UK Prime Minister: "We Will Not Abandon Hong Kong... Committed to Protecting Its Citizens"

"China Betrays One Country, Two Systems Promise" Strong Criticism
"Measures Will Be Taken to Hold China Accountable for Its Promises"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized that the UK has not yet given up on Hong Kong on the 25th anniversary of its handover, and that measures will be taken to ensure China fulfills its promise of "One Country, Two Systems" made at the time. It is expected that the Hong Kong issue will serve as a major justification for the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to strengthen their efforts to contain China in the future.

On the 30th (local time), in a speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover, Prime Minister Johnson stated, "China is not keeping the promise of One Country, Two Systems agreed upon during the 1997 handover of Hong Kong," and added, "The UK will not abandon Hong Kong and will keep the promise made 25 years ago to protect Hong Kong's territory and its citizens." He further emphasized, "The fact that the freedoms of Hong Kong citizens, as well as their development and prosperity, are under threat must be considered at a national level."

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Johnson said, "We will do our best to ensure China keeps its promise," and added, "Hong Kong will once again be run by Hong Kongers, for Hong Kongers." This is interpreted as a strong criticism aimed at Chinese President Xi Jinping, who visited Hong Kong for the 25th anniversary event.

When China took back Hong Kong from the UK on July 1, 1997, the so-called One Country, Two Systems agreement was made to maintain Hong Kong's system for the next 50 years. However, since the passage of the National Security Law in July 2020 and the subsequent electoral reforms, it is widely regarded that One Country, Two Systems has been completely dismantled. The Chinese government has repeatedly denied international and British criticisms of the dismantling of One Country, Two Systems, arguing that interference in China's internal affairs must stop and that such criticisms are based on colonialist ideas.

Meanwhile, since China introduced the Hong Kong National Security Law, the British government has been preparing immigration plans for citizens holding British National (Overseas) passports. According to immigration procedures, the number of Hong Kong citizens who have applied for immigration is estimated to be about 120,000.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.