After controversial security law for Hong Kong - China and USA in conflict - Foreign Minister Maas wants to mediate

2020-06-02T06:31:01.756Z

A new security law passed by China for Hong Kong is causing international criticism and exacerbating the conflict with the United States. Maas wants to mediate.

The People's Congress in China passed a new security law for Hong Kong .
The plans led to the most serious confrontation between demonstrators and security forces in months.
Internationally, the law received criticism - especially from the United States. Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas now wants to mediate.

Update from June 1st, 10:46 am:

China's controversial Hong Kong security law has garnered harsh international criticism. The USA in particular condemned the law - and the governments in Washington and Beijing keep clashing in the wake of the corona crisis. Germany is now trying to mediate between the United States and China during its EU presidency.

"We Europeans in particular have no interest in the conflict of interests between China and the USA becoming irreconcilable," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) told the newspapers of the Funke media group . He further emphasized that the world must not fall into a Chinese and an American sphere of interest. Germany is particularly challenged during the six-month presidency, which begins on July 1.

Maas also reaffirmed that the planned EU-China summit should take place in September . "There are too many important issues that we need to discuss with China," said the minister. The aim is to commit the People's Republic to "ambitious climate goals and fair global competition".

Hong Kong: UK could offer millions of people a way out - China is angry

May 30 Update, 3:20 pm: China has been angry at the threat from Britain to clear former UK citizens from Hong Kong for British citizenship . "We are determined against it. We reserve the right to take appropriate action, ”said a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Beijing. All Chinese in Hong Kong - a British crown colony until 1997 - are Chinese citizens.

The British government had threatened to naturalize former subjects in the dispute over Beijing's security law for Hong Kong on Friday. When China introduced the law, options would be explored to give citizens of the ex-colony a path to British citizenship, Interior Minister Priti Patel said.

To date, Hong Kong citizens have been able to stay in the UK for up to six months without a visa if they have British National Overseas (BNO) status and are in possession of a valid ID. According to London, this is currently around 350,000 people. In theory, however, almost three million former subjects would be entitled to apply for a corresponding passport.

Dispute over China and Hong Kong: Trump announces next response

Update of May 29, 9:19 p.m .: In view of China's increasing involvement in what is actually autonomous Hong Kong, the US government will largely end the advantageous treatment of the metropolis . That will affect all agreements, including the areas of export controls and customs , said US President Donald Trump in the garden of the White House.

" Hong Kong is no longer autonomous enough to deserve special treatment," Trump said. The government would therefore abolish the benefit treatments. With a few exceptions, this affects "the full extent" of previous agreements, Trump said. The Travel advice Hong Kong would be enhanced to be.

China's controversial law has sparked protests and criticism internationally in Hong Kong.

Update of May 29, 8:58 p.m .: The UN Security Council has now discussed the Chinese plans for a controversial security law for Hong Kong . Instead of an official meeting on the subject, it was raised on the sidelines of another meeting, diplomats said in New York.

Because of the corona pandemic , the session was virtual, and viewers were not allowed. US ambassador Kelly Craft then said that she had asked the other Security Council members to jointly press for the security law to be withdrawn . China, however, also sits on the body as a permanent member.

Update of May 29, 8:16 p.m .: The Chinese government is taking action again and warns of "interference" in other countries' Hong Kong policies . "Any attempt to use Hong Kong to interfere in China's domestic affairs is doomed to fail, " said Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, after a UN Security Council video conference. The US and the UK reiterated their "serious concerns" about the controversial Hong Kong security law.

China verbally attacks the British and US governments - UN Security Council advises on controversial law

Update of May 29, 3:34 pm: In the dispute over Hong Kong , China has now accused the United States of wanting to "take hostage" to the UN Security Council . Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijan said on Friday in Beijing that the UN Security Council was not a tool that the US could manipulate at its will. "Other states that uphold international justice will not allow the United States to take the Security Council hostage for its own purposes," announced Zhao.

At the same time , the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman also attacked the government in London . China would take "countermeasures" against Britain if the Kingdom actually residents of Hong Kong an easier access to British citizenship should offer. Previously, China's National People's Congress approved a security law on Hong Kong on Thursday that, according to numerous critics, massively curtailed civil rights in the Special Administrative Region.

The controversial law is intended to punish “secession”, “subversion”, “terrorism” and the “endangerment of national security” and also to allow the mainland Chinese security authorities in Hong Kong to be deployed openly. The UN Security Council is due to discuss the Security Act later this Friday . US President Donald Trump also announced a press conference for Friday.

