Beijing accuses Britain of ‘sheltering suspects’ by granting asylum to fugitive Hong Kong activist Nathan Law
- Foreign ministry calls on London to withdraw its asylum offer to the ex-lawmaker, describing the decision as ‘gross interference’ in Hong Kong’s judicial system
- Law said earlier the Home Office had granted him refugee status following a four-month application process
Beijing accused Britain on Thursday of sheltering wanted suspects by granting political asylum to Hong Kong fugitive and former opposition lawmaker Nathan Law Kwun-chung, and demanded that London reverse the decision.
Law revealed his refugee status in Britain a day earlier, some nine months after fleeing for the country ahead of last summer’s introduction of the national security law in Hong Kong.
“If the UK openly endorses those calling for ‘Hong Kong independence’ and shelters wanted suspects, it will constitute gross interference in Hong Kong’s judicial affairs and a breach of international law and basic norms governing international relations,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily press conference.
Law said on Wednesday night that the British Home Office had classified him as a refugee under the United Nations’ Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and offered him asylum.
Zhao said Law was a suspect wanted by Hong Kong police and that Beijing firmly opposed the harbouring of criminals by any country, organisation or individual.
“The UK should immediately correct its mistakes and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are China’s domestic affairs,” he added.
