(Photo: Reuters)

According to the statement, China’s decision is not in conformity with the Hong Kong Basic Law and its international commitments under the principles of the legally binding, UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration. The proposed national security law would risk seriously undermining the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and the territory’s high degree of autonomy. It would jeopardize the system which has allowed Hong Kong to flourish and made it a success over many years. Their statement also asked for open debate, consultation with stakeholders, and respect for protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

The G7 foreign ministers and the High Representative of the European Union strongly urged the Government of China to re-consider this decision.