The EU’s response to China’s repeated attacks on Hong Kong’s democracy has been slow. Reinhard Bütikofer wrote that it is time for it to start catching up with the United States and other countries.
Reinhard Bütikofer is the head of the People’s Republic of China Relations Delegation of the European Parliament.
The EU needs to respond to China’s authoritarian violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Hong Kong Basic Law’s commitments to Hong Kong people.
The most recent outrage occurred this month, when a new law requiring district councilors to swear allegiance will be implemented under the National Security Law implemented in Beijing.
At least 214 District Councillors -Both are from the pro-democracy camp-In the past month, due to fear of being disqualified or prosecuted, they resigned preemptively, and Chief Executive Carrie Lam has ruled out by-elections of new local representatives by at least 2023-Leave unelected pro -Establish a committee to fill the gaps.
Violations of Orwellian vows now include wearing T-shirts with “offensive” pro-democracy slogans or raising umbrellas-a symbol of the Hong Kong democracy movement.
Also in May, the “Patriot” bill imposed by Beijing passed the reduction of the proportion of directly elected seats in the legislature from half to only 22%, thereby limiting the democratic representation in the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
The measure also established a new review committee to screen candidates for elections, with the aim of removing the remaining opposition and consolidating Beijing’s control of Hong Kong’s regulatory agency.
Coupled with the strict National Security Law, which effectively criminalizes freedom of speech and the right of assembly under the pretext of stability, Hong Kong’s often touted high degree of autonomy has become a weak hope long ago.
The United States has taken action in response to Beijing’s actions. The EU must catch up. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken Announce new sanctions Seven Chinese officials on Beijing’s suppression of Hong Kong’s democracy, and Sanctions imposed on 24 people Officials earlier this year.
The EU has not yet taken any concrete action, which is repeatedly called for by the European Parliament. The EU should at least impose individual sanctions.
Washington also passed legislationRestricted salesCrowd control weapons, such as tear gas and rubber bullets used by the Hong Kong police to target protesters, and deprive Hong Kong of Favorable trading conditions, The same tariffs and regulations as mainland China.
The European Parliament has always been the clearest European voice to defend Hong Kong’s freedom and criticize the Chinese Communist Party for violating its international obligations regarding Hong Kong’s status and governance.
The statement issued by Senior Representative/Vice Chair of the Committee Josep Borrell to the European Parliament in June on the Hong Kong issue showed that the Committee is in a dilemma between recognizing grim reality and indecision. The Security Council has repeatedly postponed discussions on the Hong Kong issue.
The heads of government must now decide whether they want to do the right thing to stand with the people of Hong Kong, or risk the perpetrators who are unwilling to act and encourage oppression.
They should follow The latest resolution of the European ParliamentAfter the democratic publication “Apple Daily” closed, the publication called on member states to agree on a series of measures. These include the suspension or termination of extradition arrangements with Hong Kong or China.
A lifeboat mechanism should also be provided for Hong Kong citizens who are willing to move to Europe. EU member states should join other like-minded countries to form an international Hong Kong liaison group to continue advocating for Hong Kong’s freedom and autonomy in international forums, and Beijing’s disregard of its international obligations to Hong Kong.
We can also join hands to call on the Secretary-General of the United Nations or his High Commissioner for Human Rights to appoint a special envoy for Hong Kong. EU member states must not allow such activities to be blocked in the defense of human rights and the international rule of law.
The authoritarian repression in Hong Kong is still expanding. On June 4 this year, Hong Kong’s traditional Tiananmen Square night vigil was banned for the second year in a row.
Despite this, brave Hong Kong democrats have found a way to express their dedication by lighting candles. Many supporters of Hong Kong democracy movements around the world have responded online or in sports activities.
On July 1st, the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the People’s Republic of China, demonstrations in the city are also prohibited. The arrest of Apple Daily reporters and staff and the closure of the remaining pro-democratic media organizations have further undermined the freedom of the press in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong judiciary, once highly regarded for its independence, is under increasing pressure. Interference from BeijingFor this reason, friends in a free and democratic Hong Kong should express their solidarity. Democracies cannot just passively stand by.
In this regard, EU member states can take a clear and unmistakable measure: sanction Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, and her puppet, Carrie Lam.
