Hong Kong strongly criticized the US decision to withdraw from three extradition and tax treaties

Hong Kong accuses the United States of using the city as a pawn in relations with China. 

The United States officially notified the Asian financial center on Wednesday (19/8) local time that it had withdrawn from a bilateral agreement that includes the transfer of fugitives, the transfer of prisoners and a tax exemption from shipping income. 

 

Washington's move was in response to China's passing of a national security law in Hong Kong, which critics say is an attack on freedom in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

 

These steps underscore our deep concern about Beijing's decision to enact national security laws, which have destroyed the freedoms of the Hong Kong people," said a State Department statement.

 

The Hong Kong government spokesman gave a strong response to the US decision. He said the US decision created "further problems in Sino-US relations, using Hong Kong as a pawn", and "should be condemned by the international community".

 

He said the US decision reflected "disrespect for bilateralism and multilateralism" under US President Donald Trump's administration.

 

Beijing also criticized the "US wrongdoing", saying China had decided Hong Kong would suspend its agreement with the United States on mutual legal aid in criminal matters.

 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular press conference: "Hong Kong's affairs are purely China's internal affairs ... China urges the US to immediately correct its wrong decision." Earlier this month Washington imposed sanctions on Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam along with 10 other senior officials in the city, and criminalized any US financial transactions with them.

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