China embassy criticises Germany’s suspension of extradition treaty with HK

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas pauses as he meets with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece, July 21, 2020. REUTERS/Costas Baltas

SHANGHAI/BERLIN (Reuters) – China’s embassy in Germany condemned Berlin’s suspension of its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, a move Germany said was a response to the postponement of an election in the Chinese city.

In a statement on its website, dated Friday, China’s embassy said the suspension violated international law and the basic norms of international relations, and “grossly interferes with China’s internal affairs.”

The embassy expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to the minister’s remarks, and said that China “reserves the right to respond further,” without elaborating.

Germany Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Friday that Berlin will suspend its extradition agreement with Hong Kong, after Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam postponed a Sept. 6 election to the city’s legislature by a year.

“The Hong Kong government’s decision to disqualify a dozen opposition candidates for the election and postpone the elections to the legislature is another infringement on the rights of the citizens of Hong Kong,” Maas said.

“We have repeatedly made our expectation clear that China lives up to its legal responsibilities under international law,” he said, adding that this included ensuring rights under the Basic Law as well as the right to free and fair elections.

Source: Reuters

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Law of Unintended Consequences

continuously updated blog about China & India

ChiaHou's Book Reviews

continuously updated blog about China & India

What's wrong with the world; and its economy

continuously updated blog about China & India