Japan Voices Deep Concern over Hong Kong Security Law

Tokyo, May 28 (Jiji Press)--Japan's top government spokesman on Thursday expressed deep concern over a decision the same day by the Chinese National People's Congress to introduce a national security law for Hong Kong. "We're deeply worried that the decision was made despite strong concerns in the international community and among citizens of Hong Kong," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference. Some in the Japanese government are concerned that a potential state visit to Japan by Chinese President Xi Jinping this autumn or later may be affected, depending on how China will respond to the matter. Summoning Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou on the day, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba expressed his serious concern about the law and called on Beijing to handle the issue appropriately. Kong said this is a matter that relates to China's national security. At the press conference, Suga said it is important for Hong Kong to "stay free and open under the 'one country, two systems' framework and prosper in a democratic and stable way." Japan will keep a close watch on China's moves on the issue, he added. Japan will continue working with China on challenges, including the novel coronavirus pandemic, Suga said. But he also said, "We'll assert what we should." On Xi's possible Japan visit, Suga said only that Tokyo hopes to continue communicating with Beijing while watching the whole situation. The Japanese government had been paying consideration to China because Xi's visit was originally planned for early April this year. The visit has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Japan has been increasingly critical of China of late, partly because of growing tensions between Washington and Beijing, as well as China's high-handed approach over Hong Kong. The U.S. government has indicated its stance of not hesitating to impose sanctions on China over the Hong Kong issue. The issue is likely to be on the agenda at a summit of the Group of Seven major industrial nations expected for late June. "If the United States and China start fighting, Tokyo has no other choice but to rally behind Washington," a Japanese government official said. Tokyo expects to start talks with Beijing on arranging Xi's visit after seeing "how China will respond to Hong Kong," a high-ranking Japanese government official said. However, a Foreign Ministry official said the ministry is not considering the matter at all. END