HONG KONG (Reuters) – The highest U.S. diplomat in Hong Kong on Monday urged China to ease political stress on the town, warning that the “crude and chilling” use of a sweeping nationwide safety regulation 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 Common Hanscom Smith mentioned electoral modifications to make sure solely formally screened “patriots” ran the town had additional undermined its future.

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

“True patriotism is earned by profitable 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, below a “one nation, two programs” method. Critics of the nationwide safety regulation say authorities are utilizing it to stifle dissent.

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

Legislative modifications to strengthen institution illustration, partly 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, nonetheless, mentioned officers “couldn’t have it each methods”.

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

“Trying to keep up Hong Kong’s distinctive financial and monetary programs whereas degrading its political establishments will not 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 below the safety regulation. He didn’t give particulars.

“An trade of views will not be collusion… A handshake will not 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; Modifying by Nick Macfie)

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