As Chancellor Rachel Reeves embarks on her visit to China, ARTICLE 19 and partner organizations urge her to emphasize human rights in discussions with PRC officials. They are alarmed by the worsening human rights situation in Hong Kong, particularly with the government’s increasing political prosecutions and transnational repression, which have escalated despite the Sino-British Joint Declaration’s anniversary proclaiming fundamental freedoms.
Several members of Parliament, including representatives from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties, have called for Reeves to cancel her trip, signaling deep concern about the deteriorating conditions in Hong Kong. These voices highlight the urgency of addressing human rights before furthering economic ties.
Recent developments, such as Hong Kong issuing arrest warrants accompanied by hefty bounties under the National Security Law, emphasize the need for the UK to confront these human rights violations. The organizations stress that such measures not only endanger activists abroad but also symbolize a serious risk in legitimizing oppressive practices within China.
Moreover, the UK should refrain from re-engaging economically without clear human rights improvements. The revived UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue post-2019 should operate under stringent conditions to uphold the UK’s moral obligations.
The role of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in London is also concerning, acting as PRC propaganda centers rather than promoting genuine bilateral relations. They manipulate narratives to soften Hong Kong’s repressive image, jeopardizing the credibility of the UK’s stance on freedoms.
As UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for her visit to China, ARTICLE 19 and partner organizations urge her to prioritize human rights discussions amidst rising concerns over Hong Kong’s political oppression. They advocate for a halt on economic re-engagement without clear human rights improvements and call attention to the concerning operations of Hong Kong’s trade offices in the UK.
In conclusion, the call from ARTICLE 19 and its partners signifies a crucial reminder for the UK to uphold its commitment to human rights during diplomatic engagements. The organization’s appeal is rooted in the belief that trade and investment should not reward oppressive behaviors, and stronger accountability measures must be in place to ensure that economic interests do not overshadow fundamental values. Reevaluating relationships with China under these considerations is now more important than ever.
The article addresses the implications of Rachel Reeves’ upcoming visit to China amidst a climate of escalating human rights violations in Hong Kong. Organizations like ARTICLE 19 advocate for a prioritization of human rights discussions, highlighting the risks of economic engagement that might overlook these violations. They draw attention to particularly aggressive actions by the Hong Kong government against political activists, emphasizing the UK’s historical advocacy for democratic values on a global stage.
Original Source: www.article19.org
