EU Office in China issues protest note to Hong Kong leader relating to extradition arrangements with China

On 24 May 2019, the European Union Office in Hong Kong and Macau issued a formal diplomatic protest note to Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, in relation to a proposed extradition law that could see individuals from Hong Kong extradited to mainland China for trial.

When Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, it did so on the guarantee that it would have a high level of autonomy and an independent judiciary under the “one country, two systems” formula. Since the new extradition arrangements between Hong Kong and China have been publicised, there have been mass protests and criticism from EU Member States due to fears that the new law could corrode the Rule of Law in Hong Kong and leave individuals at risk of facing an unfair trial in mainland China.

This protest note from the EU office in Hong Kong and Macau symbolises the hardening of the EU’s opposition to the proposed extradition law and today, 28 May 2019, Chief Executive Lam confirmed she will personally reach out to personal envoys in Hong Kong to allay their fears, clarify the effects of the bill and make adjustments to the bill if needed.