China Suspends Criminal Justice Cooperation Treaties with Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom

Retaliatory Measures Following Suspension of the Extradition Treaty

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 28th that Hong Kong will temporarily suspend criminal judicial cooperation treaties with Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Wang Wenbin (汪文斌), spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that "the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has decided to suspend the extradition treaties with Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, as well as temporarily suspend the criminal judicial cooperation treaties with these countries."

This is a retaliatory measure following the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada successively suspending or abolishing their extradition treaties with Hong Kong, citing the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

Spokesperson Wang stated, "These countries are unilaterally suspending extradition treaties with Hong Kong under the pretext of the Hong Kong Security Law, violently interfering in China's internal affairs, which is a serious violation of international law," and added, "China firmly opposes this."

Earlier on the same day, Winston Peters, New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, also issued a statement announcing the suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong, saying, "We cannot trust that Hong Kong's judicial system is sufficiently independent from China."

Western countries are increasing diplomatic pressure against China, citing issues such as the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and human rights concerns regarding the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.