By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, July 10: Days after the imposition of the controversial new ‘security law’, Australia has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong to confront China’s crackdown in the city, and offered citizenship pathway for fleeing Hong Kongers.
Australian PM Scott Morrison announced Thursday that the Australian government also issued a travel advisory for an estimated 100,000 citizens in Hong Kong to consider leaving the city, for risk of arbitrary detention.
Australia follows Britain in allowing pathway for citizenship for HongKongers and offering incentives to businesses in Hong Kong to relocate to Australia, and welcoming talented workers and entrepreneurs who could contribute to the country’s economy. Morrison who called Australia “a great immigrant nation” said, “As a result of changes that have occurred in Hong Kong, there will be citizens of Hong Kong who may be looking to move elsewhere, to start a new life somewhere else, to take their skills, their businesses . . . and seek that opportunity elsewhere.”
A Beijing spokesperson responded in a statement, “We urge the Australian side to immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs under any pretext or in any way. Otherwise it will lead to nothing but lifting a rock only to hit its own feet.”
Student leader and activist Joshau Wong tweeted Thursday, “It is also reasonably understandable for the Australian govt. to incentivise businesses back to Australia since the new #NSL poses a worrying threat to freedoms and safety of ex-pats, investors & travellers in HK, especially when the law covers foreign individuals, NGOs & media.”
The western alliances have spoken in tandem against China for its offensive moves in Hong Kong. The Five Eyes intelligence sharing group — the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand — said Thursday morning that members of the alliance had held a conference call to discuss events in Hong Kong.
On Wednesday, Chinese mainland security agencies opened a new office complex to carry out new duties to impose the security law in the city.
One Response
It wasn’t too long ago that many concerned china watchers where accusing Australia of selling out to China! But, my, how the worm has turned. Besides the United States, Australia has been the most vocal and vociferous of Western nations when it comes to contesting China’s never ending bullshit and bullying. Phayul has promulgated China critics such as the liberal back bencher, Andrew Hastie and Queensland student Drew Pavlou. The Morrison Government and the Australian media is daily raising awareness of threats, either real or perceived, regarding China.
Speaking of worms, the worm in the apple that is the woke Victoria premier, Daniel Andrews, who is still obstinately and idiotically pushing through with the shady belt and road deal with China regardless of its unpopularity with Australian citizens and its elected administration. Not to mention irking America and compromising the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance.