China to return to control because of Hong Kong's non-compliance ,UK Charges Hong Kong treaty violation by China

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic RAB said China was in an "ongoing non-compliant position, violation Hong Kong treaty

                                

The United Kingdom has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or 'supervision' over Hong Kong after the transfer, and Hong Kong citizens have no so-called 'barriers' to it," China was quoted as saying in a statement 

 The decision paved the way for China to return to control because of Hong Kong's non-compliance with the treaty and its disagreement with Beijing's investigation into the dispute.

  "The United Kingdom has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or 'supervision' over Hong Kong after the transfer, and Hong Kong citizens have no so-called 'barriers' to it," China was quoted as saying in a statement posted on its London website on Sunday.

  On Saturday, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic RAB said China was in an "ongoing non-compliant position" as the agreement paved the way for Hong Kong's Chinese control.

  In recent days, Chinese lawmakers have approved a review of the city's electoral system, with pro-Beijing loyalists threatening to move its legislature.  The National Security Act was passed, leading to the arrest of dozens of democracy activists.  Many were forced to flee the city.

  The RAB said the election overhaul was critical of China's policy.  It is part of a plan to harass and stifle all voices and the third violation of the joint declaration in less than nine months, 'RAB commented.  The UK’s decision was ‘an exhibition of the growing Gulf between Beijing’s commitment and its work’.

   The statement did not indicate what the UK government would do if China did not comply with the joint declaration.

 "The United Kingdom will continue to stand up for the people of Hong Kong," Robb said.  "China must act within its legal obligations and protect Hong Kong's fundamental rights and freedoms."

  China issued a 500-word counter-statement emphasizing its control over the city.

  "Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China," it said.  "How its electoral system will be designed and improved does not perfectly condone China's internal affairs and any external interference."

  Hong Kong was under British rule for more than 150 years until the two countries signed a joint declaration before returning to China in 1997.  The treaty controlled China rather than the city, maintaining a ‘high degree’ of autonomy.  Yet under President Xi Jinping, China continues to tighten control over the city;  The crackdown has accelerated in 2019 after massive pro-democracy protests.

  The UK responded by clearing the way for British citizenship for eligible Hong Kong residents after the National Security Act was passed.

  Hong Kong's legislature has called for Beijing to be given a virtual veto power in the election of leaders for China's overhaul city.  China has said the national security law applies to punish separatism, transfer of state power, terrorist activities or alliances with foreign organizations.  Dozens of opposition figures, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai and former student leader Joshua Wang, have been jailed under the law.