London: China has hit back with a warning that Britain must bear the consequences if it continues what it believes is interference in its internal affairs after the UK suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told the House of Commons on Monday that China's new National Security Law had significantly changed key assumptions underpinning the arrangements with former British colony of Hong Kong and therefore the treaty would remain suspended indefinitely.
The United Kingdom is watching. And the whole world is watching, Raab said, in a warning to China.
Read also: Watch: Movie theatres reopen in many China cities
Soon after, the Chinese Embassy in London and the Chinese ambassador to the UK issued strong statements condemning the UK's move as a disregard for its representations and blatant interference in its internal affairs.
The UK blatantly interfered in China's internal affairs and contravened international law and the basic norms governing international relations, Liu Xiaoming said in a Twitter statement.
China has never interfered in UK's internal affairs. The UK should do the same to China. Otherwise it must bear the consequences, he said.
A longer official Chinese Embassy statement also expressed its grave concern and strong opposition of the UK's moves related to Hong Kong.
The Chinese government remains unwavering in its resolve to implement the National Security Law for Hong Kong SAR, to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interest, and to oppose external interference. China will firmly fight back at any move that interferes in its internal affairs, the statement noted.
The Chinese authorities insist that the controversial new National Security Law for Hong Kong is an anchor for the steady and sustained implementation of One Country, Two Systems and for the long-term security, prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.
PTI
