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What you should know about China's new national security law for Hong Kong
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https://scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3095885/national-security-law-france-halts-ratification-extradition Europe
National security law: Beijing, Hong Kong slam France for halting ratification of extradition treaty with city
- Beijing is opposed to France’s ‘false remarks’ and measures on Hong Kong that interfere in China’s internal affairs, spokesman says
- French foreign ministry criticises China’s introduction of new security law in city, saying it calls into question principle of ‘one country, two systems’
A woman walks past a poster for the National Security Law in Hong Kong in July. Photo: AFP
The Chinese and Hong Kong governments have hit out at France for halting the ratification of an extradition treaty with the city after Beijing imposed a controversial national security law in the former British colony.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing said on Tuesday the central government was firmly opposed to France’s “false remarks” and measures on Hong Kong that interfered in China’s internal affairs.
That followed a statement on Monday in which the French foreign ministry bitterly criticised the new security law, saying it called into question the principle of “one country, two systems’ … and the fundamental freedoms that result from it”.
It said the legislation also directly affected French citizens and businesses.
“In light of the latest developments, France will not proceed as it stands with the ratification of the extradition agreement signed on May 4, 2017 between France and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,” the ministry said.
In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the new law was in line with one country, two systems and also ensured the stable and long-term development of the principle.
“The allegation that Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and fundamental freedoms are undermined is untenable,” he said.
A Hong Kong government spokesman also slammed France’s move, saying it was done for political purposes. He called it gross interference in China’s internal affairs.
“The French government has taken a decision to terminate the ratification of the SFO [surrender of fugitive offenders] agreement already signed with Hong Kong, thereby knowingly allowing criminals to continue to evade justice,” the spokesman said.
“France will need to be answerable to the rule of law and the international community.”
The introduction of the security law has raised new tensions between China and the West, compounding existing strains over the treatment of the Uygur minority and the behaviour of telecoms giant Huawei.
Britain last month suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong “immediately and indefinitely” in response to the new law while Germany suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong over the decision to push back local elections by a year.
Additional reporting by SCMP reporter