Thread by @CECCgov

The escalating violence in #HongKong is extremely concerning and the premeditated attack on university campuses, where over 1k rounds of teargas were used, raises disturbing questions as to whether the #Chinese govt’s strategy is to create more chaos & new protests. 1/5

Equally concerning is #Beijing’s announced plans to exercise more control over #HongKong politics, judiciary & educational system & to accelerate efforts to pass national security legislation that would further curtail free speech and civil liberties. 2/5

We condemn authorities’ use of excessive force and support demands for accountability, political dialogue, and the protection of democratic freedoms promised by #Beijing in the Sino-British Declaration, an international treaty. 3/5

Attacks on candidates for district council elections and threats to cancel the November 24th elections will only enhance grievances & further signal #Beijing’s full control over the #HongKong govt. 4/5

Beijing should also consider the likely costs of any additional measures to undermine #HongKong’s autonomy—more political disruption, curtailed access to the global financial system, & new sanctions by the US and the international community. 5/5