HONG KONG, July 11 (Reuters) – The highest U.S. diplomat in Hong Kong on Monday urged China to ease political strain on town, warning that the “crude and chilling” use of a sweeping nationwide safety legislation threatened its function as a world enterprise hub.

In at instances strongly worded farewell remarks to the American Chamber of Commerce, outgoing U.S. Consul Basic Hanscom Smith mentioned electoral modifications to make sure solely formally screened “patriots” ran town had additional undermined its future.

“The applying of this (safety) legislation has been broad, crude and chilling,” Smith mentioned, noting its obscure definitions had fostered “worry and coercion” and dented town’s sturdy rule of legislation traditions.

“True patriotism is earned by successful the allegiance of free individuals, moderately than futile efforts to legislate ‘patriotism’ and loyalty from above,” he mentioned.

The previous British colony of Hong Kong returned to Chinese language rule in 1997 with the assure of a excessive diploma of autonomy, together with freedom of speech, beneath a “one nation, two methods” components. Critics of the nationwide safety legislation say authorities are utilizing it to stifle dissent.

Chinese language and Hong Kong officers have repeatedly mentioned the legislation, imposed by Beijing in 2020, was very important to revive stability after town was rocked for months by typically violent anti-government and anti-China protests in 2019.

Legislative modifications to strengthen institution illustration, partially by limiting direct illustration, have been additionally wanted to enhance stability and “patriotic” governance, each units of officers have mentioned.

The Hong Kong authorities didn’t instantly reply to Reuters’ requests for touch upon Smith’s remarks.

Smith, nevertheless, mentioned officers “couldn’t have it each methods”.

“You possibly can’t have à la carte rule of legislation which applies in some cases however not others,” he advised the enterprise group.

“Making an attempt to take care of Hong Kong’s distinctive financial and monetary methods whereas degrading its political establishments shouldn’t be a viable technique.”

Noting what he referred to as the silencing of people and media, Smith additionally mentioned routine diplomatic efforts have been seen as “interference” and a few diplomats had been threatened beneath the safety legislation. He didn’t give particulars.

“An trade of views shouldn’t be collusion… A handshake shouldn’t be ‘a black hand’. Hong Kong has succeeded when it embraces openness and transparency, not ideological paranoia and groupthink,” Smith mentioned.

Reporting By Greg Torode; Enhancing by Nick Macfie

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