New Zealand suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong in light of national security law
- Country will also treat military and dual-use goods and technology exports to city in same way it treats those exports to China
- In response, China said New Zealand’s move is a ‘gross interference in China's internal affairs’
Beijing imposed new legislation on the former British colony earlier this month despite the protests of Hong Kong residents and Western nations, setting the financial hub on a more authoritarian track.
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On Tuesday afternoon, the Chinese embassy in New Zealand called the decision a “serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations”.
“It is a gross interference in China's internal affairs. The Chinese side has lodged its grave concern and strong opposition,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
New Zealand’s move follows those taken by other Five Eyes partners. Australia, Britain and Canada suspended extradition treaties with Hong Kong earlier this month. US President Donald Trump has ended preferential economic treatment for Hong Kong.
Peters said New Zealand will treat military and dual-use goods and technology exports to Hong Kong in the same way as it treats such exports to China as part of a review of its overall relationship with Hong Kong.