British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt urged to discuss Hong Kong human rights concerns with Beijing
On the eve of newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt's visit to China, a group of British politicians have urged him to discuss Hong Kong with the country's state leaders, citing concerns that pressure on human rights and freedoms in the city have "increased and intensified".
Former British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, two ex-leaders of the Liberal Democrats Paddy Ashdown and David Alton, barrister Geoffrey Nice QC, and Conservative lawmaker Catherine West wrote to Hunt on Wednesday: their letter was published on Friday on the website of Hong Kong Watch.
Hunt will meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during his trip next week. Photo AFP
Hong Kong Watch, a nongovernmental organisation, was founded by the British activist Benedict Rogers to monitor human rights in the city.
One concern the politicians raised was the police force's recommendation to ban the Hong Kong National Party for posing a threat to national security through publicly promoting the city's independence.
Last week, Hong Kong's security minister said he was considering that recommendation to ban the party under the Societies Ordinance, and gave the organisation and its leader, Andy Chan Ho-tin, until August 7 to convince him otherwise.
Other examples the group cited as threats to freedom and the rule of law included the disqualification of pro-democracy and pro-independence lawmakers " a result of China's top legislative body interpreting oath-taking rules in the Basic Law, the city's mini-constitution.
"Freedom of expression is facing threats from multiple fronts," they wrote, adding that the city's judiciary was under pressure as Beijing's interpretation could compromise the city's rule of law.
Hunt, who replaced Boris Johnson as foreign secretary earlier this month, is to arrive in Beijing on Monday, and meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Politburo member Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. As a US-China trade war continues to intensify, he will also host talks that cover bilateral relations and international issues.
Hunt's trip to China comes amid China's intensifying trade war with the US. Photo: Edward Wong
Britain and China signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration to enable the handover of Hong Kong in July 1997. The agreement set out the core principles of the "one country, two systems" concept, under which China guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy.
In their letter to Hunt, the group of British politicians said it was critical for Britain to emphasise and promote the importance of the agreement in bilateral conversations with China.
"This agreement underpins the special trading relationship that the United Kingdom has with Hong Kong because 'one country, two systems' ensures that it has the robust rule of law, freedom of information, labour rights, intellectual property rights, and transparency which our businesses need," they wrote.
Speaking up was not only Britain's duty, but in its interest, they added.
"It is also in the interests of China, where Hong Kong still plays an important function as a global financial hub, and above all for Hong Kong, whose people must not be forgotten and for whom we have a special responsibility."
This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
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