China slams EU export curbs on HK above security law
China on Wednesday slammed a good decision by europe to limit exports of surveillance apparatus to Hong Kong over concerns in regards to a controversial new secureness law in the town.
The law, that was fast-tracked onto the statute books in June after a few months of pro-democracy protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, threatens life sentences for vaguely worded offences including secession and subversion of state power.
Critics say it violates the "one nation, two systems" arrangement which has governed Hong Kong since Britain returned the ex - colony to China in 1997, allowing metropolis freedoms unseen on the Chinese mainland. The EU limit on exports "violates the essential foreign relations norm of non-interference in different countries' inner affairs", Chinese international ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin stated Wednesday.
"China firmly opposes this and offers produced stern representations with the EU," he explained at a regular press briefing.
The EU has struggled to agree on a united response to China's growing clout. Member claims are divided over whether to stand up to Beijing - a hugely significant trading partner - or make an effort to cooperate.
However the 27 nations on Tuesday came jointly around a proposal from France and Germany to limit exports to Hong Kong of technology that could be used for "internal repression, the interception of internal communications or cyber-surveillance". The bloc may also launch schemes to support the populace of the former British colony, granting visas, scholarships and academic exchanges to permit for easier travel to Europe, diplomats explained. Wang on Wednesday informed the EU to "end any interference in Hong Kong concerns and China's inner affairs".
AMERICA has responded to the security regulation with sanctions against Chinese officials, while countries including Canada, Australia and Britain have suspended extradition agreements with Hong Kong. Beijing insists the law is required to restore balance in the economic hub after prolonged political unrest.
--- AFP, Beijing
