Focus: GS-II International Relations
Why in news?
China warned of strong countersteps if the US, Australia and the UK continued taking actions in response to Beijing’s tough national security law in Hong Kong.
Details
U.S. Move
- China “deplores and firmly opposes” the US parliament’s unanimous passing of a bill that would impose sanctions on entities that help violate Hong Kong’s autonomy and financial institutions that do business with them.
- China’s move to impose the security law risks reshaping the financial hub’s character 23 years after Beijing took control of the former British colony.
- The law’s vague language generated confusion about what activities were allowed, adding uncertainty for some businesses that have operations in Hong Kong.
U.K. Move
The UK has offered to upgrade the status of British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong to offer a path to citizenship.
However, the Chinese government asserts that all BNO passport holders are Chinese citizens.
Australia Move
Australian cabinet is said to be “very actively” considering offering citizens safe haven
Germany Move
German chancellor said there were no plans for any specific measures to allow Hong Kong citizens, but added that the right to asylum in Germany was available to anyone in the world.
-Source: Times of India
