HONG KONG - The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand said a decision by New Zealand to suspend its extradition treaty with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was a violation of international law and gross interference in China’s internal affairs.

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In a statement issued on its website, a spokesperson for the embassy said Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China and that its affairs allow no foreign interference. 

The spokesperson was responding to query on New Zealand government's decision to suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in light of the passage of a national security law for the city.

Any attempt to pressure China on the issue of Hong Kong will not succeed.

Spokesperson, Chinese embassy in New Zealand

The spokesperson said that the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR is an important step to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. 

"Its implementation will strengthen Hong Kong's legal framework, ensure social order, improve business environment and contribute to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability,"

The spokesperson said the Chinese side has expressed its grave concern and strong opposition to New Zealand.

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The Chinese side urges the New Zealand side to abide by the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any forms to avoid further harm to China-New Zealand relations.

"Any attempt to pressure China on the issue of Hong Kong will not succeed," the spokesperson said.