Wed, 5 July 2023, 2:55 pm
https://au.yahoo.com/news/china-warns-a ... 43266.html
Have a read of this
China has warned Australia against giving a safe haven to "fugitives" after Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for two Australian-based activists.
Hong Kong authorities have offered $HK1 million ($191,000) bounties for the arrest of eight overseas-based activists after accusing them of national security offences following a crackdown on political dissent.
They have threatened the activists will be "pursued for life".
The activists include Australian lawyer Kevin Yam and former Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui, who is now living in Australia.
Asked about the condemnation over the arrest warrants, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning accused Mr Yam and others of engaging in "anti-China activities aimed at destabilising Hong Kong".
"We strongly deplore and firmly oppose individual countries' flagrant slandering against the national security law for Hong Kong and interference in the rule of law in Hong Kong," she said.
"Relevant countries need to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, stop lending support for anti-China elements destabilising Hong Kong and stop providing a safe haven for fugitives."
But Mr Hui labelled the bounty placed on his head as ridiculous.
"It's the political gesture that they want to make," he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
"They want to spread this wide terror to make all those who are overseas advocating for freedom ... to just shut up and not to criticise them anymore."
Mr Hui said he felt safe in Australia while the government allowed him to stay here.
Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 after a series of protests over extradition changes.
Human rights groups have described the laws as a further crackdown on peaceful dissent under Hong Kong's Chinese administration.
The Law Council of Australia expressed serious reservations about Hong Kong's national security rules and its compatibility with the rule of law and international human rights obligations.
"The Law Council strongly opposes efforts to arrest and detain individuals exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and expression ... and will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong," a statement said.
The council supported the suspension of the extradition and mutual legal assistance treaties between Australia and Hong Kong in 2020.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was disappointed over the arrest warrants.
"This decision overnight is an example of where Australia and China do have different approaches to these issues and we'll stand up for our values," he told ABC TV.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the coalition backed the government in its approach to the "very serious issue".
"It's completely unacceptable that Australians should be tracked down or hunted down in this sort of conduct," he said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong previously said the government was deeply disappointed by reports of the bounties and warned Australia had "strong rules in relation to foreign interference".