The United Kingdom has issued a warning that it will not tolerate China’s attempts to intimidate individuals living in the U.K. The warning comes after Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for eight exiled democracy activists, some of whom are currently in the U.K.
In a statement released on Monday, U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly says his country will defend the universal right to freedom of expression and will stand up for those being targeted.
The eight suspects fled Hong Kong after the massive pro-democracy protests in 2019 and the passage of the National Security Law, which claims to have extraterritorial reach. Hong Kong police have offered a bounty of HK$1 million (US$27,700) for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. The warrant accuses the suspects of crimes including endangering national security and inciting secession.
The Chinese Embassy responded on Monday by criticizing the country for providing protection for fugitives and called on British politicians to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs.