China has declared that Hong Kong could take its own decision regarding India’s request for the provisional arrest of Nirav Modi. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said that Hong Kong could accede to India’s request based on local laws and judicial agreements if a relevant request was made.
Geng Shuang, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a media briefing when asked about India’s request, “According to the one country two systems and basic law of the HKSAR, under the assistance and authorisation of the central government, the HKSAR can make proper arrangement on mutual judicial assistance with other countries.” He added, “If India makes a relevant request to the HKSAR, we believe the HKSAR will follow the basic law and relevant laws and under relevant judicial agreements with India with the relevant issue.”
V.K. Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs had told the Parliament last week that “the ministry has sought the provisional arrest of Nirav Deepak Modi by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the People’s Republic of China.” It was believed that China could be a hurdle, however, the Chinese government appears to have given the green signal despite simmering hostilities between the two countries in recent times.
Nirav Modi is wanted in the 12000 crore PNB scam that rocked the country earlier this year. He had fled India to avoid arrest.
