Beijing’s suggestion of introducing ‘comprehensive governance’ in Hong Kong in the next few years must be strongly opposed by the international community
On Tuesday, the Central Committee of the Communist Party as part of its 14th national plan for 2021-2025 announced the prospect of Beijing introducing ‘comprehensive governance’ over Hong Kong in the next five years.
As part of the draft proposals designed to resolutely “curb and prevent foreign forces from meddling with Hong Kong and Macau affairs”, the Central Committee proposed that “we (Beijing) must also implement the central government’s comprehensive jurisdiction over the two (cities), as well as their legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for protecting national security.”
The idea of the central government’s ‘comprehensive governance’ first surfaced in a State Council white paper in June 2014, emphasizing Beijing’s full control over all local administrative regions including Hong Kong.
Commenting on Beijing’s suggestion of introducing ‘comprehensive governance’ over Hong Kong in the next few years, Benedict Rogers, Hong Kong Watch’s Chief Executive said:
“Comprehensive governance or rather direct rule by Beijing over the affairs of Hong Kong, would represent a clear and undeniable breach of China’s’ commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration to maintain Hong Kong’s autonomy, freedoms, and rule of law, for at least fifty years.”
“Movements by Beijing to impose direct governance on Hong Kong would spell the end of democratic elections, a free press, free expression, academic freedom, freedom of religion or belief, and the rule of law.”
“This week the Chinese Communist Party has sign-posted its intentions for the city of Hong Kong. The international community must strongly denounce such proposals and make it clear that any movement by Beijing to impose ‘comprehensive governance’ on Hong Kong in direct contravention of its international legal commitments and the Basic Law will be met with swift consequences, including the use of Magnitsky sanctions.”