Japan Minister: 'grave Concerns' Over HK Poll Delay

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday that he had "grave concerns" about the Hong Kong government's decision last week to delay next month's Legislative Council election.

The September 6 poll has been pushed back by a year as the government deals with a fresh wave of Covid-19 infections.

But Motegi said: "It is important for Hong Kong to develop in a democratic and stable manner, while its free and open structure is maintained under the 'one country, two systems' principle.

"...Holding a free and fair election without delay is an important basis for that. Japan would like to keep an eye on the situation ... while cooperating closely with other countries concerned."

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Monday that she had little choice but to postpone the vote, saying the Electoral Affairs Commission had expressed concerns about its safety.

Meanwhile Motegi will visit Britain this week for what he predicted would be difficult talks as the two countries look to conclude a post-Brexit trade deal.

About 1,000 Japanese companies are in Britain including major carmakers, and Tokyo wants an early agreement before the Brexit transition period, and their current EU-frameworked trade agreement, run out at the end of this year.

Motegi's visit for face-to-face talks with British Trade Minister Liz Truss will be the first overseas for any Japanese government minister since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

"Difficult negotiations such as this, where national interest is at stake, cannot be conducted over the telephone," he told a news conference. "...I'm afraid negotiations will last many hours, but I would like to find middle ground and reach an agreement." (Reuters)