China has suspended Hong Kong’s extradition treaties with the U.K., Canada and Australia as a response to the three countries’ decisions to do the same.
Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Office Tuesday announced the decision on state-controlled China Global Television Network, Reuters reported.
China’s move comes just over a week after Downing Street said it would suspend the U.K.’s extradition agreement with Hong Kong, in response to Beijing’s introduction of a new security law in Hong Kong despite widespread criticism.
The security law, unanimously passed by China’s National People’s Congress in June, was introduced after months of mass protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong. The measure prohibits “acts of secession and subversion” and gives the government sweeping powers to punish protesters.
“The wrong action of Canada, Australia and the U.K. in politicizing judicial cooperation with Hong Kong has seriously hurt the basis of judicial cooperation,” Wang said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the government of New Zealand had also announced it would suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
(www.newsnow.co.uk)
