'Reconsider Imposition Of National Security Law on Hong Kong': G7 Foreign Ministers To China

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies have urged China to reconsider the imposition of National Security Law on Hong Kong.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of G7 members have expressed "grave concern" on China imposing the national security law on Hong Kong.

"We, the Foreign Ministers of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union underscore our grave concern regarding China’s decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong," the statement said.

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, it added.

"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," the G7 statement added.

The statement further said that open debate, consultation with stakeholders, and respect for protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong were essential.

"We are also extremely concerned that this action would curtail and threaten the fundamental rights and freedoms of all the population protected by the rule of law and the existence of an independent justice system," the G7 foreign ministers said, adding that they urge China to reconsider the decision.