In an open letter to Støre, China is accused of breaching the free trade agreement that Norway and other EFTA countries entered into with Hong Kong in 2011. In the agreement, the parties commit to democratic development and respect for human rights.
The committee also accuses China of abusing Hong Kong’s special legislation to export electronic components to Russia – components that can also be used militarily to, among other things, produce drones and missiles that Russia then uses against Ukraine.
The Hong Kong Committee believes that Norway has a duty to react strongly to both conditions.
– It is difficult to imagine a deeper breach of contractual obligations than that which has been manifested through recent years of development in Hong Kong, says the letter to Støre.
– When agreements are grossly breached, the party in breach must be held responsible by having the agreement terminated, writes the Hong Kong Committee, which believes that a number of developments in China make it necessary for Norway to change its China policy.
But primarily Støre is encouraged to address the human rights situation in Hong Kong when he visits Beijing and Shanghai from Monday to Wednesday.
– We ask the Prime Minister to protest against the catastrophic development in the human rights situation in Hong Kong, reads the call.
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2024-09-06 16:59:35
China Accused of Breaching Free Trade Agreement with Norway and EFTA Countries
In a scathing open letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, China has been accused of gravely violating the free trade agreement signed with Hong Kong in 2011, along with other EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries. The agreement, which aims to promote democratic development and respect for human rights, has been consistently disregarded by China, according to the Hong Kong Committee.
Democratic Development and Human Rights Under Threat
The free trade agreement between Hong Kong and EFTA countries, including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, was hailed as a landmark deal aimed at promoting economic cooperation, trade, and investment between the parties. However, the Hong Kong Committee alleges that China has brazenly flouted the agreement’s provisions, thereby undermining democratic development and human rights in Hong Kong.
Abuse of Hong Kong’s Special Legislation
In a disturbing development, the Hong Kong Committee also accuses China of exploiting Hong Kong’s special legislation to export electronic components to Russia. These components can be used to manufacture military equipment, including drones and missiles, which are subsequently deployed by Russia against Ukraine. This flagrant abuse of Hong Kong’s autonomy has severe implications for regional and global security.
Norway’s Duty to React
The Hong Kong Committee is urging Norway to take a strong stance against China’s violations, citing the country’s responsibility to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The committee argues that Norway’s silence in the face of China’s breaches would be tantamount to condoning the erosion of democratic values and human rights.
A Deep-Seated Breach of Trust
In the open letter to Støre, the Hong Kong Committee describes China’s actions as a “deep-seated breach of contractual obligations.” The committee underscores that when agreements are grossly breached, it is incumbent upon signatory countries to respond with firmness and conviction. Norway, as a key signatory to the agreement, has a moral obligation to speak out against China’s violations and defend the principles of democracy and human rights.
Implications for Global Trade and Security
The allegations against China’s breaches of the free trade agreement with EFTA countries have far-reaching implications for global trade and security. The abuse of Hong Kong’s special legislation to export dual-use electronic components to Russia raises concerns about the proliferation of military technology and the potential for destabilizing regional security.
Global Community Must Unite Against Human Rights Violations
the Hong Kong Committee’s open letter to Støre serves as a clarion call to the global community to condemn China’s violations of human rights and democratic principles. As the world grapples with the challenges of promoting peace, stability, and cooperation, it is essential that countries unite against human rights abuses and defend the principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
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China is accused of breaching its free trade agreement with Norway and EFTA countries, violating democratic development and human rights in Hong Kong. Read the full story and learn about the implications for global trade and security.
