China on Thursday rejected the latest attack on its Hong Kong policy by the U.S. and several of its allies, saying they “should face up to the reality” that the former British colony has been returned to China. The joint statement called the resolution a breach of China’s international obligations and its commitment to grant Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and freedom of speech. Hong Kong, a city of 7.5 million people, was promised autonomy over local affairs for 50 years after its return to China in 1997. Zhao Lijian said Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China and that public officials must be loyal to the motherland. The four disqualified lawmakers were earlier barred from running for re-election because of their calls for foreign governments to impose sanctions on China and Hong Kong.

Source: The Hindu November 19, 2020 13:46 UTC