China threatens Canberra over HK legislator

China accuses Australia of ‘meddling’ in its internal affairs by allowing pro-democracy leader Ted Hui Chi-fung into the country.

Ted Hui is removed by security during a scuffle with pro-Beijing legislators at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong in May last year. Picture: Getty Images

China has accused Australia of “meddling” in its internal affairs by allowing Hong Kong pro-democracy leader Ted Hui Chi-fung into the country.

Australian authorities relaxed travel restrictions for non-citizens to allow the former Hong Kong opposition MP — who is wanted by Beijing — to fly from London to Darwin on Tuesday.

He is the first Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders to relocate to Australia, prompting an angry response from the Chinese embassy in Canberra.

“China’s position on Hong Kong-related issues is consistent and clear,” an embassy spokesman said.

Ted Hui Chi-fung

“Hong Kong is China’s Hong Kong, and every bit of Hong Kong affairs belongs to China’s internal affairs, in which no other country has the right to interfere.

“The Chinese side urges the Australian side to stop meddling in Hong Kong‘s affairs and China’s internal affairs in any way. Otherwise the China-Australia relations will only sustain further damage.”

Mr Hui was granted a 12-month tourist visa and is in quarantine.

He thanked Australian authorities for “co-ordinating flight arrangements” and allowing his entry during the pandemic.

He said he did not intend to apply for asylum except as a last resort, revealing he would “go wherever people need us” to help bring freedom to the territory.

Mr Hui, who fled Hong Kong while on bail, said he had family and friends in Australia, giving him the “peace of mind” necessary to continue working for the protest movement.

His arrival in Australia comes as Hong Kong’s government pursues charges against 47 pro-democracy figures under the territory’s draconian national security laws introduced by Beijing.

Mr Hui said he would use his time in the country to lobby for Magnitsky-style ­targeted sanctions on the Chinese Communist Party figures behind Hong Kong’s security crackdown.

“I believe it is an important move for free countries in the world to try and do that,” Mr Hui told The Australian.

“That is relatively more realistic for governments to consider, rather than getting into a trade war with Beijing. Of course, I will also be lobbying for less reliance on trade with Beijing.”

Scott Morrison has offered “safe haven” visas for Hong Kong citizens of up to five years, providing a potential pathway to permanent residency for those who want to stay longer.