Mukulu wa Bakulu
JF-Expert Member
- Aug 12, 2014
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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian government said on Wednesday October 23 that it supports China’s position in the Asian country’s ongoing dispute with Hong Kong.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Augustine Mahiga said this during a dinner hosted by the Chinese embassy to commemorate five years of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO).
Dr Mahiga who doubles as the sitting president of AALCO claimed that the dispute between China and Hong Kong was being fueled by international media, especially during rallies staged in Hong Kong.
He said those who were present in 1997 when China took control of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom are trying to make changes, noting that however, they are using force, leading to unrest in Hong Kong.
"We express our support to the Chinese government on its ‘one politics, two systems’ that was enacted due to higher levels of innovation. The system is properly working until today. The spirit should be upheld and commits a continued support,” he said.
He said Tanzania will maintain its relationship with China, in remembrance of the country’s significant role it played in 1964 in the establishment of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) due to rebellion of the Kings African Riffles (KAR).
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In consolidating the relations, Dr Mahiga said Tanzania supported China in securing membership in the United Nations Security Council in the 1970s.
Speaking during the event, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Wang KE said turmoil in Hong Kong started after amendment of the Criminal Act, something that was opposed by conservatives in the country who in turn imposed threats to rule of law and security of the people.
"Some foreign politicians have been neglecting the ongoing commotions led by radical people and point accusing finger to Hong Kong government on the right decisions taken aboard,” she said.
By Peter Elias and Louis Kolumbia @TheCitizenTZ