomous islands it has long claimed.
In contrast, Xi said Hong Kong has overcome many challenges over the years and has been “reborn from ashes” with “vibrant vitality.”
“As long as we stick to the” one country, two systems “framework, Hong Kong will certainly have a bright future and will make a new and significant contribution to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people,” he said.
He ended what he said was the turmoil that the CEO of the territory, Carrie Lam, was controlling the city, and ensured that only “patriots” would control Hong Kong. Praised.