China has responded to Canada 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 on Saturday 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.
“Hong Kong’s affairs are entirely China’s internal affairs and do not allow foreign interference.”
China imposed the legislation this week despite protests from Hong Kong residents and criticism from Western nations, who 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.
There were no immediate comments from Canada.
Relations between Beijing and Ottawa have been strained since 2018 when Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s chief financial officer, 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.
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