Hong Kong extradition Bill 'dead' but not gone - international relations expert

Although Hong Kong's chief executive said the extradition Bill - which sparked a mass protest - is "dead" this doesn't mean it's gone, according to an expert in international relations.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam acknowledged her government has failed to push the extradition bill through on Tuesday but the legislation has yet to be withdrawn.

"I don't think from the point of view of many protestors it will be enough," said international relations expert Robert Patman on Wednesday.

"Protestors want the Bill completely withdrawn and that hasn't happened," Dr Patman told The AM Show.

Dr Patman says Lam's declaration that the Bill is "dead" may not be as final as the language suggests.

"What is clear is that they cannot proceed in the near future, but that doesn't mean it's dead and buried and can't be revived," he said.

The Bill would allow people in Hong Kong to face trial in mainland China, but it would have other consequences, too.

"If this measure became law then China would have the means to interfere with what is a thriving financial centre," said Dr Patman.

"China could extradite criminals and also people they may define as political activists." 

Newshub.