After China moved toward full control of Hong Kong, Canada backs up Hong Kong by issuing a statement today.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that China’s campaign to disqualify pro-democracy legislators is yet another breach of the city’s Basic Law and undermines Hong Kong’s long-term stability. Imploring China to respect its international agreements.
“China’s decision to remove four democratically elected lawmakers from office in Hong Kong is a further assault on Hong Kong’s high degree of freedoms under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
“This decision further narrows Hong Kong’s autonomy and space for freedom of expression and public participation in governance in Hong Kong.
“This action clearly demonstrates a concerning disregard for Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the high degree of autonomy promised for Hong Kong under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework.
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Following the NPCSC decision, the Hong Kong government immediately disqualified four pro-democracy legislators – Alvin Yeung, Dennis Kwok, Kwok Ka-ki, and Kenneth Leung. Fifteen other pro-democracy legislators in the LegCo said they will hand in their resignation letters on November 12. Although two pro-democracy legislators, Pierre Chan, and Cheng Chung-Tai, will stay, there will not be meaningful opposition in the LegCo as 39 of the remaining 41 legislators are pro-Beijing politicians, most of whom were not directly elected.
With control both over Hong Kong’s executive and legislative branches, Beijing is rapidly moving toward its stated aim of “comprehensive governance” over the region, a move that might quash popular movements for democracy and exterminate promised autonomy in Hong Kong. The judiciary, which remains independent, is also under escalating pressure from Beijing.
“This action clearly demonstrates a concerning disregard for Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the high degree of autonomy promised for Hong Kong under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework.
“We are deeply disappointed that China has chosen to break its international obligations.” Champagne wrote.
The government of Canada has pledged a continual stand with the people of Hong Kong.