Hong Kong democracy activists hit back Friday at comments from Britain welcoming Beijing's plans for limited voting rights in the southern Chinese city, describing them as "shameful" and "cowardly". Activists in the former British colony had their hopes for genuine democracy dashed after China announced on Sunday that the city's next leader would be vetted by a pro-Beijing committee.
In a statement late Thursday Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We welcome the confirmation that China's objective is for the election of Hong Kong's Chief Executive through universal suffrage." It said there was no perfect model, adding it recognised that the "detailed terms" of the decision would disappoint people pushing for a more open nomination process. Democracy activists were dismayed by London's response, which they view as a pliant statement meant to appease a major trade partner at the expense of its former subjects.
"I have one word for that: shameful," veteran democracy campaigner Martin Lee told AFP. "They won't dare say anything that might possibly offend Beijing," Lee said, adding that Britain had every right to question China's decision. Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo was equally scathing. "I'm very disappointed," she told AFP. "No-one is asking Britain to announce... any punitive measures, just to speak up, speak loud and speak up. They couldn't even do that. It's so cowardly."
"The UK government today is more keen about having a bigger share in the China pie." Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997 under an agreement that allows civil liberties not seen on the mainland, including free speech and the right to protest.