British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has criticized Hong Kong authorities over the closure of the Apple Daily newspaper, which was critical of Beijing.

Raab said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the “forced closure” of the tabloid by the authorities is a “chilling blow to freedom of expression in Hong Kong.”

He said, “It is crystal clear that the powers under the National Security Law are being used as a tool to curtail freedoms and punish dissent — rather than keep public order.”

Raab noted, “The Chinese government undertook to protect press freedom and freedom of speech in Hong Kong under the UK-Sino Joint Declaration,” which was drawn up for the handover of the territory from Britain to China.

He added Beijing “must keep its promises.”

Apple Daily has announced it will end publication on Thursday, citing financial difficulties after its assets were frozen for alleged violation of the national security law in the territory.