Winning formula: ‘one country, two systems’ best option for Hong Kong, EU envoy says
Carmen Cano de Lasala backs principle guaranteeing city’s freedoms, rather than pursuit of self-determination, and calls for a move forward on political reform
“One country, two systems” rather than self-determination is the best political formula for the future of Hong Kong, the European Union’s new envoy in Hong Kong says.
Carmen Cano de Lasala also believes that steps should be taken to move forward electoral reform given the recent record high turnout in the Legislative Council elections showing Hongkongers are keen to take part in political life.
“I’d like to underline we will continue to support and monitor the implementation of ‘one country, two systems’, which is key to the prosperity and development of Hong Kong,” Cano said in her first media interview since arriving in the city on September 1.
She told the Post that monitoring how the principle operated would be her first priority, and that the EU shared the fundamental elements behind the guiding principles of Hong Kong, including an independent judiciary, the rule of law, freedom of expression, transparency, and fighting against corruption.
Five publishers in the city who produced books critical of mainland leaders disappeared one after another from October last year before resurfacing months later amid claims that mainland Chinese agents had abducted them.