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China has passed a new electoral law aimed at ensuring only “patriots” ascend to positions of power in Hong Kong.
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The National People’s Assembly of China has unanimously passed a new law, which empowers a Beijing-backed committee to vet candidates seeking public office in Hong Kong.
The law permits the committee to directly appoint the city's legislative councillors, diminishing the power of the voting public.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam has backed the new law, which she has claimed would ensure "unpatriotic" citizens are not elected to public office.
However, Western leaders have condemned China’s new law, which they fear would undermine the democratic process in Hong Kong.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, took to Twitter to express her concerns.
“Australia is seriously concerned about changes by Beijing to Hong Kong’s electoral system, which weaken its democratic institutions,” she said.
“It is essential that Hong Kong people have channels to exercise their fundamental freedom of political expression.”
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the new law was part of a “continuing assault” on democratic institutions in Hong Kong.
“The National People’s Congress decision [to] unilaterally change Hong Kong’s electoral system is a direct attack on autonomy promised to people in Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration,” he said.
“These actions deny Hong Kongers a voice in their own governance by limiting political participation, reducing democratic representation, and stifling political debate.”
Secretary Blinken stressed that the law conflicts with principles under Hong Kong’s Basic Law, which notes that Hong Kong elections should progress to universal suffrage.
“We call on the PRC to uphold its international obligations and commitments and to act consistently with Hong Kong’s Basic Law,” he said.
“The PRC’s attempt to label its crackdown on Hong Kong as an internal matter ignores the commitments Beijing made in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to uphold Hong Kong’s autonomy and enumerated rights and freedoms until at least 2047.”
The US Secretary of State also urged authorities to release political activists charged under the CCP-backed National Security Law.
“A stable, prosperous Hong Kong that respects human rights, freedoms, and pluralism serves the interests of Hong Kong, mainland China, and the broader international community,” he said.
“The United States stands united with our allies and partners in speaking out for the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong.”
[Related: Pompeo calls out heavy-handed Hong Kong government]
