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G7 nations call out China, urge it to end 'oppression of democratic leaders’ in Hong Kong

G-7 slams China for changing Hong Kong's electoral system

USA-CHINA/SANCTIONS

The G7 nations— France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada—called out China on Friday, asking it to end the “oppression” of democracy activists in Hong Kong.

The foreign ministers of the G7 nations made their plea after China decision to change the city’s electoral system. Beijing, in an attempt to tighten its hold over Hong Kong, had China's National People's Congress approve changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system, wherein one of the significant changes meant that more seats in the city’s Legislative Council will be given to Beijing loyalists. 

UK Foreign Minister Dominic Raab tweeted, “Along with my @G7 colleagues we deplore China's decision to erode democratic elements of the electoral system and eliminate dissent in Hong Kong. We urge China to respect the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people.”

The G7 powers said this move would “fundamentally erode” democratic elements int he system. “Such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong,” the G7 nations said. The European Union reiterated the sentiment. When Britain handed over its former colony Hong Kong to China in 1997, the city was promised wide-ranging autonomy and freedoms.   

Other changes in the electoral system include an additional 300 electors in the committee responsible for choosing Hong Kong's chief executive. if this committee consists of pro-Beijing voters, any attempts by the opposition to influence Hong Kong’s leadership would be hampered.  

Despite the US imposing sanctions on China’s top officials over it passing the draconic national security law and other nations like UK and Canada condemning China’s actions with regards to Hong Kong, Beijing hasn’t budged from its stance. 

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