The Hong Kong government’s recent decision to cancel the passports of six overseas-based activists under the new national security law has sparked controversy and drawn international attention. Among those affected are former pro-democracy lawmaker Nathan Law, unionist Mung Siu-tat, and activists Simon Cheng, Finn Lau, Johnny Fok, and Tony Choi. These individuals have been accused of endangering national security by authorities in Hong Kong and are said to have „absconded“ to the U.K.
Last year, police in Hong Kong offered rewards of 1 million Hong Kong dollars each for information leading to the arrests of these activists, a move that was heavily criticized by Western governments. The government has now taken further steps by banning anyone from providing funds or economic resources to the six individuals, leasing properties to them, or forming any joint ventures with them. Violators risk facing penalties of up to seven years in prison.
According to the government, these measures were necessary because the activists were continuing to engage in activities that endanger national security, smear the city, and collude with external forces. Secretary for Security Chris Tang emphasized the importance of combating and deterring those who have committed offenses related to endangering national security through absconding. He also accused some British officials and media outlets of attempting to influence judicial decisions in national security cases in Hong Kong.
These actions were taken under the new powers granted by Hong Kong’s national security law, which was enacted in March. Beijing had previously imposed a similar national security law on the territory in 2020, following massive anti-government protests in 2019. The Chinese and Hong Kong governments have defended the law, stating that it has restored stability to the region after the protests.
The political changes in Hong Kong have strained relations between the U.K. and the city government, as well as with Beijing. The territory’s unique history as a former British colony that was returned to China in 1997 with promises of maintaining freedoms of expression and assembly has been a point of contention.
In response to the 2020 security law, the U.K. introduced a special visa pathway that has allowed over 144,400 people from Hong Kong to move to the country, live and work there, and apply for British citizenship after six years. The British government has also granted asylum to activists Nathan Law and Simon Cheng.
Despite the government’s actions, the activists have remained defiant. Nathan Law stated that he had already submitted his passport to U.K. authorities when he applied for asylum in 2020 and called the government’s move redundant. Finn Lau, who never owned a Hong Kong passport, described the cancellation as ridiculous and vowed to continue advocating for human rights and democracy.
In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the measures taken by Hong Kong authorities as necessary to safeguard the city’s rule of law and national security. He emphasized that Hong Kong’s affairs are internal matters for China and should not face external interference.
The recent developments in Hong Kong highlight the ongoing tensions between the city, the U.K., and China. The actions taken by the government have raised concerns about the erosion of freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong, prompting criticism from international observers. The situation remains fluid, and the implications of these actions on the future of Hong Kong’s political landscape are yet to be fully understood.