The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today issued notices to the German Consulate General Hong Kong and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau to suspend and shelve the agreements on surrender of fugitive offenders with the two countries.

The Hong Kong SAR Government took the actions in accordance with the Central People's Government’s instruction.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it is an international practice to safeguard national security through enactment of laws.

It pointed out that Germany and France have put in place relevant legislation, but have suspended the implementation of the surrender of fugitive offender agreement with the Hong Kong SAR and halted ratification of the relevant agreement with Hong Kong on a unilateral basis using the enactment of the National Security Law in the city among the excuses.

Such moves are open interference in China's internal affairs and a violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations.

The Hong Kong SAR Government firmly objected to Germany and France’s moves, adding their wrongful acts in politicising juridical co-operation have damaged the basis of juridical co-operation between Hong Kong and the two countries.

The Hong Kong SAR signed the surrender of fugitive offender agreement with Germany in May 2006, and that with France in May 2017.

The agreement between Hong Kong and Germany entered into force in April 2009, while that between Hong Kong and France has not yet entered into force.