Epoch Times: Chris Patten Describes HK’s Article 23 as "a worrying step in the wrong direction"

The Epoch Times: Chris Patten, Director of the External Relations Committee of the European Commission, commented upon the Hong Kong Article 23 legislation in a recent speech, saying that it is "a worrying step in the wrong direction".

Mr. Patten made this comment at the Cathay Pacific China Trader Award Dinner, which was held in Kasteel De Wittenberg, the Netherlands, on the 6th of November. He gave a speech entitled "China and Europe: An Important Partnership", in which he analysed the economic and trade relationships between China and the EU, and then introduced the political and human rights dialogues between the two partners.

He said, "Political dialogue between China and the EU also covers Hong Kong and Macao. The EU watches developments closely and monitors compliance with Basic Laws, 'one country, two systems'. HK is the showcase for what WTO membership and economic liberalisation, and also the rule of law could mean for China. The HK anti-sedition law is a worrying step in the wrong direction."

Chris Patten was the last British governor in Hong Kong. He was dedicated to democratising the former British colony in order to reduce the threat to its freedom after the handover.

Originally in Chinese at
http://www.yuanming.net/articles/200211/14200.html