John Lahart
Question:52. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on and response to recent and ongoing events in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22473/21]
View answerThursday, 29 April 2021
Questions (52)
Written answers
Ireland, along with our EU partners, is concerned about the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a national security law in Hong Kong, which risks undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle.
The decision by the Chinese National People's Congress in March of this year to change the electoral system in Hong Kong is the most recent move by the authorities to put pressure on the fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and the political pluralism that are central to Hong Kong’s identity and prosperity. In response, the EU issued a statement on 11 March to call on Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in Hong Kong's democratic process and to end the persecution of those who promote democratic values. Ireland fully supports this statement.
In addition to this, in response to the adoption of this law, the EU adopted Council Conclusions on 28 July 2020 expressing grave concern over the national security legislation for Hong Kong. These conclusions restated the EU’s support for Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, expressed its solidarity with the people of Hong Kong, and set out a coordinated response package of measures in various fields, including asylum, migration, visa, and residence policy; controls on exports of specific sensitive equipment and technologies for end use in Hong Kong; and the operation of Member States’ extradition arrangements and other relevant agreements with Hong Kong.
In line with these Conclusions, the Government on 13 October agreed to suspend Ireland’s Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong, which clearly signals Ireland’s concerns in relation to the rule of law in Hong Kong and the erosion of judicial independence promised under the One Country Two Systems principle.
The matter has been discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on a number of occasions this year. Ireland, along with our EU partners, will continue to monitor the situation and raise our concerns with Chinese and Hong Kong authorities as appropriate.