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.
05:50
What you should know about China's new national security law for Hong Kong
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.
Australia offers Hongkongers pathway to permanent residency
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.
Travel advice has been updated to alert New Zealanders to the risks presented by the new security law, he added.
Britain unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers
China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with annual two-way trade recently exceeding NZ$32 billion (US$21 billion).
China each year buys billions of dollars worth of New Zealand’s agricultural goods, including its lucrative milk powder, which is used in infant formula.
New Zealand’s ties with China have frayed recently after the pacific nation backed Taiwan’s participation at the World Health Organisation.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand was following its principles.
“We do have a mature relationship with China,” Ardern said. “There have been occasions where we have taken different positions. This obviously will be one of them.”
Additional reporting by Bloomberg
