The UK government has fiercely criticized Hong Kong authorities for offering cash bounties targeting pro-democracy activists living in Britain. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper jointly denounced the move as “transnational repression.” This escalates tensions in the Hong Kong bounty controversy.
As Hong Kong police offer rewards between $25,000 and $125,000 for information leading to the arrests of 19 activists abroad, the UK government remains vigilant. High-profile figures like former legislator Nathan Law and social media operator Choi Ming-da are among those named. This marks the fourth such bounty list since 2023. Previous offers increased risks for exiles like Law. He said his safety deteriorated after being listed.
China defended the bounties as lawful. They dismissed Western criticism as “interference.” The UK government is deeply concerned. Activists face accusations under Beijing’s 2020 national security law, imposed after mass 2019 protests.
In response, Lammy and Cooper affirmed Britain’s commitment to safeguarding Hong Kong exiles. They stated: “We take the protection of their rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously.” The UK government recently amended extradition laws. They have fully severed ties with Hong Kong’s judicial system under the Extradition Act 2003.
Since 2021, about 150,000 Hong Kong residents have relocated to the UK via a special visa route. Many fled following crackdowns, including last November’s mass subversion convictions of pro-democracy leaders.
The Hong Kong bounty controversy mirrors earlier cases like that of Simon Cheng. He was a former UK consulate worker detained in 2019. Critics argue China’s tactics aim to intimidate dissenters globally. Meanwhile, the UK government pledges to counter “coercive actions” while supporting activists who now call Britain home.
As tensions mount, the clash highlights deepening divides over human rights and Beijing’s expanding legal reach beyond its borders.
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