China slams 'clanking' Scott Morrison for 'meddling' in its affairs as PM offers visas to Hong Kong citizens who want to flee the island after Beijing's draconian crackdown
- China has been angered after Scott Morrison offered visas for Hong Kongers
- Beijing passed draconian laws that clamp down on protesters in Hong Kong
- Mr Morrison said the laws undermine Hong Kong's independence and basic law
- A Chinese Embassy statement 'deplores' the Australian governments response
China has slammed the Australian government for 'meddling' in their affairs after Scott Morrison offered visas for people in Hong Kong seeking to flee in the wake of Beijing's tough new security laws.
The prime minister is granting five-year visas with a pathway to permanent residency for students and skilled migrants from Hong Kong after China imposed draconian new laws on the territory.
It came after Beijing imposed new legislation on Hong Kong last week that criminalised subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces.
Mr Morrison's move was expected to anger China, where state media threatened retaliation for any 'provocations' regarding Hong Kong, leading to a scathing statement from the Chinese Embassy of Australia on Thursday.
'China strongly deplores and opposes the groundless accusations and measures announced by the Australian government with regard to Hong Kong, which is a serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations, and a gross interference in China's internal affairs,' the statement reads.
China has been angered after Scott Morrison offered visas for Hong Kong residents looking to flee draconian new laws. Pictured: a protester is detained with pepper spray in a protest in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong on July 1
'Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. The Australian side has been clanking that they oppose 'foreign interference'. However they have blatantly interfered in China's internal affairs by making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong related issues. Its hypocrisy and double standard is exposed in full.
'The Chinese government remains firm in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and to oppose any foreign interference in Hong Kong affairs.
'We urge the Australian side to immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs under any pretext or in any way. Otherwise it will lead to nothing but lifting a rock only to hit its own feet.'
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Around 10,000 Hong Kongers who are already in Australia will be able to apply for the extended visas from Thursday but there will be no humanitarian immigration program specifically for Hong Kong residents.
The prime minister has also suspended Australia's extradition treaty with the former British colony, meaning people in Hong Kong accused of a crime by their home government will not be automatically deported from Australia. Canada and the UK have recently done the same.
The government is also planning measures to persuade Hong Kong entrepreneurs and businesses to relocate to Australia, with further details to be announced.
Beijing passed draconian laws that clamp down on protesters in Hong Kong. Pictured: police pin down a protester in Causeway Bay on July 1
The Chinese Embassy of Australia's statement claimed the new national security laws will strengthen Hong Kong's legal framework, ensure social order, improve business environment, contribute to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and the steady implementation of 'one country, two systems' principle.
China's new national security law prohibits what Beijing views as secessionist, subversive or terrorist activities or as foreign intervention in Hong Kong.
Critics say it curtails freedom of speech and pro-democracy protesters have since been charged for holding flags, posters and pamphlets.
Mr Morrison said the laws undermined Hong Kong's independence and basic law.
'That national security law constitutes a fundamental change of circumstances in respect to our extradition agreement with Hong Kong,' Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters on Thursday.
'Australia today has taken steps to suspend our extradition agreement. We have formally notified Hong Kong and advised the Chinese authorities.'
A Chinese Embassy statement 'deplores' the Australian government's response to the new laws. Pictured: a protester is detained in Hong Kong on May 10
There are currently 8,200 students, 900 graduates and 570 temporary skilled visa holders in Australia from Hong Kong.
Another 2,300 Hong Kong students, 130 graduates and 100 temporary skilled workers outside Australia, for reasons such as visiting family or holidays, have Australian visas.
Under changes outlined on Thursday, students from Hong Kong will be eligible for a five-year temporary graduate visa once they conclude their courses, along with a pathway to permanent residency.
Former students still in Australia will be given another five years as well.
Temporary visa holders from Hong Kong will be offered an extra five years in the country and a pathway to citizenship.
Future applicants for temporary skilled visas will be able to come for five years.
On Thursday, the Australian government warned 100,000 Australians living in Hong Kong that they could face an increased risk of detention.
The smartraveller website reads: 'The new national security legislation for Hong Kong could be interpreted broadly.
'Under the law, you could be deported or face possible transfer to mainland China for prosecution under mainland law.
'The full extent of the law and how it will be applied is not yet clear. You may be at increased risk of detention on vaguely defined national security grounds. You could break the law without intending to.
'If you're concerned about the new law, reconsider your need to remain in Hong Kong.'
Mr Morrison said the decision to update Hong Kong travel advice was made by officials not by him.
'From time to time, travel advisories are changed, and on this occasion the officials have upgraded that advice,' the prime minister said.
China makes direct threat to Australia's economy for 'provocations' over Hong Kong
The Chinese government has warned Australia that its economy would suffer a 'huge impact' if the Morrison government continued its 'provocations' over Hong Kong's sovereignty.
The state-run Global Times took aim at Australia in an editorial on Wednesday after the federal government said it was considering creating a 'safe haven' for Hong Kong residents seeking to flee the former British territory as Beijing asserts its control.
The publication claims such a move could 'escalate tensions between China and Australia even further' which would impact the economy.
'Anyone with knowledge of China-Australia trade could see that political provocations over the Hong Kong issue will only end up being a bitter pill for the country's economy to swallow,' the editorial read.
The Global Times said the Federal Government did not understand the impact offering a 'safe haven' to Hong Kong residents would have on China-Australia relations
The publication claimed welcoming immigrants from Hong Kong into Australia would have an adverse impact on a 'contracting' economy.
'Immigrants from Hong Kong may only bring uncertainty and pressure to the local economy, which is something it cannot afford,' the piece read.
'With China-Australia relations already strained, no one should underestimate the repercussions to the Australian economy from a further deterioration of bilateral ties.'
If China-Australia relations worsen then the damage to businesses and 'investor's confidence' would be 'unprecedented',' the editorial claims.
The subsequent impacts may involve Australia's tourism, investment, education, and trade sectors, generating immeasurable losses to countless local businesses,' the editorial read.
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