Japan, France agree to G-7 message on Hong Kong: NHK
[TOKYO] Japan and France have agreed that foreign ministers of the Group of Seven countries should soon issue a statement on their concerns about Hong Kong, public broadcaster NHK said, citing a government source.
The Thursday NHK report comes a day after China protested Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's assertion that he wanted Japan to take the lead toward issuing a joint statement.
Japan has already repeatedly expressed concern about Chinese national security legislation that could expose people and companies operating in the former British colony to greater risk of investigation and prosecution.
The agreement came in a call between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, NHK said.
Japan's foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the two ministers had "shared serious concern about the decision made by China's National People's Congress regarding policies toward Hong Kong."
The legislation has reignited demonstrations in Hong Kong, following months of pro-democracy protests last year triggered by opposition to a since-scrapped bill that would have allowed extraditions to the mainland.
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
The G-7 statement is set to include an expression of concern and a call on China to maintain the "one country, two systems" framework, NHK said.
Under that arrangement, China agreed with the UK to maintain a "high degree of autonomy" for Hong Kong, preserving its liberal institutions and capitalist economic structure, for at least 50 years after the city's return in 1997.
BLOOMBERG
KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Hong Kong crypto ETF launches will test ambition to be digital-asset hub
UK pay settlements edge lower in first quarter: industry survey
Trump jury told how publisher buried negative press
Sunak says UK to raise defence spending amid global threats
China’s central bank hints it may add treasury bond trades to policy toolkit
US business activity cools in April; inflation measures mixed