Japan Concerned About Free Speech In Hong Kong
Japan's top government spokesperson has expressed deep concern over the closure of Hong Kong's Apple Daily newspaper.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu told reporters on Thursday the end of the newspaper is a huge setback for the freedoms of speech and the press that the people of Hong Kong have enjoyed and which are the basis of democratic and stable development.
Kato said Japan wants the authorities in China and Hong Kong to safeguard the freedoms of speech and the press that are stipulated in Hong Kong's Basic Law.
He said Japan will also work with the international community to put pressure on China.