Hong Kong should not be a 'crime evasion paradise': China's UN envoy
CGTN
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China's ambassador to the United Nations said on Thursday that the Chinese central government fully supports the authorities of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) over the new extradition bill, which would allow the transfer of suspects wanted in the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and Macao.

The amended bill would help to fight against crime and prevent Hong Kong from becoming a "crime evasion paradise," Chen Xu told a news conference in Geneva.

Chinese central government firmly supports Hong Kong on extradition bill amendments

The envoy also reiterated strong opposition to interference in Hong Kong's legislative process by foreign forces. "Any country, organization or individual has no right to step in," he said.

No 're-education camps' in Xinjiang

Chen also elaborated on China's efforts in anti-terrorism and invited human rights experts to visit China.

According to Chen, thanks to the Chinese government's efforts in combating violent terrorist crimes in accordance with the law, Xinjiang has been free from terrorism for more than two years.

Chen also rejected the so-called term of "re-education camps" in the region. There are only vocational career training programs, he said.

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A Uygur student presents a Kazakh dance in Aksu, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 1, 2016. /VCG Photo

A Uygur student presents a Kazakh dance in Aksu, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 1, 2016. /VCG Photo

On China-U.S. trade

China doesn't want a trade war, but is not afraid of fighting one and will battle if necessary, the envoy said, reiterating China's stance on economic ties between China and the United States.

This is not just for the good of China, but to stand by the interests of all relevant parties, he said.

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"One tree does not make a forest," Chen said, calling for all parties to jointly build a new international relationship featuring mutual respect, objectivity and win-win cooperation.

(Cover: Hong Kong police along with protesters outside the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, June 13, 2019. /AP Photo)