Wanted Hong Kong politician to lobby in Australia

Ex-Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung vows to keep up fight against Chinese Communist Party from exile.

Ted Hui Chi-fung, right, accompanied by veteran pro-democracy politician Albert Ho, left, speaking to the media in 2020. Picture: AFP

Former Hong Kong opposition MP Ted Hui Chi-fung has become the territory’s first pro-democracy leader to relocate to Australia, vowing to keep up the fight against the Chinese Communist Party from exile.

Mr Hui, who is wanted by China, entered hotel quarantine on Tuesday after arriving from London on a 12-month tourist visa. 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 said. “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.”

A member of the territory’s “pan democracy” camp, Mr Hui acknowledged there were differing views in the Hong Kong protest movement on what they were seeking. “I am not an advocate for independence of Hong Kong,” he said. “But I am open to any discussions, and if younger generations of Hong Kongers want that then I am totally open to discuss that.

“More important for me is to get back the basic freedoms and fundamental rights.”

Australian-based Hong Kong activist Max Mok, from the more radical pro-independence faction, said it was vital for the movement’s factions to work together.

“With the limited resources our community has overseas, it is important now more than ever that we should work together.”

But a member of the more moderate “one country, two systems” camp, which supports the restoration of the status quo prior to the new national security laws, warned that Mr Hui’s arrival could inflame tensions among Australian Chinese.

“This is fostering disruption in the Australian Chinese community by driving a foreign Hong Kong agenda within Australia,” said the Hong Kong expatriate, who requested anonymity due to political sensitivities.

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.

Labor senator Kimberley Kitching said on Tuesday: “Australia should consider welcoming Hong Kongers who did nothing more than stand up to protect the democratic norms and institutions promised as part of the One Country, Two Systems agreement.”