Canada, China relation gets bitter over Hong Kong new security law

New Delhi : The sourness in bitter relations between Canada and China increased after the former suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong. The decision was prompted due to China's actions of imposing the new national security law on Hong Kong.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday said "effective immediately, Canada will not permit the export of sensitive military items to Hong Kong." He also mentioned that Canada will assume that all ensitive goods exported earlier to Hong Kong will be meant for mainland China.

The Canadian foreign minister termed the new law “a significant step back” for liberty.

China seems to be angry with Trudeau's decision and rebuked Canada for its criticism on Hong Kong's new national security law. On the other hand, Hong Kong officials also showed disappointment on Canada's decision.

Ties between Ottawa and Beijing have been strenuous since 2018 when Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, under the US warrant. After Meng was detained, China arrested Canadian citizens Michael Kovri, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a businessman, on charges of espionage.