The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published its latest
Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong today (11th June), setting out
the events of 1st July – 31st December 2019.
The UK has published regular reports on Hong Kong since the
territory’s handover to China in 1997. They reflect the UK’s
continuing attention to developments in Hong Kong and its
commitment to the implementation of the 1984 Sino-British Joint
Declaration.
A proposed Fugitive Offenders Bill, which was subsequently
withdrawn, features heavily in the report. The Bill prompted
large protests and civil unrest throughout the reporting period.
While the reporting period of this Six Monthly Report does not
cover the announcement of Beijing’s intention to impose national
security legislation on Hong Kong, the UK has spoken frequently
about its strong concerns about legislation and the Foreign
Secretary used the foreword of the report to reiterate the UK
Government’s position.
Writing in the foreword of the report, Foreign Secretary
said:
Hong Kong has experienced its greatest period of turmoil since
the handover. In accordance with the Joint Declaration, the
solution to this unrest and its underlying causes must come
from Hong Kong, and cannot be imposed from mainland China.
We urge the Government of China to work with the people of Hong
Kong and with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Government to resolve the underlying tensions through political
dialogue.
Read the report in full: Six monthly report on Hong Kong: July to
December 2019