Discussion about security law for Hong Kong: Opposition calls for the federal government's clear edge on China

Update of May 29, 1:59 p.m .: The opposition has now called on the federal government to take a clearer stance against China's security law for Hong Kong. Instead of "diaper-soft" explanations, a fundamental reorientation when dealing with China is needed, said Green Party leader Katrin Göring-Eckardt in the Bundestag. FDP deputy Gyde Jensen kept the government silent for days in the debate. She spoke of a "chronicle of the failure of German foreign policy".

Meanwhile, at a meeting with a prominent Hong Kong opposition figure, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-Wen made clear her support for the democracy movement in the financial metropolis . On Friday, the Chinese-critical president met Lam Wing-kee, owner of a bookshop that had fled Hong Kong, in Taiswan's capital, Taipei. Tsai again promised humanitarian aid and refuge for Hong Kongers who are fighting for democracy in their homeland.

Update of May 29, 11:18 p.m .: In view of the controversial security law for Hong Kong , Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) spoke on Friday morning on the sidelines of EU consultations on further dealings with China. Despite massive criticism of the law, the German government is currently not considering canceling the EU-China summit in Leipzig . "There is a lot we want to talk to China about," said Maas. The EU-China summit planned for September is a good opportunity for this.

Maas comments on how to deal with China - Summit still planned for Hong Kong despite controversial law

One goal, for example, is to make real progress in mutual relationships through an ambitious investment agreement. The summit also opens up the possibility of demanding the need for ambitious climate targets from China.

When asked about a possible cancellation of the summit, Maas responded by saying: “One could also come to the opposite result and say that it is then precisely then that the European Union as a whole needs to be united and united at one table in order to also to discuss the unpleasant issues with each other . "

On Thursday, China's People's Congress approved plans for the controversial security law, laying the groundwork for official enactment. Internationally, the law has been sharply criticized for bypassing Hong Kong's parliament and targeting activities that are considered subversive or separatist. The current legislative proposal is the most extensive encroachment so far on the autonomy of the former British crown colony, where there have been strong Chinese-critical demonstrations for months.

EU foreign ministers discuss China strategy over Hong Kong law

Update of May 29, 6:31 a.m .: Against the background of the latest developments in Hong Kong , the EU foreign ministers will deal with the long-term strategy towards China in a video conference on Friday. The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called China's rise to a self-confident and assertive player in his letter of invitation as a "test for the geopolitical ambitions of the EU". Two summits with Beijing are planned this year, one of which is to take place in Leipzig in September. In particular, an investment protection agreement is to be agreed.

Beijing's actions against Hong Kong are causing unrest in the EU. China's National People's Congress approved a security law on Thursday, which critics believe will significantly curtail civil rights in the Special Administrative Region.

Hong Kong: China approves controversial security law - US and UK strongly condemn the operation

Update of May 28, 4.45 p.m .: The security law for Hong Kong approved by China's People's Congress is causing international criticism. "We in the EU agree: The high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong must not be undermined," said Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Thursday. The USA, Great Britain, Canada and Australia also strongly condemned the new law .

Hong Kong citizens had freedoms and rights that were granted to them by the law of the Special Administrative Region and the principle " one country, two systems ", Maas emphasized. "We expect these principles of the rule of law to be adhered to." These are "the basis for the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong". Freedom of expression and assembly, as well as the democratic debate in Hong Kong must continue to be respected, he said.

The United States , Britain , Canada and Australia have accused Beijing of violating its international obligations by law. "The proposed law would undermine the 'one country, two systems' principle," said a joint statement by the four countries on Thursday.

Hong Kong police officers on the verge of a demonstration against the proposed security law.

Hong Kong: China approves controversial security law - with drastic effects

Update of May 28, 9.26 a.m .: The National People's Congress of China has approved the new security law for the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong. The said law, which has already led to major protests in Hong Kong last week, is to officially prohibit "riot" and "separatism". Critics see the security law as a measure by the Chinese government to drastically curtail civil rights in the special administrative zone.

The project would be the most extensive encroachment on the autonomy of the former British crown colony, where there were strong demonstrations critical of China for months . Hong Kong has been governed as an independent territory since it was returned to China in 1997, following the "one country, two systems" principle. Criticism of the Chinese government also came on Wednesday from the United States , where Secretary of State Mike Pompeo questioned the autonomy status of Hong Kong (see May 27 update, 19:53).

China conflict in Hong Kong: USA change status - drastic consequences are the result

Update of May 27, 7:53 pm: According to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Hong Kong no longer enjoys the autonomy status promised by China in 1997. In a message to the US Congress on Wednesday, Pompeo said China would not meet its commitments to take over the former British crown colony. Given the situation in the Chinese Special Administrative Region, "no sensible person" today can still claim that Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy vis-à-vis China.

According to a law passed by Congress last year, the Hong Kong government has to certify annually that the special administrative region remains autonomous of China. This is the prerequisite for the financial metropolis to enjoy a special status in trade matters under US law .

