Germany’s Angela Merkel, France’s foreign minister call for dialogue to defuse Hong Kong tensions after China rejects EU statement on protests
- Germany and France ratchet up calls to settle Hong Kong unrest following reports that China has mobilised armed trucks on the other side of border
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday jumped into the fray of Hong Kong’s anti-government protests, calling for an end to violence and a start to political dialogue.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, meanwhile, highlighted the respect for fundamental liberties under “one country, two systems”, while the German leader said Hongkongers’ freedom of speech must be preserved.
Their comments followed Beijing’s strong opposition to a “misleading” European Union statement calling on all sides to exercise restraint even as reports and footage showed armed police trucks being stationed at a sports centre in a mainland Chinese city bordering Hong Kong.
The European leaders’ remarks added to a growing international refrain. On Wednesday, the US State Department and Congressional leaders expressed support for the protesters, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee vowed consequences if the mainland responded with force in Hong Kong.
Merkel explicitly referred to the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, under which the former British colony – handed over to China in 1997 – is to enjoy fundamental rights such as freedom of speech for at least 50 years.
The German chancellor said that Hongkongers’ rights, including freedom of opinion, “have a long tradition” in the city, and that all future dialogue must adhere to the freedoms under the one country, two systems principle.