Pedestrians pass by a government-sponsored announcement promoting a new national security law on June 30, 2020 in Hong Kong, China.
Billy HC Kwok | fake pictures
Senior officials in Hong Kong said Saturday they were “very disappointed” by Canada’s decision to suspend its extradition treaty with the Chinese-ruled city and again criticized Washington for “interfering” in its affairs.
Beijing imposed a new national security law this week on the former British colony, despite protests from Hong Kong residents and western nations, putting China’s freest city and major financial center on a more authoritarian path. .
“The Canadian government needs to explain to the rule of law and explain to the world why it allows fugitives not to assume their legal responsibilities,” Hong Kong chief of security John Lee said on a radio show on Saturday.
Lee was very disappointed and strongly opposed Canada’s move, he added, as it allowed the policy to nullify the rule of law.
The comments followed Canada’s statement on Friday that it was suspending the treaty with Hong Kong following the new law and that it could boost immigration from the city.
Canada would also ban the export of sensitive military items to Hong Kong, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters.
On Saturday’s show, Hong Kong Secretary of Justice Teresa Cheng said she was disappointed and expressed extreme regret at Canada’s move, adding that she thought it could probably violate international law.
On Friday, a Hong Kong government spokesperson described as “totally unacceptable” a bill passed by the United States Senate to penalize banks doing business with Chinese officials who implement the new law.
“We reiterate that any ‘sanctions’ imposed under the law will not create an obligation for financial institutions under Hong Kong law,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
He urged the United States to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, adding that Beijing, as well as the city government, could take countermeasures when necessary.
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