Beijing hits back at US over condemnation of Hong Kong’s bounties on activists
US Department of State earlier rejected Hong Kong government efforts to ‘intimidate and silence’ individuals after HK$1 million bounties placed on six activists
Beijing has urged the United States to stop supporting “anti-China and destabilising forces” after Washington condemned Hong Kong for placing bounties on six more activists as “a form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty”.
The Hong Kong government on Friday also criticised Washington’s remarks as “purely politically motivated”, saying the US had imposed similar measures on wanted criminals.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing “firmly opposed” the US’ latest censure, adding those Washington labelled as “democracy activists” were anti-China forces who seriously endangered national security and damaged Hong Kong’s fundamental interests.
“The extraterritorial application of Hong Kong’s national security laws is fully consistent with international law and practice,” Mao said at a regular press briefing.
“We do not tolerate interference and meddling by any external power … We urge the US to earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and stop supporting anti-China and destabilising forces in Hong Kong.”
The passports of seven others who had left the city were revoked in a separate notice gazetted, which also barred anyone in Hong Kong from funding them.
