International Criticism by Beijing Toward G7 Over Alleged Slanderous Remarks Regarding Hong Kong's Law Enforcement Officers and Offered Bounties
In a strongly worded statement, the G7 nations have condemned Hong Kong's law enforcement actions and issuance of bounties on overseas activists, viewing these moves as violations of freedom of expression and a form of transnational repression.
The G7's criticism is centred around the Hong Kong authorities' placement of arrest warrants and fresh bounties on individuals abroad, targeting activists deemed involved in the "Hong Kong Parliament" group accused of subversion under the national security law. The G7's Rapid Response Mechanism labelled such actions as undermining national security, state sovereignty, human rights, and community safety, alleging an abuse of legal measures beyond Hong Kong's borders.
The key reasons behind the G7's condemnation include the issuance of arrest warrants and bounties on individuals exercising freedom of expression outside Hong Kong, unlawful persecution and transnational repression against political dissenters, the undermining of international norms on sovereignty and human rights protection, and the intention to respond to threats against democracy and foreign interference.
However, Hong Kong and China have strongly rejected these criticisms. They argue that the law enforcement actions comply with the Hong Kong National Security Law and are lawful, justified, and necessary. Those targeted are accused of serious crimes endangering national security, not exercising free speech. The Chinese government also claims that the G7's statements interfere in China's internal affairs and display double standards on human rights and rule of law.
In a statement issued by the foreign ministry's arm in Hong Kong on Saturday, the spokesman denies the West's accusations of "transnational repression" against Hong Kong police. The statement urges the G7 to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and accuses them of "blatantly slandering and defaming Hong Kong police's law enforcement actions."
It is important to note that there are reportedly HK$200,000 (US$25,640) bounties in question, but the context is unclear as it is not specified whether this is a new development or a reference to previously mentioned bounties. The statement was issued in response to the G7's previous day's remarks about Hong Kong.
The ongoing political tension between China and the G7 nations is evident in this latest exchange. The G7 has condemned a recent round of bounties and arrest warrants on overseas activists in Hong Kong, while Beijing has issued a strongly worded statement in opposition to the G7's remarks. The extraterritorial effect of Hong Kong's national security law, according to the principles of international law, international practice, and common practices in various countries and regions, is a point of contention in this dispute.
The G7's criticism of Hong Kong's law enforcement actions and issuance of bounties on overseas activists extends beyond the Hong Kong Parliament group's subversion, encompassing concerns about war-and-conflicts, as they view these moves as violations of policy-and-legislation and general-news related to freedom of expression and human rights. The ongoing exchange between China and the G7 nations, following the G7's remarks, highlights the contentious issue of the extraterritorial effect of Hong Kong's national security law, particularly with regards to the application of these laws in international politics.
