UK Government Urged to Reassess Hong Kong’s Official Representation in London
Seven parliamentarians and human rights groups have urged for a review of the London Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office following allegations of espionage by an employee.
A group of bipartisan parliamentarians and media organizations have called on the UK government to examine the possibility of shutting down the Hong Kong trade office in London due to suspicions of “transnational repression.”
This request came after an employee of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in London, along with two others, were charged under the UK’s National Security Act for allegedly spying for Hong Kong and unlawfully entering a residential property.
In a statement shared by Liberal Democrat Alistair Carmichael and other signatories, the government was urged to consider closing the London HKETO if its employees were involved in activities beyond their economic and trade mandate.
The statement condemned all forms of transnational repression and emphasized support for the civic rights and freedoms of Hongkongers. Other parliamentarians supporting the call include Lord Alton of Liverpool, Siobhain McDonagh, Fabian Hamilton, Baroness Meyer, Lord Shinkwin, and Baroness Bennett.
Pro-democracy groups such as Hong Kong Democracy Council and Hongkongers in Britain also joined in signing the statement. Hong Kong has multiple Economic and Trade Offices in different countries with varying privileges.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Watch, a UK-based human rights organization, has called on governments to reassess the operations of HKETOs in 2022, citing concerns about Beijing’s control and influence over these offices.
The report by Hong Kong Watch highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the activities of HKETOs to prevent indirect cooperation with Beijing.
In the United States, a bill was introduced to require the president to revoke privileges granted to HKETOs if Hong Kong’s autonomy is compromised. The recent call for a review of the London HKETO followed the arrest of an employee on espionage charges.
Despite the legal proceedings, the Hong Kong government assured that the operations of the HKETO would not be affected, focusing on promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchanges to benefit Hong Kong’s economy.
Amidst escalating tensions, the UK government summoned the Chinese Ambassador over allegations of hostile activities, including suspected espionage and cyberattacks orchestrated by China against the UK.
