On a recent Saturday, the Canadian government publicly denounced Hong Kong authorities for issuing international arrest warrants against pro-democracy activists, including several Canadians. Hong Kong police announced that they were offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of 19 activists based abroad, whom they accused of being part of a “subversive organization” linked to violations of a controversial national security law imposed by Beijing. Global Affairs Canada expressed that targeting individuals with ties to Canada represents a concerning escalation in transnational repression by the People’s Republic of China, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated. This statement is indicative of increasing tensions between Canada and China regarding issues of human rights and political freedoms.
The targeted activists are associated with a group called the Hong Kong Parliament, which purportedly seeks to promote self-determination and draft a “Hong Kong constitution.” Hong Kong authorities have alleged that the group is utilizing illicit means to undermine the Chinese government’s fundamental systems. The arrests stem from a recent court decision at the police’s request, with warrants issued for several key figures, including Elmer Yuen and Johnny Fok. Despite the relatively small scale of their electoral efforts—reportedly yielding approximately 15,700 valid votes from various countries—Hong Kong authorities argue that the group’s activities contravene the national security law.
In a bid to apprehend the activists, Hong Kong police have also placed monetary rewards on some individuals, ranging from HKD 1 million (about USD 127,400) for four activists to HKD 200,000 (approx. USD 25,480) for others, urging the public to assist in locating them. According to police, the investigation remains active, and they have not ruled out expanding the list of wanted individuals or the bounties offered. Activists, in response, have indicated that such actions may unintentionally bolster their movement by raising awareness of their cause.
During a Facebook live session, Yuen criticized the Hong Kong police’s approach, framing it as a misguided strategy that invigorates the pro-democracy struggle. Moreover, Sasha Gong, another target of the bounties and a U.S. citizen, voiced her concerns over Hong Kong’s transformation into what she described as a police state, announcing her intention to escalate the issue to U.S. lawmakers. Such sentiments exemplify the grassroots mobilization strategies being pursued by activists in response to increased repression.
The Canadian government has also identified how Hong Kong is leveraging digital platforms to penetrate Chinese communities abroad, including in Canada. Global Affairs Canada highlighted that the bounties are circulating through coordinated and inauthentic networks aimed at Chinese-speaking populations. The actions taken by Hong Kong are seen not only as a direct threat to Canada’s sovereignty but also as a broader assault on the rights and safety of individuals residing within its borders.
On the international stage, the response has been one of widespread concern. Officials from the United Kingdom, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have characterized the warrants as further instances of transnational repression that could potentially incite dangerous behavior within the U.K. The issuance of arrest warrants against overseas activists has been a recurrent theme in Beijing’s strategy over the past few years, drawing ire from various nations and raising fundamental questions about the commitment to civil liberties promised to Hong Kong at the time of its handover to China. In contrast, Beijing maintains that such laws are essential for maintaining Hong Kong’s stability, insisting that the law applies to all residents, irrespective of their location. The tension surrounding these developments illustrates a deepening international divide over the interpretation of human rights and the rule of law within the context of Hong Kong’s governance.
