Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced China's proposed peace plan as insufficient and questioned Beijing's motivations. Meanwhile, two prominent pro-democracy journalists in Hong Kong have been imprisoned for their involvement in anti-government activities, highlighting China's escalating crackdown on dissent.
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China Peace Plan Rejected, Hong Kong Journalists Sentenced for Sedition
In a defiant address before the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed China's proposed six-point peace plan for ending the war in his country. The plan, which emphasized dialogue and diplomacy, was met with skepticism by Zelenskyy, who questioned China's neutrality and the feasibility of a ceasefire without Russia withdrawing its troops from occupied Ukrainian territories.
"Any 'peace plan' that involves forgoing territory and sovereignty is not about peace," Zelenskyy asserted. "It's about freezing the war, allowing Russia to consolidate control over the occupied territories, and offering a chance for the terror to resume any moment."
China Peace Plan Rejected, Hong Kong Journalists Sentenced for Sedition
Zelenskyy's rejection of the Chinese plan aligns with Ukraine's unwavering commitment to reclaiming its territorial integrity and punishing Russia for its aggression. He called for a comprehensive peace plan that addresses Russia's accountability, reparations for war crimes, and guarantees against future attacks.
In a separate development, two pro-democracy journalists in Hong Kong have been sentenced to prison for "seditious" activities. Chung Pui-kuen, the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Stand News outlet, received a 21-month sentence, while Patrick Lam, his successor, was sentenced to 14 months.
China Peace Plan Rejected, Hong Kong Journalists Sentenced for Sedition
The two journalists were convicted of conspiring to publish seditious materials through their media outlet. The charges stem from the publication of articles critical of the Hong Kong government's handling of the 2019 pro-democracy protests and the subsequent crackdown on dissent.
The sentencing of Chung and Lam marks the first time that journalists in Hong Kong have been convicted of sedition since the former British colony was handed over to Chinese rule in 1997. It is widely seen as a further erosion of press freedom and the rule of law in the city.
China Peace Plan Rejected, Hong Kong Journalists Sentenced for Sedition
The arrests and convictions of pro-democracy activists and journalists in Hong Kong have been escalating in recent years, as Beijing tightens its grip on the semi-autonomous region. The implementation of the National Security Law in 2020 has given authorities sweeping powers to suppress dissent and prosecute anyone deemed a threat to national security.
Since the 2019 protests, which were met with a heavy-handed response from the police, Hong Kong authorities have launched a wide-ranging crackdown on opposition figures, activists, and media outlets. Several pro-democracy newspapers have been forced to close, and numerous activists have been arrested and jailed.
The sentencing of Chung and Lam is a clear indication that Beijing is determined to silence all forms of dissent and criticism in Hong Kong. It is a chilling reminder of the growing erosion of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in the once-vibrant and free city.
