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China-EU relations
ChinaDiplomacy

EU urges Beijing to tread carefully on Hong Kong electoral reform

  • European Union says China should consider the political and economic implications of any reforms which threaten freedoms
  • National People’s Congress hears changes are needed to protect the city from interference by external forces

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An outdoor screen in Hong Kong shows the opening session of the National People's Congress, where reforms were announced to the city’s electoral process. Photo: Reuters
Finbarr Bermingham
The European Union has called on Beijing to “carefully consider the political and economic implications of any decision to reform the electoral system of Hong Kong”, warning it is “ready to take additional steps in response to any further serious deterioration of political freedoms and human rights” in the city.
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The EU was responding to a vow by Chinese leaders to reform the electoral system to “deter external forces’ interference in the affairs of Hong Kong and Macau” on Friday, the first day of the National People’s Congress (NPC) – the most important annual event in China’s political calendar.

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Two sessions: China’s parliament plans an overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system

Two sessions: China’s parliament plans an overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system

“The risks in the system need to be removed, and a democratic electoral system with Hong Kong characteristics needs to be established,” said NPC Standing Committee vice-chairman Wang Chen.

While the exact measures to be taken will not be made clear until next week, the South China Morning Post earlier reported that the Legislative Council will add 20 additional lawmakers, taken from the Election Committee that selects the city’s chief executive. The committee itself may add another 300 voters to become a 1,500-member outfit.

A second successive postponement of the Legco elections is also expected, with pandemic-delayed polls from 2020 now set to be deferred to September 2022.

“If enacted, such reform would have potentially far-reaching negative consequences for democratic principles and democratically elected representatives in Hong Kong,” the EU statement read.

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