THE rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents should be protected through dialogue, not violence, Angela Merkel has said.
The German chancellor met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang after arriving in Beijing yesterday she later met later with President Xi Jinping.
Merkel faces the challenge of balancing human rights concerns and economic discussions with one of her nation largest trading partners.
During a joint news briefing with Li, she said: “I indicated during the talks that the rights and freedoms agreed upon in Hong Kong’s Basic Law should be safeguarded.”
The Basic Law is Hong Kong’s de facto constitution, which promises the semi-autonomous Chinese city certain democratic rights not afforded to the mainland.
MEANWHILE, dozens of flights were cancelled and parks were closed in South Korea as powerful Typhoon Lingling gained momentum.
The Korea Meteorological Association said the typhoon is expected to pass off the west coast of South Korea this afternoon before making landfall in North Korea this evening.
The agency warned of possible flooding, landslides and structural damage caused by strong rains combined with very strong winds expected nationwide until early tomorrow.
North Korea’s official news agency said “all the fields and units of the country are taking strict measures for preventing damage from flood and rainy winds”.
ELSEWHERE, Pope Francis has wrapped up his visit to Mozambique by consoling HIV-infected mothers and children and denouncing the rampant corruption in the southern African nation.
Francis received a raucous welcome at both a medical centre specialising in Aids treatment and a rain-soaked sports stadium full of singing and dancing followers.
At the Mass, Francis urged an estimated 60,000 Mozambicans to continue on the path of post-civil war reconciliation. But he warned of the dangers of corruption and the injustices committed when public officials claim to help the poor but have personal interests at heart.
FINALLY, Hurricane Dorian has caused extensive flooding as it howled over low-lying islands off North Carolina.
With winds down to 90mph, the Category 1 hurricane lashed homes and businesses with wind, rain and floodwaters as the storm’s centre passed just off the islands.
“It’s bad,” Ann Warner, who owns Howard’s Pub on Ocracoke Island, said by telephone.
“The water came up to the inside of our bottom floor, which has never had water.”
“We’re safe,” she added. “But it’s certainly a mess.”
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