This photo dated Oct 28, 2014 shows the Central Government Offices at Tamar, Hong Kong. (PHOTO/HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Tuesday criticized New Zealand for its politically driven decision to suspend its extradition agreement with the city.

The unilateral suspension of the agreement on the pretext of National Security Law for Hong Kong is for “political purpose”, a government spokesperson said in response to an inquiry from China Daily. 

“It is a gross interference in China's internal affairs and a grave violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations.”

The statement came after New Zealand announced to halt its rendition treaty with Hong Kong in a show of response to the National Security Law for Hong Kong following similar moves by the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

“Every country has laws and a duty to safeguard its national security and sovereignty. In New Zealand, examples include Intelligence and Security Act and Crimes Act 1961,” said the SAR government spokesperson.

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New Zealand’s decision will harm itself by making it “a haven for fugitives wanted”, the spokesperson said.

The decision, knowingly taken to allow criminals to evade justice, shines a spotlight on the real possibility that New Zealand will become a haven for fugitives wanted by Hong Kong who are trying to escape legal responsibility, the spokesperson said.

New Zealand will need to be answerable to the rule of law and the international community, added the spokesperson.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand expressed similar sentiment on Tuesday.

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. 

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.