Canada has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in protest of the new security law recently enacted on the city by China.
While disclosing this in a statement on Friday 3rd July 2020, Canada’s foreign ministry, stated that Canada would stop exporting sensitive military gear to Hong Kong.
It added that it would also figure out possible ways the law would affect Canadians in the city by updating its travel advisory.
While referring to the semi-autonomous state of Hong Kong recognized in 1997 when the city was returned to China by Britain, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “Canada is a firm believer in the ‘one country, two systems’ framework.”
The Prime Minister further stated that the principal of “one country, two systems” is highly crucial not only for about 7.5 million people in Hong Kong, but also for 300,000 Canadians who live in the city.
Trudeau mentioned there was going to be new immigration measures to be put in place although he didn’t mention any specific measures.
“That is why we are going to continue to look at steps we can take to ensure the safety of its citizens,” he said.
The Prime Minister specifically mentioned how concerned Canada is about the law enacted on Hon Kong.
He said, “We’re extremely concerned about the situation in Hong Kong.”
China this week enacted security law that outlaws subversion, secession, terrorism and colluding with foreign forces, and has since been met with criticism especially from Western countries.
China’s leaders spoke in support of the law saying it would only ensure stability and end the long time protests that have plagued the city, but critics of the law claimed otherwise as they say the law would only increase China’s influence on Hong Kong.
Speaking about the process that led to the enactment of the law, Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canadian Foreign Minister said the law violates international obligations as it was passed without involvement of Hong Kong’s judiciary.
“This process demonstrated disregard for Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the high degree of autonomy promised for Hong Kong under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework,” said Champagne.
“Hong Kong’s role as a global hub was built on that foundation. Without it, Canada is forced to reassess existing arrangements,” he added.
Canada and China have recently had their relationship abraded due to the extradition law under way against Meng Wanzhou, an executive of Huawei telecoms who was arrested in 2018 in Canada at the request of the US for violating sanctions against Iran.
In what looks like a retaliatory move, two Canadians, Michael Kovrig, and Michael Spavor were arrested by Chinese authority. China however denied their arrest was a retaliation for Mr. Meng.
