BELFAST/LONDON — Britain told China to honor its commitments to protect freedoms in Hong Kong on Tuesday, after police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters in the former British colony. British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt condemned violence on both sides and warned of consequences if China neglects commitments made when it took back Hong Kong to allow freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, including the right to protest. China said on Monday Britain no longer has any responsibility for Hong Kong and needed to stop “gesticulating” about the city. PROTESTERS FEAR MAINLAND CONTROLChina has denied interfering in Hong Kong affairs, though protesters have said the extradition bill is part of a relentless move towards mainland control. China and Britain signed a Joint Declaration in 1984 on the terms of the return of Hong Kong.

Source: National Post July 02, 2019 10:45 UTC