Hong Kong lawmaker to withdraw Legco motion calling for national security law amid business concerns over proposed sanctions in US report
- Felix Chung, leader of pro-Beijing Liberal Party says now is not a good time to ‘add fuel to fire’
- He cites concerns over US report on Beijing’s ‘encroachment’ on city’s freedoms, which suggested sanctions
A pro-Beijing party in Hong Kong is set to withdraw a legislative motion calling for controversial national security laws amid concerns it would be used to justify American sanctions on the city over mainland “encroachment” of freedoms.
Last week the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which advises the United States Congress, released a report warning of Beijing’s “encroachment” on the city’s rule of law and freedom of expression.
It recommended reviewing the arrangement to treat Hong Kong and mainland China as separate customs areas in the export of technology with civilian and military applications.
Calling the report misleading, Chung said he did not want his motion, originally set for a debate and a vote next month, to fan the flames sparked by US congressmen intent on creating trouble for Hong Kong or China.
“I don’t want to add fuel to the fire and give ammunition or any excuses for the US to play on the issue ... There are risks that I can’t take,” Chung said.
I don’t want to add fuel to the fire and give ammunition or any excuses for the US to play on the issue ... There are risks that I can’t take