Pompeo had initially postponed the presentation of the certificate to await the annual meeting of the National People's Congress in Beijing. This is expected to vote on Thursday on a new security law for Hong Kong. This prohibits "turmoil" and "separatism" in the special administrative area and is viewed by critics as a further attack on civil rights.

"While the United States once hoped that a free and prosperous Hong Kong could set an example for authoritarian China, it is now becoming clear that China is shaping Hong Kong to its own example," said Pompeo.

Hong Kong: Beijing's new law leads to protests again - Trump plans countermeasures

Update of May 27, 1:59 pm: In Hong Kong , the anger over two planned and highly controversial laws has sparked new protests . The police secured roads around the Hong Kong Legislative Council on Wednesday with a large contingent. There the second reading was scheduled for a law to punish the abuse of the Chinese national anthem .

At least 240 demonstrators , some of whom are said to have carried incendiary devices , were arrested, the police said. Demonstrations with hundreds of participants took place in several places in the city. The security forces fired pepper ammunition to drive out demonstrators.

Police detain two young protesters during Hong Kong protests.

Update of May 27, 6:53 am: At a press conference on Tuesday in the White House, Trump announced that he would take action against China because of the controversial law . “We are currently doing something. I think you will find it very interesting. It is very powerful. But I'm not going to talk about it today, "Trump said. He wants to present his plan at the end of the week. Trump also warns that if Beijing enforced the law, Hong Kong could lose its position as an international financial center.

By the way: Trump is currently working on a fact check by the media service Twitter in addition to the controversial laws for Hong Kong. The company examined two postings by the presidents - and drew a conclusion that Trump obviously did not like.

Hong Kong: New Law to Help Fight Independence Movement

Update of May 25, 2:31 pm: Hong Kong's security chief has welcomed the security law planned by Beijing for the Chinese Special Administrative Region. This is necessary in order to prevent "terrorism" and demands for independence, said Security Secretary John Lee. "Terrorism is increasing in the city and activities that damage national security, such as Hong Kong's independence, are rampant," said Lee.

Police chief Chris Tang also spoke out for the controversial legislative proposal . The new law will help "fight against the independence movement" and "restore social order".

Hong Kong conflict: Video shows demonstration beating orgy

The security officials' comments were made approximately at the same time that a video was released showing demonstrators beating up a lawyer. The video of the recent protests against the proposed security law was released on Monday by Chinese state media on the Internet. The video shows a bleeding man being kicked by demonstrators and beaten with umbrellas. According to media reports, the man had discussed with demonstrators who were building a roadblock.

In #Hongkong, the conflicts between demonstrators and the police escalate. The reason is the planned security law of the Chinese government.https: //t.co/SdxLtmxC6M

- FrankfurterRundschau (@fr) May 25, 2020

The victim is a member of the Hong Kong Bar Association and had to be treated in hospital after the attack, the bar club said. The editor-in-chief of the Chinese state newspaper Global Times , Hu Xijin, spread the video of the incident on the social media service Twitter , which is banned in mainland China, and wrote: "Let's see what Washington-supported democracy really looks like in Hong Kong." China portrays the Hong Kong protests as a conspiracy backed by foreigners to destabilize China.

Plans for the new law had led to the most serious confrontation between demonstrators and security forces in months. Hong Kong police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannons to attack thousands of demonstrators who took part in an unauthorized protest . At least 180 people were arrested.

The new law was launched on Friday by the National People's Congress in Beijing . It is said to ban "separatism" and "turmoil" in Hong Kong and is a reaction to the protests that have been going on for some time. Many Hong Kong citizens fear that the law will severely restrict civil rights in the Chinese Special Administrative Region. With the protest march on Sunday, the demonstrators also defied current requirements to combat the corona virus * .

Corona-Zoff: China warns Trump of "cold war" - "political virus spreads"

Update of May 24, 2020, 1:31 pm: In view of increasing tensions, the Chinese government has even warned the United States of a " new Cold War ". "We have noticed that some political forces in the United States have taken US-China relations hostage and are putting our two countries on the brink of a new Cold War," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at an online press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress in Beijing - obviously a swipe at US President Donald Trump . "In addition to the devastation caused by the new corona virus, there is also a political virus that is spreading in the United States," Wang said. This means that China is "attacked and slandered at every opportunity". "I call on the United States to stop, waste time and waste valuable life."

In permanent clink for years: China and USA - here the presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.

