Hong Kong authorities have issued a HK$1 million (£128,000) bounty for the arrest of prominent pro-democracy activist Dr Feng Chongyi, escalating tensions between China and Western nations. The academic, currently residing in Australia, is accused of violating Beijing's stringent national security law.
Who is Dr Feng Chongyi?
Dr Feng, a 60-year-old Chinese-Australian scholar, has been a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party's policies in Hong Kong. As a professor at the University of Technology Sydney, his research focuses on Chinese politics and human rights issues.
The Charges Against Him
Hong Kong police allege Dr Feng committed "collusion with foreign forces" under the controversial national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. This legislation has been widely criticised by Western governments for crushing dissent in the former British colony.
International Reaction
The bounty announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Australian officials, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong stating: "We have consistently opposed the application of the national security law to Australian citizens." The move further strains already tense relations between Canberra and Beijing.
Growing List of Targets
Dr Feng becomes the latest in a series of overseas-based activists targeted by Hong Kong authorities. Last year, bounties were placed on eight other democracy advocates living abroad, including prominent figures like Nathan Law and Ted Hui.
Academic Freedom Concerns
The case has raised alarm among academic circles, with universities worldwide expressing concern about the potential chilling effect on China-related research. Many scholars now fear studying sensitive topics could make them targets of Beijing's long arm.
What Happens Next?
While Australia has no extradition treaty with China, the bounty significantly complicates Dr Feng's ability to travel internationally. Experts warn this case sets a dangerous precedent for the targeting of dissidents beyond China's borders.
