China today condemned the measures taken by the European Union (EU) in response to the new national security law imposed by Beijing on the semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong.
On Tuesday, the EU decided to limit exports of equipment usable for surveillance and law enforcement in Hong Kong. This was the punitive measure found against Beijing’s intentions.
Then, the 27 countries also agreed to support the population of the former British colony, facilitating their travel to Europe, through the granting of visas, scholarships and academic exchanges.
In response, Beijing today rejected the EU’s attempt to “interfere” in its internal affairs.
“The EU’s measures violate the basic standards of international law,” said Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for Chinese diplomacy, adding that his government will file formal protests against the European community.
EU action was taken after the imposition, on June 30, of a national security law in Hong Kong, which has been the target of harsh internal and critical challenges from the international community.
The law sanctions actions of “subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces”, allowing greater interference by Chinese judicial authorities in that semi-autonomous territory.
“The EU is particularly concerned about the strong erosion of rights and freedoms that should be protected, at least until 2047”, can be read in the text adopted by the 27 European countries, referring to the date on which the model for managing Hong Kong, “one country, two systems”.
