British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab calls on China to live up to Hong Kong obligations, but stops short of granting right of abode to BN(O) passport holders
- Reasserting commitment to 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, Raab warns Beijing against military intervention in city over protests
- Foreign secretary also expresses concern over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang
In response to a grilling from members of all parties in the House of Commons, Raab also warned Beijing against military intervention in Hong Kong and expressed concern over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The Chinese embassy in London hit back the same day expressing “grave concern” over his “irresponsible remarks”.
The 1984 joint declaration “remains as valid today as it was when it was signed almost 35 years ago”, Raab said. “It is a legally binding international treaty. And we expect China to live up to its obligations under that treaty.”
The foreign secretary called on parliament to join him in condemning the recent violence in Hong Kong “from a minority of those engaged in those protests”.
“It is essential that protests are conducted peacefully and within the law and that the response of the authorities is proportionate.”