The United Kingdom has vehemently criticized the Hong Kong authorities. They condemned the move to reward the capture of pro-democracy activists in exile. More than three times now have Hong Kong officials offered these concessions. The bounties start at 200,000 Hong Kong dollars, or roughly $25,000, and go as high as one million HKD, or about $125,000. In the midst of a developing humanitarian crisis, tensions are increasing. This comes in the wake of China’s 2020 national security law that crushed political freedoms in the last holdout of the former British colony.
The territory was returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. It functions under a “one country, two systems” structure that is meant to ensure a high level of autonomy, such as freedom of speech. The national security law imposed by Beijing on June 30, 2020, virtually erased those rights. The move has led to a chorus of condemnation from Western countries. The UK Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary recently joined calls for urgent action to protect opposition voices from being targeted, in the UK and beyond.
In their joint statement, they emphasized that “this Government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, including those who have made the United Kingdom their home. We take the protection of their rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously.”
The Hong Kong Police Force’s actions have led to the charge of transnational repression. In response to this, British ministers indicated their deep concern about the practice of issuing arrest warrants and bounties on people residing in the UK. They say this disturbing trend endangers their personal freedoms and safety.
Following the establishment of the national security law, an estimated 150,000 Hong Kong residents have already settled in the UK. They’ve made use of an innovative visa scheme that was introduced in 2021. This dramatic surge is a sign of the deepening fear of Hong Kong residents over their eroding political rights. In 2024, Hong Kong legislators approved a new national security law—Article 23—which grants the government expanded powers to combat alleged treason, espionage, and sedition.
The UK government is currently under intense pressure to reform its own extradition rules. Such changes would provide the basis to reinstate extraditions to Hong Kong. And that’s a big deal. Since the introduction of the 2020 national security law, the UK has suspended all extraditions to Hong Kong.
In reaction, China has dismissed Western criticism, rejecting such interference as external interference in its domestic affairs. The aftermath shows how complicated Hong Kong’s political landscape still is. It further highlights the impact of this all on local and global supporters of democracy, such as you and me.
