With China’s imposition of a national security law for Hong Kong, several countries around the world have responded with their own measures, sparking anger in Beijing.
Here is a roundup:
– Australia –
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government said on Thursday that it would suspend its extradition agreement with Hong Kong, in addition to extending the visas of 10,000 Hong Kongers already in Australia.
Morrison said the decisions had been taken in response to China’s imposition of the new security law, which he said “constitutes a fundamental change of circumstances” for Hong Kong.
– Britain –
Britain announced plans on July 1 to allow millions of Hong Kongers with British National Overseas status to relocate with their families and eventually apply for citizenship.
The offer applies to an estimated three million Hong Kongers.
– France –
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Wednesday that Paris is considering measures that will be released “when the time comes”, explaining he wants to coordinate with other European countries.
– United States –
US Congress passed tough new sanctions on July 2 that target banks over violations of Hong Kong’s autonomy.
President Donald Trump has not said if he will sign it, but a member of his Republican Party voiced confidence that he would and lawmakers likely could override a veto.
– Canada –
Canada suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong on July 3. It is also halting exports of sensitive military gear and updating its travel advisory for the city so Canadians will know how the law might affect them.
