G7, EU, Five Eyes condemn Hong Kong elections while US sanctions five Chinese officials

Joint statements by G7, EU and Five Eyes members Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand criticise Legislative Council elections that drew a record low turnout

US action expands list of officials sanctioned under Hong Kong Autonomy Act, enacted after imposition of national security law

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Ballots are counted for the Hong Kong Legislative Council on Sunday. Pro-Beijing candidates dominated the elections, the city’s first since Beijing amended the city’s election laws, drawing criticism from the US and other Five Eyes nations that voters were not offered an adequate choice. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 2:26am, 21 Dec 2021Updated: 12:09am, 22 Dec 2021

The Group of Seven (G7) and European Union on Monday voiced “grave concern” over the outcome of Hong Kong’s recent Legislative Council elections, following a similar condemnation by the Five Eyes alliance and Washington’s decision to sanction five Chinese officials for allegedly undermining the city’s semi-autonomous status.

The blitz of criticism pointed to Beijing’s overhaul of local electoral systems in March to ensure only “patriots” hold office as an unacceptable restriction of voter choice.

Foreign ministers of the seven countries and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell issued a joint statement about their “grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements” in Hong Kong.

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs, joined with G7 foreign ministers in a statement voicing “grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements” in Hong Kong following the Legislative Council elections. Photo: Anadolu Agency via Bloomberg

“We strongly reiterate our call on China to act in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration and its other legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, as provided for in the Basic Law,” they said.

“We also call on the China and the Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in Hong Kong’s political institutions and end the unwarranted oppression of those who promote democratic values and the defence of rights and freedoms,” the statement added.

A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign affairs ministry’s Office of the Commissioner hit back, saying the election reflected the public opinion of Hong Kong that social stability should be maintained.

“The British Hong Kong authorities implemented a policy of high pressure for a long time. Hong Kong people have never enjoyed real democracy, human rights and freedom,” the spokesman said in a statement.

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