US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo weighs in on Hong Kong extradition bill and expresses concern about new legislation which ‘threatens rule of law’
- Pompeo makes comments in meeting with pro-democracy delegation from city, led by Martin Lee
Hong Kong’s controversial extradition bill prompted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to express concern about the legislation on Thursday, which he said threatened the city’s rule of law.
Pompeo’s remarks came after he met a delegation of Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates, led by Martin Lee Chu-ming in Washington to discuss the status of Hong Kong’s autonomy under the “one country, two systems” framework.
“Secretary Pompeo expressed concern about the Hong Kong government’s proposed amendments to the Fugitive Ordinance law, which threaten Hong Kong’s rule of law,” the State Department said.
“He also expressed support for Hong Kong’s long-standing protections of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democratic values, which are guaranteed under the Basic Law.”
In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang urged the US to respect the Hong Kong government’s legislative amendment, adding that no other countries, organisations and individuals had the right to interfere.