China Demands Floor Plans of Foreign Missions in Hong Kong... Diplomatic Circles Fear 'Eavesdropping'

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] The Financial Times (FT) reported on the 3rd (local time) that China has demanded floor plans of buildings leased by foreign missions in Hong Kong.

FT stated that this approach aligns with demands made to embassies and consulates in mainland China, and that in diplomatic circles, it raises fears that eavesdropping devices could be installed. It emphasized, "This is a measure reflecting China's paranoia toward foreign interference in the politics of the Asian financial hub (Hong Kong)."

It continued, "China claims that foreign powers, especially the United States, were behind the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, which were recorded as the greatest challenge to domestic governance since the 1989 Tiananmen incident," and explained, "As a result of that anxiety, Chinese authorities have implemented a comprehensive national security law, prosecuted political opponents, and significantly curtailed citizens' freedoms."

Kurt Tong, former US Consul General in Hong Kong and current Managing Partner at The Asia Group, explained, "Before the changes in 2019 and 2020, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs generally took a minimal approach and mostly avoided strict controls over diplomats," adding, "Now, there seems to be a perception that some diplomacy is unwelcome."

According to sources familiar with the matter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested a series of details from diplomats over the past few months regarding official buildings of foreign missions and residences of staff, including floor plans and details of lease or sale conditions. Another former diplomat elaborated, "China wants diplomats to feel uneasy."

The Vienna Convention, an international agreement on diplomatic relations, ambiguously defines whether foreign governments can make such demands. However, Article 24 of the convention states that "the premises of the mission shall be inviolable at all times." Diplomats said they are considering how to respond to the requests, and are concerned about handing over floor plans as it exposes them to espionage. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong did not respond immediately to requests for comment, FT reported.

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