Question: According to the news release on the website of the government of Finland on 16 October, the Finnish side decides to suspend its agreement concerning surrender of fugitive offenders with the Hong Kong SAR. What are the comments of the Chinese side?

Answer: Concerning the decision of the Finnish side, the Chinese side expresses grave concern and strong opposition. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong affairs are entirely China's internal affairs, and allow no foreign interference. The Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR is an important step to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. Its implementation contributes to strengthening Hong Kong's legal framework, ensuring social order, improving business environment and the long-term security, prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

The Chinese side urges the Finnish side to abide by the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any forms to avoid harms to China-Finland relations.