HONG KONG: Thousands of protesters in Hong Kong rallied outside the British Consulate on Sunday singing “God Save the Queen” and waving Union Jack flags rallied outside the British Consulate.
They demanded that the former colonial power ensures that China honored its commitments to the city’s freedom, international media reports have said.
Hong Kong, the Chinese-ruled territory, has witnessed violent pro-democracy protests, with the demonstrators furious about what they see as ‘interference’ by Beijing in Hong Kong’s affairs despite a promise of autonomy.
The Sino-British Joint Declaration, which was signed in 1984, lays out Hong Kong’s future after its return to China in 1997 — a ‘one country, two systems’ prescription that ensures freedoms.
Protesters shouted ‘One country, two systems is dead,’ with some of them carrying the colonial flag.
China, meanwhile, says it is committed to the ‘one country, two systems’ formula, and denies meddling.
Beijing has also accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of inciting the unrest. (Agencies)
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