Washington:
The United States on Thursday denounced China’s approval of sweeping modifications to Hong Kong’s electoral technique, saying Beijing was stifling democracy in the economic capital.
The rubber-stamp parliament’s move is “a direct attack on autonomy promised to people in Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration” just before the handover of the territory in 1997, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated.
“These actions deny Hong Kongers a voice in their own governance by limiting political participation, reducing democratic representation and stifling political debate,” Blinken stated in a statement.
Blinken also urged Hong Kong to go ahead with September elections, the city’s pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam has hinted will be delayed once again.
“We call on the PRC and Hong Kong authorities to allow the September 2021 Legislative Council elections to proceed and ensure that all candidates are included in a transparent and credible manner,” Blinken stated.
He also urged authorities to drop charges imposed in Hong Kong against activists beneath a draconian new safety law.
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