Australia suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and offered Hong Kongers extended visas.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced Australia will ‘open its arms’ to Hong Kong nationals fleeing political prosecution and offered extend visas for 10,000 Hong Kong citizens residing in the country.
China has recently imposed a new national security law in Hong Kong, which is a considered by Australia and other Western countries an attempt to ‘undermine’ the level of autonomy the former British colony has had since 1997.
Director of the Centre for Globalization and Citizenship at Deakin University Professor Fathi Mansouri expressed his belief that China is benefiting from the current situation in Hong Kong and has no interested in making any changes.
"International relations are based on the national interest. The interest of China is to import raw materials from Australia, especially iron ore. China has a large market and requires these exports to enable the Chinese economy to maintain its growth.” Mansouri added.