China decries UK ‘interference’ in Hong Kong affairs

On Monday, the British government suspended an extradition treaty with Hong Kong over a new controversial security law for the semi-autonomous city. (Pixabay Photo)

ANKARA – China on Tuesday condemned the UK decision to suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, saying it had “blatantly interfered in China’s internal affairs.”

On Monday, the British government suspended an extradition treaty with Hong Kong over a new controversial security law for the semi-autonomous city.

In response, China’s Embassy in London said the UK has “repeatedly made wrong remarks” on the law and that “China will firmly fight back any move that interferes in its internal affairs.”

It argued that the new law will make Hong Kong a “safer, better, and more prosperous place.”

“Any attempt to pressure China and obstruct the implementation of this law will meet the strong opposition of 1.4 billion Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, and such attempt is doomed to failure,” it said.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told the House of Commons that the government had “agreed to suspend the extradition treaty immediately and indefinitely.”

Canada and Australia have also suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already pledged to offer Hong Kong residents with a British overseas passport the chance to settle in the UK, allowing them to ultimately apply for British citizenship.

UK-China relations are under increasing strain from issues including the coronavirus pandemic, widespread abuses against the Uighur community, the treatment of Hong Kong, and the UK excluding tech giant Huawei from its 5G infrastructure.

Hong Kong has been part of China since 1997 when the UK handed over the former colony to Beijing.

The semi-autonomous region witnessed large protests last year against a move to legalize the extradition of accused people to mainland China. (Anadolu)