China issues warning after Peters criticises new law
WELLINGTON: China has warned New Zealand to stay out of its business after Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters criticised its new security law.
It comes as governments in the United Kingdom and Australia consider giving Hong Kong citizens safe haven.
Mr Peters is not ruling out the same consideration here.
On Wednesday, Mr Peters expressed his ‘‘deep disappointment’’ in the new legislation, which criminalises secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces in Hong Kong.
It also essentially shuts down protest action and free dom of speech. Hundreds have been arrested since its introduction on Tuesday.
He said it was ‘‘a critical moment for fundamental human rights and freedoms protected in Hong Kong for generations’’ and that New Zealand had ‘‘serious concern’’ about the legislation.
‘‘We share the international community’s stake in preserving the high degree of autonomy and freedom available to Hong Kong and its people under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework.’’
The city was handed back to China from British control in 1997 with the framework which made it autonomous.
The Chinese embassy in New Zealand said ‘‘we firmly oppose any external interference in Hong Kong affairs’’.
‘‘We urge the New Zealand side to respect China’s sovereignty, abide by international laws and basic norms of international relations, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, and do more to promote the sound and steady development of the ChinaNew Zealand relations.’’
It said the national security legislation fell within the responsibility of the central Chinese Government and was ‘‘a fundamental solution for Hong Kong to restore order, end chaos and resume stability’’.
‘‘Its implementation will strengthen Hong Kong’s legal framework, better protect the basic rights and freedom of the people in Hong Kong, ensure social order, improve business environment and benefit Hong Kong citizens and international investors, including those from New Zealand.’’
Mr Peters rejected this, saying ‘‘we’re not interfering with anyone’s affairs’’ and the embassy had not contacted him or his department.