EU warns against proposed reforms to Hong Kong's electoral system

The European Union said on Friday proposed reforms to Hong Kong's electoral system were negative and break commitments made to protect the former British colony's semi-autonomous status by tightening China's increasingly authoritarian grip.

"Such reform would have potentially far-reaching negative consequences for democratic principles and democratically elected-representatives in Hong Kong. It would also run counter to previous electoral reforms in Hong Kong and renege on the commitments," the EU said in a statement.

"The EU stands ready to take additional steps in response to any further serious deterioration of political freedoms and human rights in Hong Kong, which would be against China's domestic and international obligations," the statement said.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)