China says UK will 'bear the consequences' after Hong Kong extradition treaty suspended

The UK will "bear the consequences" if it continues to go "down the wrong road,” China has warned after Britain announced the suspension of its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

Dominic Raab confirmed the move would be taken "immediately and indefinitely" amid rising tensions after Beijing imposed a draconian new security law on the former British colony.

A spokesman for the country's embassy to the United Kingdom said on Tuesday that China would resolutely respond to acts of interference in its internal affairs.

He said the UK has repeatedly violated international law and the basic norms of international relations, and will "bear the consequences if it insists on going down the wrong road".

Dominic Raab is suspending the UK's extradition treaty with Hong Kong
REUTERS

The extradition treaty allows a person from Hong Kong suspected of a crime in the UK to be handed over to face justice – and vice versa.

The Foreign Secretary said the Government will also extend the arms embargo that currently apples to China to Hong Kong.

He this would include a ban on exporting equipment that could be used for “internal repression”.

The new security law prompted the UK Government to offer three million Hong Kong residents the chance to settle in Britain.

Mr Raab warned: "There remains considerable uncertainty about the way in which the new national security law will be enforced. I would just say this: the UK is watching and the whole world is watching.”

The Government has shelved the extradition arrangement, which has been in place for more than 30 years, rather than completely tearing it up.

It is thought the latter option is being held back as a “final lever to pull” if China fails to change direction.

Outlining his announcement, the Foreign Secretary was keen to stress that "we want to work with China”.

However, he told the Commons they were “clear sighted” about challenges ahead and singled out China's treatment of Uighur Muslims.

Mr Raab said the Government has "grave concerns" about the "gross human rights abuses" taking place in China's Xinjiang region.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in the UK on Monday night ahead of a meeting with Boris Johnson to discuss "shared security challenges".

He is expected to discuss China with the Prime Minister in a Downing Street summit and he will also meet with Mr Raab.

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