Rule of law worldwide challenged by ‘countries that claim to promote democracy’, top Chinese diplomat in Hong Kong says

China’s top diplomat in Hong Kong has warned that the rule of law around the world is under siege from “countries that claim to promote democracy”, but insisted the city will shine again with the support of the central government.

Liu Guangyuan, commissioner of China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong, said on Thursday the rule of law was a core value cherished by the city, and Beijing had enacted legislation to ensure law-based governance in the country.

“The rule of law safeguards international justice. Peaceful coexistence among countries needs a framework of rules, but in today’s world, the international rule of law faces severe challenges,” Liu said in his speech at the Vision 2030 for Rule of Law International Symposium, co-organised by Hong Kong’s justice department.

Without citing names, he said: “Some countries seek hegemony in the name of protecting rules. For example, they claim to maintain the rules-based international order, but in fact, apply or discard international law selectively, and impose laws of their own or of their alliances upon others.

“Some countries pursue unilateralism in the name of multilateralism. For example, they claim to champion multilateralism, but in fact, walk away from international agreements and organisations, impose unilateral sanctions without basis … and exert extreme pressure against others,” he added.

Liu also said some countries had engaged in “anti-democracy activities in the name of democracy”.

“For example, they claim to promote democracy, but in fact put together a false-flag democracy summit, build exclusive blocs to isolate others and incite confrontation based on ideological differences and hype up the absurd narrative of democracy versus authoritarianism,” he added.