In the latest development, Hong Kong Security Bureau. Has said that it has initiated the deployment of the new national security law against six self-exiled activists currently residing in Britain. These are new intensifications of already high levels of tension between the Hong Kong’s authorities. And pro-democracy activists, further demonstrating the wider stakes of Beijing’s ever-tightening grip over the semi-autonomous territory.
Those targeted include Nathan Law, Christopher Mung Siu-tat, Finn Lau, Simon Cheng, Johnny Fok Ka-chi, and Tony Choi Ming-da. These activists had fled Hong Kong amidst the swelling crackdown on dissent stemming from the introduction of the contentious national security law in 2020. Even in exile, they remained openly critical of Beijing’s policies. Videos of them on television screens prompting the fury of Hong Kong’s authorities who branded them as “lawless wanted criminals.”
Hong Kong Activists : Tang Accuses Government
The Security Bureau declared these activists were carrying activities compromising national security. Colluding with foreign influence, aimed at toppling the regime of both Hong Kong and China. The cancellations include their travel documents, the prohibition of funds provision, as well as the cessation of business dealings in Hong Kong. A bounty has been set at HK$ 1 million for any relevant person with information that would lead to their arrest.
Police chief Chris Tang came to defend the action taken with accusations that national security was put at stake. The top cop also followed accusations saying that politicians, media, and organizations across Britain intentionally discredited the Hong Kong’s government, escalating the matter to high diplomatic pressure among the two parties.
Hong Kong and China’s Defense
New sets of national security Article 23 laws, imposed in March, serve as the basis for these powers. China imposed a wide-reaching national security law in NUM and these new laws build upon it. Which is seen to squeeze freedoms and silence dissent in Hong Kong. Now treason, sabotage, and sedition carry severe penalties, including long prison terms.
The US, Britain, and Australia have criticized the legislation, stating that it is the latest attempt by Beijing to strip Hong Kong of its autonomy. Of the freedoms and autonomy that China promised it could keep. But Hong Kong and Chinese authorities argue that the laws are needed to restore stability. After mass pro-democracy protests rocked the city in 2019.
Global Debate: Diplomatic Engagement vs. Human Rights
Among those sought after is activist Nathan Law, who said in response to the cancellation of his document. That he surrendered his Hong Kong’s passport after seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2020. And therefore the cancellation was unnecessary. However, Finn Lau never held a Hong Kong’s passport either, so his surrender of the BNO passport is described as “an explicit act of transnational repression.”
This sends another message that Beijing is becoming very strict with its management of the territory. An unkind tone over growing concerns related to decays in rights, and the future of the autonomy in Hong Kong. Even as the fears of diplomatic relations with Western countries grow.
The international community is once more divided over the issue of whether pragmatism in diplomatic engagement with Beijing vis-à-vis. Considerations on human rights and democracy should weigh in confronting China over its contempt against pro-democracy activists. But meanwhile, the other shoe has dropped with the actions against the exiled activists in Britain. The Chinese government in Hong Kong intends to continue tightening political control and silencing dissenting voices.
