G7 voices concern over selection of new Hong Kong chief

LONDON: Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) alliance voiced concern on Monday over the election of a former police officer as Hong Kong’s new leader, calling it part of a continued “assault on political pluralism and fundamental freedoms” of the city.

“We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, underscore our grave concern over the selection process for the Chief Executive in Hong Kong as part of a continued assault on political pluralism and fundamental freedoms,” the ministers said in a statement as they expressed deep concern about this steady erosion of political and civil rights and Hong Kong’s autonomy.