China’s Long Arm of Repression, Daily Brief July 4, 2023

Hong Kong authorities have issued groundless arrest warrants and bounties of HK$1 million (US$128,000) on eight exiled democracy activists and former lawmakers.

This is China extending its political intimidation campaign beyond its borders.

The charges would be too ridiculous to mention if they didn’t so clearly demonstrate Beijing’s blinkered authoritarian mindset.

Hong Kong’s national security police absurdly allege the eight people have “committed serious crimes endangering national security.” Charges against individuals include things like “colluding with foreign forces,” “inciting secession,” “subversion,” and “inciting subversion.” Also – my personal favorite – authorities claim they “intimidated Hong Kong officials.”

Again, these folks are all democracy activists and former lawmakers facing government persecution. The idea they “intimidate” the authorities, who hold all the power, is laughable.

But the paranoia is also revealing. Hong Kong and Beijing see them as threats because they see any mention of democracy and human rights as threats to their power. So much so, in fact, they can’t dare admit people have the right to hold opposing views and express them freely.

This authoritarian absolutism has devastated Hong Kong over the past three years. They’ve wrongly prosecuted pro-democracy leaders. They’ve dismantled civil society organizations and independent labor unions. They’ve shut down the most popular pro-democracy newspaper; censored films, books, and songs; and imposed “patriotic education.”

And they have been trying to extend their dictatorial powers beyond their borders. Beijing has been harassing critics abroad, undermining academic freedom internationally, and trying to undermine global human rights institutions for years.

As they now prepare to pursue these eight exiles abroad, authorities say they might request assistance from Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization. It wouldn’t be the first time China has tried to abuse the Interpol system of “red notices” for political purposes.

Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – where the eight exiles live or have taken refuge – have all rightly condemned the groundless warrants and bounties. They will also hopefully actively protect these individuals and others living in their territories from China’s long arm of repression.

But that’s not enough. All foreign governments need to face down Beijing’s attempts to expand its authoritarian reach. They should say enough is enough and impose targeted sanctions on government officials implicated in serious abuses, including these eight cases.

No government should accept China’s attempt to export persecution.