Hong Kong: Developments in Hong Kong have affected confidence in a system of government intended to ensure the Chinese-ruled city's autonomy, though its rule of law remained robust "despite challenges", former colonial power Britain said yesterday.
Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997 with guarantees it would retain extensive autonomy, an independent legal system and broad personal and commercial freedoms under a deal known as "one country, two systems".
The international financial hub has seen tumultuous times over the past couple of years, with pro-democracy protests quelled in what many residents see as creeping interference by Beijing and the rise of a small but vocal movement pushing for independence.
Britain monitors developments in Hong Kong, as the agreement it struck with China for the territory's return stipulated the continuation of its capitalist way of life for 50 years.
In its latest report to its parliament, covering the six months to the end of last year, the British government said the formula setting out how the city is ruled "continued to function well in the vast majority of areas".
"Nevertheless, during the reporting period a number of developments caused concern in Hong Kong and internationally, affecting confidence in 'one country, two systems,'" it said.
"We believe that, despite challenges, Hong Kong's rule of law remains robust overall, thanks in large part to a world-class, independent judiciary".
Britain also reiterated concern over the case of five Hong Kong booksellers who published material critical of Beijing and disappeared in late 2015 to re-emerge in Chinese custody months later. Four have been released but one remains in detention.
