Hong Kong law ‘none of your business’ says China as Australia joins countries raising concerns
China has slammed criticism over a new Hong Kong security law, saying other countries should keep their noses out.
China has slammed international criticism over a controversial new national security law for Hong Kong, saying other countries should keep their noses out.
Western governments and critics have warned the new law will curb the city’s freedoms and undermine its “One Country, Two Systems” governance scheme, which technically allows freedoms unseen on the mainland.
But Beijing officials rebuffed the criticism of the law at a press conference. “What’s this got to do with you?” said Zhang Xiaoming of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs office of the State Council. “It’s none of your business”.
Officials insisted there had been wide consultation with members of Hong Kong society and hit back at criticism it was undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy.
“If what we want is one country one system, it would have been simple,” Zhang said.
“We are completely able to impose the criminal law, the criminal procedure and the national security law and other national laws on Hong Kong.
“Why would we need to put so much effort into formulating a national security law tailor-made for Hong Kong?
And he lashed out at suggestions of punishment from other nations. “As for... some countries now saying that they will impose severe sanctions on some Chinese officials, I think this is the logic of bandits.”
‘Deep concern’ at China moves
Australia has joined 26 other countries to raise “deep and growing concerns” over China‘s imposition of new security laws in Hong Kong, and its treatment of Uighurs and other minorities in the northwestern Xinjiang region.
The resolution at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva said the Hong Kong laws – introduced on Tuesday without consultation – had undermined Beijing’s promised “One Country, Two Systems” governance model.
The signatories, including the UK, New Zealand and a host of European nations, said their concerns about arbitrary detention, widespread surveillance and restrictions on Uighurs in Xinjiang had intensified, and urged China to allow access to the UN’s high commissioner for human rights access to the region “at the earliest opportunity”.
The new Hong Kong laws give China a new legal framework to crack down on pro-democracy protests, by criminalising acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign countries.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia was troubled by the laws, and their implications for Hong Kong’s judicial independence, and the rights and freedoms of the territory’s people.
“That this decision was made without the direct participation of Hong Kong’s people, legislature or judiciary is a further cause for concern.
“The people of Hong Kong will make their own assessments of how this decision will affect their city’s future. The eyes of the world will remain on Hong Kong.”
She said Australia had a substantial stake in Hong Kong’s success.
“The city is home to our largest commercial presence in Asia and one of our biggest expatriate communities globally.
“We will continue to work with international partners to fully assess the implications of the new laws.”
With AFP
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