Written question asked by Lord Leong (Labour) on Monday, 5 June 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 June 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 19 June 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

China: Foreign Relations

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Sino-British relations following the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre on 4 June, and the recent suppression of peaceful demonstrations in Hong Kong.

Answer: As we note in our latest Six-Monthly Report, freedom of speech and assembly continue to be curtailed in Hong Kong as was witnessed on 4 June. The right to peaceful protest and freedom of assembly were both promised to Hong Kongers under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and enshrined in the Basic Law. Marking the anniversary of the massacre, the Foreign Secretary said "we will never forget those who stood up for democracy and will always stand by those who defend human rights in China". The Foreign Secretary made plain our views on Hong Kong with Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng on 5 May and at the UN Human Rights Council on 27 February.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL8213
Session: 2022-23
Subjects: Demonstrations China Human rights Hong Kong Foreign relations Violence
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk