Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his government’s concern and disappointment over the issuance of arrest warrants for two pro-democracy activists living in Australia, who are wanted by Hong Kong authorities for alleged national security offences. Hong Kong’s chief executive, John Lee, announced on Tuesday that eight such activists residing in the UK, Australia, the United States, and Canada would be pursued for life.
Australia Broadcasting Corp reported that Albanese criticized the move, stating that his government would cooperate with China where possible, but would not agree on matters where their values differ. He reiterated his concerns over the detention of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who has been held without a proper trial for over a year on national security charges.
Albanese emphasized the importance of Australia standing up for its values, saying, “We’ll continue to advocate for the interests of Australia. We’ll continue to do so. We will disagree where we must. We will engage in our national interest.” He maintained that the decision to pursue the activists is an example of the differing approaches taken by Australia and China on these issues.
The prime minister’s comments come as tensions between Australia and China continue to simmer. The two nations have historically had a complex relationship, with Australia being a key player in the global supply chain and China being a significant trading partner. However, relations have been strained in recent years due to differences over issues such as human rights and trade.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Via Anthony Albanese/Twitter)
The pursuit of the pro-democracy activists has drawn widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a severe crackdown on freedom of speech and assembly. The arrests have also raised concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and the increasing influence of mainland China’s security apparatus.
As Australia continues to navigate its relationships with both Hong Kong and China, it remains to be seen how this latest development will unfold. However, it is clear that Prime Minister Albanese’s government is committed to standing up for its values and promoting its national interests, even in the face of growing pressure from foreign powers.
