Security law in Hong Kong: the United States and the United Kingdom strongly condemn

Prime Minister Boris Johnson outside the House of Commons in London on July 1, 2020. JESSICA TAYLOR / AFP / UK PARLIAMENT

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London and Washington reacted firmly to Beijing's imposition of its national security law in Hong Kong. Prime Minister Boris Johnson denounced an attack on the conditions for the return of the former British colony to China. The US Congress has reaffirmed the tightening of sanctions against Beijing, in particular against senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party.

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With our correspondent in London, Muriel Delcroix and our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki

The British government had very openly tried to dissuade China from imposing its national security law on Hong Kong. The pressures clearly remained unsuccessful. Consequently, London intends to honor its promise to open wide its doors to the inhabitants of its former colony, who have British status overseas.

The approximately 350,000 holders of this status as well as the 3 million residents who can apply for this passport will now be able to come to study or work in the United Kingdom for five years instead of six months so far. They can then apply for resident status. And after one year under this status, they can apply for nationality without any quota being applied to them.

China's participation in 5G and nuclear power plants in the sights

Faced with a "  clear and serious violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration  ", the British government therefore promises not to "  shirk its historic responsibilities and defend the people of Hong Kong  ".

The message is clear and the gesture significant, but it should not stop there according to British parliamentarians. Many, including members of the Conservative majority, want to see Boris Johnson rethink certain aspects of relations between London and Beijing, including the very controversial participation of the Chinese equipment supplier Huawei in the future 5G network and the Chinese involvement in the construction of a new generation of British nuclear power plants.

Pompeo: Hong Kong "  will be just another communist city  "

For the United States, this is an attack on the laws and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo worries about the consequences of the national security law and Beijing's new takeover: "  The security forces are already arresting the Hong Kong people who dare to speak and think freely. The rule of law has been flouted.  "

The US foreign chief reiterated Washington's position: Hong Kong will now be treated like China and will no longer enjoy its special status. “  Free, Hong Kong was one of the most stable, prosperous and dynamic cities in the world. Today will be just another communist city where people will be at the mercy of the whims of the party elite. It's sad.  "

► Listening: Hong Kong Security Law: "Xi Jinping Makes Me Not Afraid of Western Reactions"

Joe Biden denounces Trump's "  cowardice  "

Sanctions against Beijing, and in particular members of the Communist Party, have been tightened. Another reaction in Washington, that of Nancy Pelosi. For the head of the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, the security law means "  the death of the principle" one country, two systems ".  "

Same condemnation from Joe Biden who speaks of a fatal blow to the autonomy of the former British colony. The Democratic presidential candidate of November 3 denounced Donald Trump's “cowardly” management of the Hong Kong crisis. "  Again and again, President Trump abandons our values ​​and reassures the Chinese autocrats that they have someone who thinks like them in the White House.  "

Biden promises much heavier sanctions if he wins the presidential election. "  Where Trump was loose, I will be strong, clear and consistent in defending our values  " , assured the Democratic ... if he is elected president of the United States.

Anne-Sophie Simpère, liberty advocacy manager at Amnesty International

► Listen: Taiwan supports Hong Kong activists against Beijing-imposed security law

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  • Hong Kong
  • China
  • Human rights
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Boris Johnson
  • Donald trump
  • Joe Biden

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