(Dan Tri) – Britain announced that it will immediately and indefinitely suspend the extradition treaty with Hong Kong, a move that will further escalate tensions with China.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (Photo: Reuters)
Reuters reported that, speaking in parliament on July 20, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that Britain would immediately suspend the extradition treaty with Hong Kong and impose an arms embargo on this special zone.
Britain has imposed an arms embargo on mainland China since 1989 and will now extend it to the Hong Kong special zone.
`The UK Government has decided to suspend the extradition treaty (with Hong Kong) immediately and indefinitely. We will not consider reactivating these agreements unless and until a way is secured.`
The head of British diplomacy added that 3 million Hong Kong citizens with overseas passports in the UK will be allowed to reside in the UK for 5 years starting next year.
Mr. Raab said he would lead the international response to China’s actions.
The UK’s above move is expected to further escalate relations with China after London suddenly reversed its decision to ban Chinese corporation Huawei from participating in the 5G network development project in the country.
Chinese officials yesterday warned that they would respond if Britain suspended or canceled the extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
The new national security law that China passed late last month has escalated tensions between China and the West.
US President Donald Trump last week signed the Hong Kong Act, authorizing additional sanctions on mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials believed to be involved in the new security law.
Minh PhuongAccording to SCMP, Reuters
