Hong Kong to suspend deals on extradition and criminal justice cooperation with Australia, Britain and Canada
- Beijing announces tit-for-tat moves against the three Western nations, accusing them of ‘gross interference’ in China’s domestic affairs
- Foreign ministry also warns New Zealand of retaliation after it puts legal pact with Hong Kong on hold
The Chinese foreign ministry warned New Zealand, a member of the so-called Five Eyes intelligence alliance together with the three countries and the US, that Beijing reserved the right to respond accordingly, hours after Wellington also suspended its extradition deal with Hong Kong.
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China suspends Hong Kong extradition treaties with Canada, Australia, UK
The latest punitive action taken against Hong Kong by Western governments escalating their conflict with Beijing raised concerns about the cost to the city’s reputation and even the risk of it becoming a haven for criminals.
Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accused Britain, Australia and Canada of “gross interference” in China’s domestic affairs and “serious violations” of international laws and basic principles of international relations.
“China is firmly opposed to this. With the help and endorsement of the Chinese government, the [Hong Kong] government has for a long time provided proactive assistance to Australia, Canada and Britain under the frameworks of mutual assistance according to the Basic Law,” Wang said, referring to the city’s mini-constitution.