European Union slams proposed electoral reform

The European Union warned China on Friday that it may take “additional steps” in response to Beijing’s move to grant itself a veto over the selection of Hong Kong lawmakers.

Earlier on Friday, Beijing introduced legislation to allow the central government to vet all election candidates in Hong Kong, the latest move to eliminate dissent and ensure a ‘patriotic’ government in the city, which has had a degree of autonomy since reverting from British rule in 1997.

“The EU calls on the authorities in Beijing to carefully consider the political and economic implications of any decision to reform the electoral system of Hong Kong that would undermine fundamental freedoms, political pluralism and democratic principles,” an EU spokesperson said.

Brussels has previously decided to limit exports of equipment that could be used for surveillance in Hong Kong and EU foreign ministers have discussed the possibility of broader sanctions if the situation worsens.

“As agreed by EU foreign ministers, the EU stands ready to take additional steps in response to any further serious deterioration of political freedoms and human rights in Hong Kong, which would be against China’s domestic and international obligations,” the spokesperson said.

“If enacted, such reform would have potentially far-reaching negative consequences for democratic principles and democratically elected-representatives in Hong Kong,” the EU statement said.

The last Hong Kong governor, Chris Patten, also issued a harshly-worded statement slamming the planned reform.

“China’s communist parliament has taken the biggest step so far to obliterate Hong Kong’s freedoms and aspirations for greater democracy under the rule of law,” he said.

He said Beijing has effectively decided that allegiance to the Communist Party is a prerequisite for patriotism.

“This completely destroys the pledge of ‘One Country, Two Systems. The Chinese Communist Party has shown the world once again that it cannot be trusted. It is a continuing and brutal danger to all who believe in free and open societies.” (AFP, RTHK)