Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The international community has a very longstanding interest in Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Australia itself has a substantial stake in Hong Kong's success. The city is home to our largest commercial presence in Asia and our biggest expatriate community globally.

Beijing committed to autonomy and freedoms for the Hong Kong people under the 'one country, two systems' principle set out in the Sino-British joint declaration. This is a legally binding United Nations registered treaty. It also provides that rights and freedoms, including those of the person, of the press, of assembly, of association and others, will be guaranteed by law in Hong Kong. As I said in response to Senator Paterson's first question, Australia and the international community will maintain a consistent focus on human rights and principles of freedom, autonomy, transparency and the rule of law.