Xi Jinping likely to face criticism over Hong Kong crackdown during EU summit
- Beijing’s national security law and recent arrests are expected to be topic of discussion during online meeting on Monday
- Trade is the planned focus of the EU-China summit
European Union leaders are expected to renew pressure on Chinese President Xi Jinping next week over Beijing’s heavy-handed tactics in Hong Kong as the effects of the national security law start to emerge.
In the US, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called for stability in Hong Kong after nearly 300 people were arrested on Sunday during protests against postponed local elections.
“Democracy, respect for fundamental freedoms, and government accountability to the people are the best paths to stability in Hong Kong – not draconian efforts to limit free expression, delay elections, and restrict travel,” he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
It is understood that the EU officials preparing for the virtual summit with Xi next Monday have been gauging updates about the situation in Hong Kong and will raise the issue with him.
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Germany presses China on Hong Kong security law, seeks access to Uygurs in Xinjiang
In just over two months, Hong Kong police have used the national security law against media mogul Jimmy Lai Chi-ying – founder of the opposition Apple Daily newspaper – and Agnes Chow Ting, a prominent pro-democracy activist.