Australia offered pathways to permanent residency for thousands of people from Hong Kong on Thursday in response to China's crackdown on dissent, drawing a furious reply from Beijing.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government was suspending its extradition agreement with the city and, in addition to extending the visas of 10,000 Hong Kongers already in the country, threw open the door to thousands more wanting to start a new life Down Under.

Australia's offer of a safe haven to Hong Kongers is likely to anger China
Australia's offer of a safe haven to Hong Kongers is likely to anger China AFP / PETER PARKS

Morrison said the decisions were taken in response to China's imposition last week of a tough new security law in Hong Kong, which he said "constitutes a fundamental change of circumstances" for the semi-autonomous territory.

"Australia is adjusting its laws, our sovereign laws, our sovereign immigration programme, things that we have responsibility for and jurisdiction over, to reflect the changes that we're seeing take place there," he said during a press conference.

A Chinese paramilitary police officer gestures while standing at the entrance gate of the Australian embassy in Beijing
A Chinese paramilitary police officer gestures while standing at the entrance gate of the Australian embassy in Beijing AFP / NICOLAS ASFOURI

Beijing shot back, condemning the Australian announcements as violations of "fundamental principles of international relations".

"China... reserves the right to take further reactions, all consequences will be borne by Australia," warned Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.

AFP / Janis LATVELS

"Any attempts to suppress China will never succeed."

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said China's moves in Hong Kong were discussed earlier Thursday with Australia's so-called "Five Eyes" security partners -- New Zealand, the United States, Britain, and Canada.

The new law, which followed sometimes-violent pro-democracy protests, is the most radical change in Hong Kong's freedoms since Britain handed the city back to China in 1997 under an agreement designed to preserve its way of life for 50 years.

Thousands of people have been arrested during protests in Hong Kong over the last year, with activists accusing the police of heavy-handedness
Thousands of people have been arrested during protests in Hong Kong over the last year, with activists accusing the police of heavy-handedness AFP / DALE DE LA REY

China has bristled at widespread global criticism of the law.

Beijing in recent months has imposed tariffs on some Australian imports and impeded trade in other key commodities in response to Australian steps to counter Chinese interference in the country.

Certain political opinions, slogans and expressions became illegal overnight when the new national security law was promulgated in Hong Kong
Certain political opinions, slogans and expressions became illegal overnight when the new national security law was promulgated in Hong Kong AFP / ISAAC LAWRENCE

China, Australia's biggest trade partner and a competitor for influence in the Pacific, was notably infuriated when Canberra led calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

New Zealand is also reviewing its relationship with Hong Kong because of the new law, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Thursday, "including extradition arrangements, controls on exports of strategic goods, and travel advice".

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces an extension of the visas of around 10,000 Hong Kongers living in the country by five years and a pathway to permanent residency, following China's security crackdown.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces an extension of the visas of around 10,000 Hong Kongers living in the country by five years and a pathway to permanent residency, following China's security crackdown. ABC /

Canada has also suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, while the British government has offered more than three million Hong Kongers a broader path to citizenship.

Morrison brushed aside questions about whether the challenge over Hong Kong would likely lead to further Chinese retaliation.

"We will make decisions about what's in our interests, and we will make decisions about our laws and our advisories, and we will do that rationally and soberly and consistently," he said.

He also appeared undaunted by China's angry response, issuing a joint statement with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe following a video summit hours later challenging Beijing's moves to assert control over the strategic South China sea.

In a thinly veiled reference to China, the two leaders condemned "recent negative developments" in the region, including the militarisation of disputed islands and the "dangerous and coercive use" of naval ships and "maritime militia" against other nations' vessels.

Under the measures announced Thursday, 10,000 Hong Kong citizens and residents in Australia on student or temporary work visas will be allowed to remain in the country for an additional five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.

The programme was also offered to Hong Kong entrepreneurs or skilled workers who wish to relocate to Australia in the future.

"If there are businesses that wish to relocate to Australia, creating jobs, bringing investment, creating opportunities for Australia, then we will be very proactive in seeking to encourage that," he said.

But it contrasts with the current conservative government's policy of restricting immigration.

Morrison said he did not expect a rush of new visa applications from Hong Kongers, in part due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

And he added that it would be "very disappointing" if China tried to prevent Hong Kong citizens from taking advantage of the offer.

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