merrion street

I am concerned about the adoption yesterday by the National People’s Congress of a national security law in Hong Kong. The law, which was adopted without any meaningful consultation of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council or civil society risks undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle.

Ireland fully supports fundamental freedoms such as freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful assembly. We have called consistently for these freedoms to be upheld in Hong Kong, and for all sides to refrain from violence and to exercise restraint.

Ireland and the EU have left the Chinese government in no doubt about the legitimate interest that we have in ensuring that Hong Kong, and the “One Country, Two Systems” principle that has governed it, remains a success. The continued prosperity of Hong Kong and success of this principle remains in China’s best interest

Through our Consulate General in Hong Kong and embassy in Beijing, we continue, to monitor and assess the situation closely, and will continue to raise our concerns through dialogue with China.

I fully endorse the statement issued earlier today by the European Union.