China calls for U.S. invite Hong Kong chief to financial assembly, including to strains over crackdown

HONG KONG (AP) — The Chinese authorities on Friday demanded the United States invite Hong Kong’s chief to an financial convention following a information report that Chief Executive John Lee could be barred as a result of his function in crushing town’s pro-democracy motion.

The battle threatens to complicate Washington’s efforts to revive relations which can be at their lowest degree in many years as a result of disputes about safety, expertise, human rights and different irritants.

The Washington Post, citing unidentified U.S. officers, mentioned Lee could be barred from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation assembly in San Francisco in November as a result of sanctions imposed on him in 2020. Lee oversaw the crackdown as Hong Kong’s prime police official earlier than he was named chief government final 12 months.

The United States and different governments have accused Beijing of violating guarantees of autonomy and Western-style civil liberties after the previous British colony returned to China in 1997.

The overseas ministry demanded Washington carry the “illegal and unreasonable” sanctions on Lee, which it known as “bullying that seriously violates the basic norms of international relations.” It accused Washington of “undermining the solidarity and cooperation” of the regional discussion board.

“We demand that the U.S. side immediately correct its wrong move, lift the sanctions against the chief executive and other officials of the SAR, fulfil the due responsibility as APEC host, invite Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to the meeting,” mentioned a ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning.

Lee’s workplace in Hong Kong mentioned the United States is “obliged to fulfil its basic responsibilities as a host” and may observe the same old APEC follow by inviting him.

“APEC meetings do not belong to any country or economy,” the workplace mentioned in an announcement.

Lee later mentioned in a press briefing that town would attend the assembly in keeping with APEC guidelines and tips, saying he hoped that the host of the assembly may deal with it in accordance with such norms.

The Washington Post cited U.S. officers as saying Hong Kong may ship one other consultant to APEC.

Washington has launched a flurry of diplomatic missions to revive dialogue suspended by Beijing, primarily over U.S. help for the self-governing island democracy of Taiwan, which the mainland’s ruling Communist Party claims as a part of its territory.

Officials together with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and local weather envoy John Kerry have traveled to China for conferences.

Chinese officers have demanded concessions, together with modifications in U.S. dealings with Taiwan, however have given given no indication Beijing would possibly change commerce, strategic or different insurance policies that irk Washington and China’s Asian neighbors and different buying and selling companions.

In a July 20 assembly with Henry Kissinger, a former U.S. secretary of state who has been utilized by Beijing to convey messages to Washington, Chinese chief Xi Jinping mentioned each side have to make choices that might end in steady ties and joint success and prosperity.

___