China reprimands Canada for criticism of Hong Kong’s security law

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) – China returned fire to Canada on Saturday for criticizing Beijing’s national security law for Hong Kong, the second reprimand in a week that has increased tensions in its bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that Canada was suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong because of the law and that Canada’s foreign minister called the legislation “an important step back” for freedom.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa said in a statement on its website that Canada had “seriously interfered” in Chinese affairs, adding that the new legislation would safeguard security in Hong Kong.

“Some western countries, including Canada, have meddled in Hong Kong affairs under the guise of human rights, seriously violating international law and the basic rules of international relations,” a spokesman said in the statement.

China imposed the legislation this week despite protests from Hong Kongers and criticism from Western nations, which said the legislation was putting the financial center on an authoritarian path.

Hong Kong officials said Saturday they were “very disappointed” by Canada’s suspension of the extradition treaty.

Officials in the offices of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Canada could not immediately be reached for comment.

Relations between Beijing and Ottawa have been strained since 2018 when Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co, on the orders of the United States.

After Meng was arrested, China arrested Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a businessman, accused of espionage.

China also chastised Canada a week ago for Ottawa’s criticism of the prosecution of Canadians.