Sat Jul 26 04:01:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The UK Foreign and Home Secretaries have jointly condemned Hong Kong authorities for offering bounties for the arrest of pro-democracy activists residing in Britain, accusing China of transnational repression. This rebuke comes amidst concerns over the UK government’s proposal to reinstate an extradition deal with Hong Kong, suspended since the imposition of a strict national security law in 2020. The UK assures its commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong nationals who have sought refuge in Britain, while also asserting the need for effective extradition relationships to prevent the UK from becoming a haven for criminals. The situation is further complicated by Hong Kong’s increasingly restrictive national security laws, leading to a crackdown on dissent and an exodus of pro-democracy figures to countries like the UK.
**News Article:**
**UK Condemns China’s Bounty Offers for Hong Kong Activists in Britain**
London – The UK government has issued a strong condemnation of Hong Kong authorities for offering cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of pro-democracy activists living in Britain. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper released a joint statement on Friday accusing China of “transnational repression” following Hong Kong’s announcement of bounties ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 for information leading to the apprehension of 19 activists accused of violating the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.
“The Hong Kong Police Force’s issuing of further arrest warrants and bounties on individuals living in the UK is another example of transnational repression,” the statement read, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to protecting the rights, freedoms, and safety of Hong Kong residents who have made Britain their home. Around 150,000 Hong Kong citizens have migrated to the UK under a special visa scheme since 2021.
The condemnation comes amid growing unease over the UK government’s moves to reform extradition rules, raising fears of a possible resumption of extraditions to Hong Kong. The Home Office recently applied to Parliament to amend extradition legislation, citing the need for effective extradition relationships to prevent the UK from becoming a safe haven for criminals. Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated that extradition requests from Hong Kong, as well as Zimbabwe, would be considered on a “case-by-case basis.”
Critics argue that reinstating extradition arrangements with Hong Kong could endanger pro-democracy activists seeking refuge from the increasingly restrictive political climate in the region. Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” agreement guaranteeing a high degree of autonomy. However, the imposition of the national security law in 2020 and the subsequent crackdown on dissent have significantly eroded those freedoms, leading to concerns over human rights and political freedom. Legislators in Hong Kong approved a new national security law – referred to as Article 23 – that gave the government new powers to crack down on all forms of dissent on the grounds of alleged treason, espionage, sedition and external interference in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
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