The three countries warned China's planned laws forbidding treason, secession, sedition, and subversion against the Central People's Government in Beijing would 'clearly undermine' Hong Kong's autonomy and its citizens' civil liberties.
Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement criticising the Chinese government's move to impose restrictive national security laws on Hong Kong in response to long-running pro-democracy protests in the territory.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the planned "enforcement mechanisms" in a speech to the country's ceremonial legislature this week, saying China would respect the "one country, two systems" principle that gives Hong Kongers significant control over their own affairs. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, centre, and other officials doubled down at a press conference in Hong Kong after returning from China's National People's Congress meeting in Beijing.They pointed to the legally binding joint declaration signed between China and the United Kingdom when the former colonial power handed over the territory in 1997, which gave Hong Kong a "high degree of autonomy" for 50 years.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and her counterparts in Britain and Canada have protested Beijing's unprecedented intervention in Hong Kong.Last year pro-democracy legislators and protesters prevented Hong Kong's own legislature from passing other national security laws they believed would have impinged on political freedom.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia joins joint declaration rebuking China over Hong KongAustralia, Canada and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement underlining the importance of law guaranteeing civil liberties for Hong Kong's residents in response to China's moves to impose its own national security laws on the territory
Read more »
China's Hong Kong plans for new security laws sparks fury | Sky News AustraliaPro-democracy activists say they fear the end of Hong Kong after China announced plans for new security laws.\n\nThe Hong Kong government insists the legislation will not affect the freedoms of its people as activists launch a second wave of protests. \n\nImage: Getty
Read more »
Australia 'deeply concerned' over Hong Kong security lawsAustralia, the UK and Canada say China's proposed security laws for Hong Kong would undermine the legally binding 'One Country, Two Systems' principle.
Read more »
Australia ‘deeply concerned’ over Hong Kong security lawAustralia has joined the UK and Canada in expressing “deep concern” over China’s proposed Hong Kong security laws, which they say will undermine the city’s autonomy.
Read more »
China to impose sweeping national security law in Hong KongChina is set to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong, provoking fears of further protests as China recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
China plans to tighten laws for Hong KongIn what may be a response to the protests of the last year China plans an overhaul of Hong Kong's laws that will clamp down on protesters, foreign interference and other anti-government activity.
Read more »