Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
322. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of his engagement with the Chinese Government with regard to the protests and arrests that took place during and after the 2019-2020 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5408/21]
View answerThe Irish Government is closely following the situation in Hong Kong, particularly in relation to a series of arrests that have been made since the introduction of a National Security Law in the region.
The EU has been active in raising its concerns in relation to the situation in Hong Kong, both via statements and by raising our concerns directly with Chinese authorities, particularly at the most recent EU-China Summit and EU-China Leader's Meeting.
Ireland fully supports the most recent statement made by the EU in relation to this matter on 7 January, following the mass arrest of over 50 former opposition lawmakers and civil society activists. This statement called for the immediate release of those arrested, and urged the authorities to respect Hong Kong's rule of law, human rights, democratic principles and high degree of autonomy under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. Almost all of those arrested were later released on bail.
In addition to this, on 28 July 2020 the Council of the EU adopted Conclusions on Hong Kong which set out a coordinated package of response measures in various fields, including the operation of Member States' extradition agreements and other relevant agreements with Hong Kong. In line with these Conclusions, the Government agreed on 13 October to suspend Ireland's Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong.
This matter was discussed most recently by Member States at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 25 January, where it was agreed to continue with the implementation of the measures outlined in the Council Conclusions.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, will continue to monitor the situation and raise our concerns with Chinese and Hong Kong authorities as appropriate.