In addition to the dispute over responsibility for the corona pandemic , the relationship between the United States and China is being burdened by a new security law for Hong Kong planned by Beijing. Greens faction leader Katrin Göring-Eckardt calls on the German government to take action regarding the Chinese legal plans for Hong Kong. “The federal government must no longer be rabbit-footed when dealing with China. Foreign Minister Maas should appoint the Chinese ambassador and make it absolutely clear to him that passing the law will not be without consequences, ”she said on Sunday.

After Corona: China shocks Hong Kong - Merkel suddenly in focus, USA see "death blow"

Update of May 22, 3:55 p.m .: China apparently is planning an even tougher course in its Hong Kong policy - democracy activist Joshua Wong has now asked Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) for help. He appealed to Merkel and the federal government to "stand with Hong Kong and take a stand," Wong said on Friday of the picture . The planned new security law for Hong Kong, which Beijing can use to classify and ban "all protests and calls for democracy" as "attempted coups", means the end of all freedom, Wong said.

The Greens also tried to make the chancellor responsible. In the future, any criticism of the limitation of Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom of expression could be punished, warned parliamentary group leader Katrin Göring-Eckardt . "I urge the German government to emphatically convey to Xi Jinping that passing the law will not be without consequences."

Any criticism of the limitation of Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom of expression can be punished in the future. I urge the German government to emphatically convey to Xi Jinping that passing the law will not be without consequences. 2/3

- Katrin Göring-Eckardt MdB (@GoeringEckardt) May 22, 2020

Meanwhile , President Donald Trump's US government has described China's proposed restrictive security laws for Hong Kong as a " death blow " for the vast autonomy of the metropolis. The planned "unilateral and arbitrary" enactment of such laws is condemned, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday. The United States urged China to rethink the "devastating proposals" and instead stick to the international agreements on Hong Kong's special status, which guarantees autonomy, civil rights and democratic institutions.

After Corona: China's People's Congress starts and shocks Hong Kong and stock exchanges - Trump threatens

First announcement: Beijing - The Chinese People's Congress started in Beijing two months late . The annual meeting of the 3,000 delegates is all about the Corona crisis - for the first time in years, the Chinese government has not announced a growth target. This is causing concern on the stock exchanges. Many observers are also concerned about Beijing's new plans for Hong Kong.

Corona virus hits China: bad news for the economy - Xi Jinping without a mask despite pandemic

Because of the corona pandemic, the annual meeting of the 3,000 delegates to the People's Congress had been postponed by two months and was also shortened from the usual two weeks to one week. Most delegates in the Great Hall of the People wore face masks on Friday. However, head of state Xi Jinping and prime minister Li Keqiang did not. The fight against the virus is the focus of the conference. This began with a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the pandemic .

People's Congress in China: Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang at the People's Congress on Friday - without a mask.

As a result of the pandemic, the country is facing "enormous" economic challenges, Prime Minister Li Keqiang said at the start of the conference. In view of this "great uncertainty", Beijing will concentrate on stabilizing the labor market. Li announced new debt and additional billions in spending to fight the economic consequences of the pandemic. According to him, new corona government bonds amounting to one trillion yuan (128 billion euros) are planned. Like China, the entire world economy is currently grappling with the pandemic consequences.

People's Congress launched in China: Hong Kong plans worry - "This is the end"

Li also announced in his government report a new security law for Hong Kong , which should cause new unrest there. China's leadership wants to set up and use its own national security organs in Hong Kong "if necessary" in the future.

A draft decision states that the Chinese special administrative region must improve the institutions and implementation mechanisms to maintain national security. However, if necessary, the competent security authorities of the Beijing central government should set up branch offices in Hong Kong "to meet the relevant national security obligations under the law."

People's Congress in China.

Leaders of Hong Kong's pro-democratic forces condemned the move as an attack on civil rights in the Special Administrative Region. "This is the end of Hong Kong," said opposition MP Dennis Kwok. Washington also received massive criticism of the proposed law. US President Donald Trump threatened a "strong" response from his government. The Hong Kong stock exchange declined by more than five percent.

In the past year, there were mass demonstrations in Hong Kong for seven months against Beijing's growing influence on the Special Administrative Region.

China: New Intervention in Hong Kong? Exchange investors "really scared"

According to observers, the planned security law should target activities that Beijing perceives as subversive or that could aim for independence. Critics see a massive attack on the "one country, two systems" principle that the former British crown colony has been managed largely autonomously since it was returned to China in 1997. The pro-democratic forces in Hong Kong fear that they will become the target of the new security law.

News from China pushed the Dax below the 11,000 point mark on Friday. "The announcements of the People's Congress really scared the investors," said market expert Thomas Altmann from the asset manager QC Partners.

Donald Trump has been in a trade dispute with China for months. In one point, however, he acts similarly to the heads of state in Beijing - Trump also likes to do without masks in the pandemic.

AFP / dpa / fn

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2020-06-02