Written questions, answers and statements

Sino-British Joint Declaration

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Question for Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UIN 284371, tabled on 2 September 2019

Question

Paul Farrelly
Labour
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to uphold the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration; and whether he will support sanctions against persons and institutions that are involved in undermining freedom in Hong Kong.

Answer

Mrs Heather Wheeler
Conservative
South Derbyshire
Commons

Answered on

5 September 2019

We believe that meaningful political dialogue, taken forward by Hong Kong under its high degree of autonomy, is the best way to resolve the current impasse. It is important that the basic freedoms enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration are maintained.

The Sino-British Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN, that remains in force. The UK, as a co-signatory, has an obligation to monitor its implementation closely, and we are committed to doing so.

The Prime Minister discussed developments in Hong Kong with other leaders at the recent G7 Summit. In his discussion with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 31 July, the Foreign Secretary raised Hong Kong, including the importance of upholding the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework, which is set out in the Joint Declaration.

Answered by

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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