As the movement by Hong Kong residents demanding the maintenance of a free and open society has been suppressed, China's control is becoming tighter.
The international community must unite to strongly urge China to abide by its international pledge to guarantee Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy.
It was a year ago that massive demonstrations took place in Hong Kong against the Chinese government and Hong Kong authorities. The move was triggered by opposition to a bill to revise an ordinance on fugitives that would allow the extradition of suspects to China. There was a demonstration in which as many as 2 million people took part.
Clashes with police forces continued for several months, forcing the revised bill to be withdrawn.
Such a groundswell cannot be seen now. When demonstrations were intensifying, including an airport being occupied, the division became more serious between pro-China and pro-democracy groups, which are critical of China. But as many people have been arrested, residents are increasingly disinclined to take action. There are also regulations on rallies in the name of measures against infectious diseases.
China has gone over Hong Kong's head to enact laws regulating demonstrations against China and pro-democracy movements. That is why residents have a deepening sense of helplessness.
In mainland China, the national security law is used to crack down on dissidents. Procedures to introduce a similar legal system into Hong Kong have started at the National People's Congress in China. Deliberations on the introduction of the legislation may be finalized by the end of June before being enforced.
China may be trying to block free speech, aiming to prevent the pro-democracy factions from gaining a number of seats in Hong Kong's Legislative Council elections in September.
What China should remember is the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984.
The declaration stipulates the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China in 1997. Statements in it include that Hong Kong will have a high degree of autonomy for 50 years after its return to Chinese rule, and that Hong Kong 's society, economic system and lifestyle will remain unchanged. It also includes freedom of speech and assembly.
As the declaration is registered in the United Nations as an international treaty, it should be regarded as a promise between states. It is unreasonable for China to insist that the introduction of a national security law in Hong Kong is an internal affair and that external interference is unacceptable.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has warned it may eliminate preferential treatment such as special tariff rates on Hong Kong. If implemented, this may deal a blow to multinational corporations based in Hong Kong as well as the Chinese and Hong Kong economies. There are strong concerns in European countries about the possible negative effects of U.S. sanctions.
Both the United States and China must exercise self-restraint to prevent Hong Kong's status from sinking.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said that Japan will play a leading role in issuing a joint statement from the Group of Seven advanced economies expressing concern over China's moves. It is hoped that Japan will unite the United States and Europe and convey G7 messages that share common values such as freedom and the rule of law.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on June 12, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
