Australia, the UK and three other nations have issued a joint statement expressing their 'grave concerns' after pro-Beijing candidates claimed a victory in Hong Kong's Legislative Council elections:
Australia is among five nations that have urged China to "act in accordance with its international obligations" to respect protected rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.
The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and the United States' secretary of state said "actions that undermine Hong Kong's rights, freedoms and high degree of autonomy are threatening our shared wish to see Hong Kong succeed". Officials open a ballot box following the Legislative Council General Election in Hong Kong in December.Candidates loyal to Beijing won a majority of the seats in Sunday's election after China passed a resolution to ensureUnder the new rules, the number of directly elected legislators was reduced from 35 to 20, but the size of the legislature increased from 70 to 90 seats.
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