Hong Kong rights record under fire as it marks China handover anniversary

HONG KONG - Hong Kong leader John Lee insisted the city has become safer and more competitive as he commemorated the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1, while critics said repression has eroded the hub’s international reputation.

The former British colony was handed over to China in 1997 under a “one country, Two Systems” governance model, which guaranteed key freedoms and a high degree of autonomy not enjoyed on the mainland.

In previous years, the July 1 anniversary drew demonstrations and marches from Victoria Park. But authorities have cracked down on dissent after huge and sometimes violent democracy protests in 2019.

Mr Lee said “high-level security to safeguard high-quality development” was a top priority for his administration, noting the need to integrate into China’s economic blueprint.

“We have endeavoured to trawl for talent,” he said, adding that the arrival of over 210,000 workers has boosted the city’s competitiveness.

This week also marks the fifth anniversary of Beijing’s imposition of a sweeping national security law, under which 76 people have been convicted so far.

Mr Lee’s government enacted a separate security law of its own in 2024 saying it was needed to restore order.

“We have rebuilt a safe Hong Kong,” Mr Lee said.

However, the European Union said on June 30 “the repressive use of the national security law has undermined confidence in the rule of law and Hong Kong’s international reputation”.

“The EU regrets that additional national security legislation... introduced new offences, increased penalties and further empowered security authorities,” it said in a statement.

Northern metropolis

The League of Social Democrats, one of Hong Kong’s last remaining opposition parties, disbanded on June 29 citing “immense political pressure” and concern for the safety of its members.

It was the second pro-democracy party to announce plans