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The UK Government published its latest Six-Monthly Report to Parliament on Hong Kong covering developments from 1 July to 31 December 2014.

The Six Monthly Reports reflect the British Government’s continuing interest in developments in Hong Kong and commitment to the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong.

This Report covers a range of political, economic and constitutional changes and an overview of the UK/Hong Kong relationship during the period of 1 July to 31 December 2014.

British Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, writes in his foreword:

“This is the 36th in a series of reports to Parliament since July 1997 on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong. It covers the period from 1 July to 31 December 2014, which included the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration.

“I have followed events in Hong Kong very closely. The second half of 2014 was one of the most tumultuous periods in Hong Kong‟s recent history. It included two important steps on the road to constitutional reform: the Chief Executive‟s report to the National People‟s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC); and the NPCSC‟s decision setting parameters for reform. It also included an unprecedented period of mass protests, lasting 79 days, and a heated public debate about the future of Hong Kong.

“During the reporting period, some have questioned the relevance of the Joint Declaration. Let me be unequivocal, as we have been, consistently, at all levels of Government: the Joint Declaration remains as valid today as it was when it was signed in good faith by Margaret Thatcher and Zhao Ziyang, and the UK‟s commitment to it is as strong as ever. It is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN and as a co-signatory, we have a clear right to monitor and comment on its implementation, and we will continue to do so. The Joint Declaration sets out China‟s obligations to maintain Hong Kong‟s high degree of autonomy and to guarantee the lifestyle, rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people for at least 50 years following the handover. It is an essential element of Hong Kong‟s unique constitutional framework.”

Further information

Read the report in full: Hong Kong Six Monthly Report - July-December 2014