UK reviews Hong Kong extradition in dispute with China

DOWNING STREET is reviewing its extradition agreement with Hong Kong as Beijing accused the UK of a “gross interference” in Chinese affairs after the imposition of a restrictive security law.

Amid increasing tensions, No 10 said yesterday that the agreement was being reconsidered with the former British colony in the wake of the controversial legislation.

The announcement came after Chinese ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming defended the law that clamps down on liberties as necessary to “prevent, suppress and punish collusion with a foreign country”.

And he accused Westminster of “political manipulation” for offering around three million Hongkongers the right to settle in the UK and ultimately apply for citizenship.

Boris Johnson pledged the move last week after deciding China had committed a “clear and serious breach” of the SinoBritish Joint Declaration that aimed to smooth the transition when the territory was handed back to China in 1997.

At a virtual press conference yesterday, Mr Liu also accused some British politicians of portraying China as a “threat” or a “hostile country” when discussing Huawei’s role in the 5G network.

“We want to be your friend, we want to be your partner, but if you want to make China a hostile country you have to bear the consequences,” he said.

A short while later, Downing Street urged China not to interfere if British National (Overseas) nationals sought to come to the UK and said Britain is “also reviewing extradition arrangements with Hong Kong”.

The widely criticised security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong makes activities deemed subversive or secessionist punishable by imprisonment, and is seen as targeting anti-government demonstrators.

In response to its imposition, the Prime Minister said he would introduce a new route for people in Hong Kong with BNO status to apply for visas to live and work in the UK and ultimately apply for citizenship.

Mr Liu said: “This move constitutes a gross interference in China’s internal affairs.”