[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park] Amid protests against the 'Hong Kong National Security Law' (Hong Kong Security Law) across downtown Hong Kong last weekend, advice has emerged that the Group of Seven (G7) countries should take direct action to protect Hong Kong's freedom.
Chris Patten, the last British Governor of Hong Kong, wrote in an op-ed for a Western media outlet on the 24th (local time) that "the Hong Kong issue should be a major focus at the upcoming G7 summit next month," adding, "The Hong Kong issue has already become a global concern, and over 200 politicians from 23 countries have voiced opposition to China's enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law. The UK must ensure that the issue of China's enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law is included on the agenda of the G7 meeting next month."
He explained, "Until 2013, before Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power, Hong Kong's freedom was fully maintained under China's 'one country, two systems' framework, but the atmosphere changed after President Xi took office," adding, "China has tried to place Hong Kong under the Communist Party's control and has cracked down on civil society and dissidents. Just as China has imprisoned the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, it is now tightening its grip on Hong Kong."
"Hong Kong is supposed to be guaranteed autonomy until 2047, but while the world is focused on fighting COVID-19, China has effectively broken this treaty," he also pointed out, saying, "The Hong Kong Security Law essentially grants China's Ministry of State Security the right to operate in Hong Kong." He further urged, "The UK must take the lead in defending Hong Kong. It has a political duty to do so," adding, "If China destroys the rule of law in Hong Kong, it will lose the opportunity to maintain its status as an international financial center. The UK and other G7 countries must take a firm stance."
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