China has announced the suspension of Hong Kong's extradition treaties and criminal co-operation agreements with Australia, Canada and Britain in a tit-for-tat move over the city's controversial new security law.
Western nations have angered China over their responses to the law imposed on Hong Kong, which they see as an erosion of the civil liberties and human rights the city has enjoyed since its handover from Britain in 1997.
Australia and announced a streamlined pathway towards citizenship would be offered to Hong Kong residents.
Australia's "Five Eyes" intelligence partners New Zealand, Canada, and Britain have also suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong.
The United States has signalled it was preparing to do the same, .
China has accused the countries of interfering in its internal affairs and defended the security law as crucial to restore order in Hong Kong following a wave of pro-democracy protests marred by violence.
"The wrong action of Canada, Australia and the UK in politicising judicial cooperation with Hong Kong has seriously hurt the basis of judicial cooperation," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a regular press briefing.
"China has decided to suspend extradition treaties between Hong Kong and Canada, Australia and UK, as well as criminal justice cooperation agreements."
Mr Wang accused the countries of having used the national security law as "an excuse to unilaterally announce the suspension of extradition treaties" with Hong Kong.
Diplomatic tensions escalate
Australia-China relations have become increasingly frosty over the past year, with China advising tourists and international students not to travel to Australia due to "racist incidents against Asians."
Earlier in July, Australia issued its own warning, advising residents they could risk arbitrary detention if they travelled to China.
New Zealand's updated travel advice says the security law has led to an increased risk of arrest for activities such as protests, with the possibility of being removed to mainland China to face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Mr Wang warned on Tuesday that China reserved the right to respond .
Police officers detain protesters during a rally against a new national security law on July 1 in Hong Kong. Source: EPA
"Any schemes to suppress China will never prevail," Mr Wang said.
"China urges New Zealand to immediately redress its mistake, and stop all forms of interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, to avoid harming China-New Zealand relations."
Additional reporting by Naveen Razik.
