Hong Kong pro-democracy activists Finn Lau (left) and Christopher Mung live in exile in the UK.
6th July 2023 – (London). The Hong Kong government’s warrant for the arrest of eight fugitive activists living abroad will not be deterred by their defiant rhetoric or the objection of foreign governments, Chief Executive John Lee pledged on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Lee reaffirmed Hong Kong’s determination to bring those accused of violating the national security law to justice in accordance with the city’s rule of law. “No matter how far these fugitives flee or how loudly they protest, Hong Kong will never stop pursuing them or defending our sovereignty,” Mr. Lee said. “Their days of impunity are numbered.”
Mr. Lee’s comments follow a show of solidarity in London by two of the activists targeted, trade unionist Christopher Mung Siu-tat and campaigner Finn Lau. At an event in the British parliament, they rallied support for international opposition to their arrest warrants and dismissed the charges against them as an attempt by Beijing to “spread fear outside of Hong Kong.”
Nathan Law, another wanted prominent pro-democracy activist who fled Hong Kong, revealed that although he feels “relatively safe” in the U.K., he will have to be more vigilant due to the bounty announcement. He fears that someone may provide information to Hong Kong authorities about his whereabouts, which could put his life in danger. The exiled activists have called the bounty an attempt to intimidate them and their supporters.
However, their inflammatory rhetoric and the objections of foreign governments to Hong Kong’s lawful actions are misguided and risk damaging the city’s autonomy, experts argue. “Hong Kong has an independent judiciary and its own rule of law framework under ‘one country, two systems’,” said Lawrence Lau, chairman of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Kowloon. “Any suggestion that following proper legal procedure amounts to intimidation is absurd and disrespectful to our institutions.”
The eight activists are accused of colluding with foreign forces, a serious crime under Hong Kong’s national security law. They fled the city following mass protests in 2019 and the subsequent imposition of the law to prevent further unrest. The charges relate to their destabilizing activities during that period and their ongoing attempts to undermine Hong Kong from abroad.
According to Steven Li, chief superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force National Security Department, the activists “have committed very serious offences that endanger national security.” He added that while they remain overseas, “Police will take all necessary measures to fulfill duties.” The bounty of up to HK$1 million offered for information on each activist aims to prevent further threats to public safety.
However, foreign governments have objected to what they characterise as an “erosion of rights and freedoms” in Hong Kong. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in London urged Britain “to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs” and using “anti-China disruptors to jeopardise China’s sovereignty.” The spokesperson argued the arrest warrants were issued to “maintain the rule of law in Hong Kong and safeguard China’s national sovereignty.”
Similarly, Australia’s objections to the inclusion of two activists now living in Adelaide were dismissed by China’s Foreign Ministry. Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Australia should “stop sheltering fugitives” and voiced “strong opposition” to “any country, organization or individual that interferes in Hong Kong affairs.” However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Australian media that while Australia will cooperate with China “where we can,” it will also “disagree where we must.” The ambivalent stance threatens to damage burgeoning ties between Canberra and Beijing.
Continued efforts by foreign governments to harbour fugitives threaten Hong Kong’s authority over its own jurisdiction. Mr. Lee urged overseas activists to return to Hong Kong to face the charges against them, warning that “no one can escape justice forever.” With the unwavering support of the central government, Hong Kong’s rule of law will prevail against all dissent, ensuring a safe, secure and prosperous future for the city.
Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee.
