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In her final media briefing the Ambassador was asked about Hong Kong. She set out the UK’s concern over China’s serious breach of the joint declaration. She also highlighted areas of agreement that can be a foundation for constructive dialogue: 1/8
The role of the media is really important in explaining clearly what the facts are and then people can make their own decisions. We need to build trust and understanding. On Hong Kong it’s important to emphasise where the UK and China agree. 2/8
Firstly we agreed to hand Hong Kong back to China in 1997. Second, we agree that independence is not a solution for Hong Kong. Third, we agree that One Country Two Systems is a good system of government for Hong Kong. 3/8
Fourth we condemn violence in any form and we have done that publicly. And fifth, we both want prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. There are two areas where we do have concerns. 4/8
The first, is based on the Joint Declaration, agreed by Deng Xiaoping and Margaret Thatcher which is an international treaty lodged at the United Nations. It agreed that Hong Kong will have a high degree of autonomy for 50 years after the handover. 5/8
Our concern is that the National Security Law has undermined that high degree of autonomy. That has caused a breach of the joint declaration. The second concern is around the National Security Law. Elements of the high autonomy that HK should enjoy include academic freedom, 6/8
media freedom, freedom for elections and the LegCo. It is of concern that the National Security Law has undermined that high degree of autonomy which is guaranteed by the joint declaration. 7/8
So these are our areas of concern. But it’s important to emphasise where we do agree with China on Hong Kong. And that in my opinion is the basis for us to have continued discussions about the areas where we disagree. 8/8
