Backlash In Hong Kong over China Rail Link: Sources

Ads11

Ads2

 A plan for mainland border staff to be stationed on Hong Kong soil as part of a new rail link to China sparked a backlash Tuesday as concern grows about Beijing's reach into the city. It is illegal for mainland law enforcers to operate in semi-autonomous Hong Kong under the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law. But there are already concerns that Chinese operatives are working undercover after the alleged abductions of a city bookseller and a reclusive Chinese businessman.

 The rail link plan comes at a time when fears are worsening that Hong Kong's freedoms are under threat from an ever more assertive Beijing.

 The high-speed connection out of the harbourfront West Kowloon station is set to open in 2018, linking to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou 80 miles (130 km) away and then onto China's national rail network.

 A proposal backed by the Hong Kong government's top advisory body Tuesday would see mainland border staff control a special immigration zone at the Hong Kong terminus.

 "The crux of the matter is really to find a means that is legal to support this convenience for the people of Hong Kong," Lam told reporters.

 Pro-Beijing lawmaker Priscilla Leung said such joint immigration areas were common around the world and that Hong Kong would be "leasing" the portion of land at the terminus to China. "Outside the zone both the officers and everyone else have to obey the laws in Hong Kong," she told.

Ads3