German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Commission Head Ursula von der Leyen hold a joint press conference via video conference to mark Berlin taking over the rotating EU presidency from July 1 to the end of the year in Berlin, Germany, July 2, 2020. Kay Nietfeld / Pool via Reuters
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany does not plan specific measures to allow Hong Kong citizens affected by the new administrative law in the Chinese region to relocate, Chancellor Merkel said, adding that the right of asylum in Germany was available to anyone. in the world.
At a press conference to open Germany’s presidency of the council of the European Union on Thursday, he said that Europe must continue its dialogue with China, due to its importance in the world and for Europe specifically.
“We will continue to seek dialogue with China in all areas: on human rights, social issues, but also on investor protection, reciprocal trade relations and climate protection, because without China we will not be able to stop climate change” , said. said.
Regarding calls to countries to offer Hong Kong citizens an escape route from the region, he added: “The right of asylum in Germany is available to people everywhere, so I don’t see the need to take additional measures in this regard. ”
Report by Thomas Escritt; Edited by Maria Sheahan
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