The European Union will restrict exports to Hong Kong of equipment that
could be used for surveillance and repression after Beijing imposed a
controversial new security law, diplomatic sources said on Tuesday.
The bloc has expressed deep concerned over the new law, which critics say
will severely curb Hong Kong’s longstanding autonomy and relative
freedom.
But the EU has struggled to agree a united response to China, with member
states deeply divided over whether to stand up to Beijing — a hugely
important trading partner — or to try to cooperate with it.
France and Germany proposed the restriction on so-called “dual use”
technology at a meeting of Foreign Ministers earlier this month and it will
be formally signed off on Tuesday.
Support for HK residents
Along with the export restriction, the EU will also bring in measures to
support the population of the former British colony by making it easier for
them to travel to Europe through the granting of visas, scholarships and
academic exchanges, diplomats said.
After presenting the plan, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that,
with the new security law in place, “It makes sense to treat Hong Kong no
differently from mainland China” when it comes to the export of equipment
that can be used for repression.
Beijing insists the security law is needed to restore stability in the financial
hub after prolonged political unrest.
Source: The Hindu, India Thursday, 30 July 2020