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Merkel says Germany worried over ‘erosion’ of Hong Kong’s autonomy
- German Chancellor said the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ is being eroded following Beijing’s imposition of the new national security law
- She also said the EU must speak with one voice to China if it wants to achieve ambitious deals that secure the bloc’s interests
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday expressed concern over the “erosion” of Hong Kong’s autonomy and the principle of “one country, two systems” following Beijing’s imposition of the new national security law.
Merkel stressed that Germany would focus on dialogue in dealing with China as Hong Kong police started enforcing the sweeping legislation against political dissents in the city.
“Based on an open dialogue, we also speak about the rule of law and human rights, as well as the future of Hong Kong where we are concerned that the important principle of one ‘country, two systems’ is being eroded,” Merkel told Bundesrat upper house on Friday.
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A day earlier, she ruled out Berlin following the UK and Australia in providing support to fleeing Hong Kong residents, suggesting instead they could apply for asylum under existing mechanisms.
“The right to asylum in Germany is available to people everywhere, so I don’t see a need for further action on this,” she said at a press conference to open Germany’s presidency of the European Union’s council on Thursday, a day after the new law came into force.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced this week that up to 3 million Hongkongers with British National (Overseas) passports will be allowed to resettle in the UK and given a path to British citizenship.
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What you should know about China's new national security law for Hong Kong
What you should know about China's new national security law for Hong Kong
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