These arrests mark “a new worrying stage in the continued deterioration of the situation in Hong Kong since the adoption of the national security law”, responded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release. “This development comes on top of the multiple pressures to which the press and the pro-democracy opposition have been subjected in recent months, calling into question the possibility of democratic expression provided for by the Hong Kong Basic Law.”
“Solidarity” measures by the EU
France is following suit, particularly in London, at European Union and to Antony Blinken, chosen by the elected American president Joe Biden to be the future chief of diplomacy of the United States. “This subject is the subject of consultations with our European partners,” noted the Quai d’Orsay, stressing that “solidarity” measures had already been taken at EU level.
“Developments in the situation are taken into account in the implementation of these measures. France reiterates its attachment to the autonomy of Hong Kong and to respect for the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, guaranteed by the Fundamental Law of Hong Kong and the principle of “one country, two systems ””, concluded the ministry.