Ties to China shape cautious reaction to Hong Kong protests by governments

HONG KONG - For Canada and the European Union, they are a"situation". For United States President Donald Trump, a potential stumbling block in ongoing trade disputes. And for South Korea, an issue to be monitored.

UNITED STATES, CANADA and EUROPE In the early days of the protests, Mr Trump described them as an internal matter. Then he suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping could resolve the situation by meeting protest leaders. "We are going to continue to call upon the Chinese government to respect the 'one country, two systems' agreement that they have long abided by," he said earlier this week.

"Our government is monitoring the latest moves in Hong Kong with interest and we hope this issue will be settled smoothly," the Foreign Ministry said in response to a question from The Associated Press. "To take measure for internal affairs belongs to the sovereignty of the relevant country," the North's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in a commentary last week."But the Western forces are obtrusively interfering in China's internal affair to add fuel to the reckless moves of the dishonest elements, saying this or that."

SOUTH-EAST ASIA South-east Asian countries generally have little need or desire to take a public stand on the Hong Kong protests. AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND The leaders of both Australia and New Zealand have been measured in their comments. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denied she was constrained in what she could say about China, and said her country's stand on the protest movement has been consistent.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who previously described Britain as open for business from China and is now embroiled in Brexit, has been uncharacteristically silent on the protests. Last Saturday, a student group called"Hong Kong Outlanders" organised flash mobs, street film screenings and sit-ins in more than half a dozen cities, including in front of Taipei's famous Taipei 101 skyscraper that is a frequent destination for Chinese visitors. Support groups have also collected hardhats and set up public outdoor galleries of protest art known as Lennon Walls.

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Britain 'extremely concerned' by reports Hong Kong consulate employee held on China tripHONG KONG (BLOOMBERG) - Britain said it was 'extremely concerned' by reports that a Hong Kong consulate worker was detained during a recent trip to mainland China, a case that threatens to add to strains between Beijing and London.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

Finnair joins ranks of companies distancing themselves from Hong Kong anti-government protestsFinland’s biggest airline has become embroiled in the political unrest rocking Hong Kong, distancing itself from anti-government demonstrators as the effects of Chinese pressure on foreign businesses spills outside the city.Finnair warned its flight attendants in Hong Kong against bringing it into disrepute
Source: YahooSG - 🏆 3. / 71 Read more »

Elderly in Hong Kong looking to China for affordable care in retirementAfter spending time with his 84-year-old mother in a senior care home in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, David Lee walked up to the ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam sees 'way out' of chaos through dialogueHONG KONG — Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday (Aug 20) she hoped a peaceful weekend anti-government protest was the start of an effort to restore peace and that dialogue with peaceful protesters would provide a
Source: TODAYonline - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Man suspected of assaulting Global Times reporter at Hong Kong airport denied bailHONG KONG (CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A 19-year-old man appeared in Eastern Magistrates' Court in Hong Kong on Monday (Aug 19) for reportedly beating up and assaulting a Global Times reporter at the Hong Kong International Airport amid a mass sit-in that hamstringed the airport completely for two days.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

Hong Kong immigration to Taiwan surges as protests grind onTAIPEI (BLOOMBERG) - As Hong Kong's unrest continues, some in the city are looking to the less expensive rents, leafy green streets and relative political shelter of neighbouring Taiwan as a safe haven.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »