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BEIJING (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on Wednesday that during talks in Beijing he raised the issue of Hong Kong, which has been racked by protests against an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial.

The Hong Kong government has now postponed the bill.

“I also addressed the situation of human rights, especially with regard to Hong Kong, and will do so in further conversations,” Altmaier told reporters in Beijing.

The former British colony returned to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” agreement, meant to ensure its autonomy. But many residents of the financial hub are worried about what they see as the erosion of freedoms.

Altmaier met China’s market regulation, industry and trade ministers on Wednesday. He is scheduled to meet Vice Premier Liu He, President Xi Jinping’s chief economic adviser, on Thursday.