Britain’s foreign secretary says the nation can’t stand by amid reports of human rights abuse.
LONDON — Britain and China issued new salvos of criticism against each other Sunday, with the U. K. foreign secretary hinting that he may suspend the U. K.’s extradition arrangements with Hong Kong over China’s moves against the city-state.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also accused Beijing of “gross and egregious” human rights abuses against its Uighur population in China’s western province of Xinjiang.
In response, the Chinese ambassador to Britain warned that China will deliver a “resolute response” to any move by Britain to sanction officials over the alleged rights abuses.
The comments were the latest signs of sharply increased tensions between the U. K. and China. Issues include China’s treatment of its Uighur minority and a new, sweeping national security law that China imposed on Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous territory that Britain handed over to China in 1997.
Britain’s recent decision to prohibit Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei from being involved in the U. K.’s superfast 5G mobile network has further frayed bilateral relations.
Raab said Sunday that Britain’s government has reviewed its extradition arrangements with Hong Kong and that he plans to make a statement Monday in parliament on the topic.
