Hong Kong is facing its worst political crisis since its return to China in 1997 and tensions show little sign of weakening. According to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, G7 leaders all expressed "deep concern" after the summit.
The G7 countries on Monday (August 26th) called for the respect of Hong Kong's autonomy status and "to avoid violence" after more than two months of demonstrations for democratic reforms in this former British colony, punctuated by clashes violent with the police.
"The G7 reaffirms the existence and importance of the Sino-British Declaration of 1984 on Hong Kong and calls to avoid violence," reads in a final declaration after three days of summit in Biarritz, in southwestern France. China is not part of the G7.
"Extremely violent" protesters, police say
This semi-autonomous territory is facing its worst political crisis since its return to China in 1997 and tensions show little sign of weakening.
Hong Kong police on Monday defended the use of water cannons and fired a warning shot the day before after more than two months of pro-democracy demonstrations, saying they faced "extremely violent" protesters.
Clashes Sunday in Tsuen Wan, in the suburbs of the former British colony, were among the most violent since the beginning in June of the movement against the local government supported by Beijing.
"We are committed to the rule: one country, two systems"
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said after the G7 summit that the leaders of the group had all expressed their "deep concern . "
"The G7 nations all want to support a stable and prosperous Hong Kong and we are collectively committed to the rule: one country, two systems," in reference to Hong Kong's special status with respect to mainland China.
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Hong Kong. The G7 calls for the respect of the autonomy status of the territory and to "avoid violence" Ouest-France.frENLARGE
