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New Zealand has joined its allies in criticizing China’s “concerted campaign to silence all critical voices” in Hong Kong after elected politicians were expelled from the city’s Legislative Council.
The strong statement, issued by the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance countries, said China was in breach of its international obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which sets out the terms of Hong Kong’s democratic and economic independence from China.
“As a prominent member of the international community, we hope that China will honor its international commitments and its duty to the people of Hong Kong. We urge the Chinese central authorities to reconsider their actions, ”the statement, released Thursday, read.
Last week, 15 opposition lawmakers in the Hong Kong Legislative Council resigned in protest after four of their colleagues were disqualified from the council by order of the Chinese National People’s Congress.
David White / Stuff
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta joined a statement signed by the foreign ministers of the countries that make up the Five Eyes intelligence exchange alliance, condemning China’s actions in Hong Kong.
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Since then, three of the former lawmakers have been arrested for protest incidents in May and June.
Hong Kong has been a hotbed of tension for the growing tension between China and the Five Eyes nations. At the beginning of the year, China imposed a national security law in Hong Kong, which was condemned for limiting democratic rights and compromising the “one country, two systems” agreement.
Thursday’s joint statement said that the foreign ministers of the signatory nations, which include New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, “reiterate our serious concern regarding the imposition of new rules by China to Disqualify Legislators Elected in Hong Kong “. .
“It violates both China’s commitment that Hong Kong will enjoy a ‘high degree of autonomy’ and the right to freedom of expression.”
“The disqualification rules appear part of a concerted campaign to silence all critical voices following the postponement of the September Legislative Council elections, the imposition of charges against several elected legislators and the actions to undermine the freedom of the vibrant media. from Hong Kong, “the statement said. read.
The joint statement is likely to again irritate China, which claims that other nations are interfering in its “internal affairs” by commenting on the Hong Kong situation.
China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner. Its ambassador to New Zealand, Wu Xi, told a hearing in Wellington last week that “the affairs of Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong concern the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China.”
Vincent Yu / AP
Pro-democracy lawmakers, from left to right, Wong Pik Wan, Yoon Siu Kin, Wu Chi Wai, Lam Cheuk-ting, speak to journalists after delivering their resignation letters at the Hong Kong Legislative Council, the Thursday.
“We will resolutely defend our fundamental interests and will never allow any country to interfere in China’s internal affairs.”
New Zealand has regularly joined statements criticizing China’s actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, where it is alleged that at least one million Uighur Muslims are being held in “re-education” camps.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta issued her own statement on Hong Kong a week ago, saying: “Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned by the latest events that have eroded the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people.
“Freedom of expression and the right to choose representation are essential to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.”
On Thursday, China launched an extraordinary volley at Australia, a sign that the conflict between the two countries is getting worse.
An unidentified Chinese government official released a document detailing 14 disputes Beijing had with the Australian government earlier this week, saying the country was “poisoning bilateral relations.” The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
“China is angry. If you make China the enemy, China will be the enemy, ”the official was quoted as saying.
