Ottawa Denounces Beijing’s Canadian Sanctions, Arrest Warrants for Hong Kong Activists

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Dec 26, 2024 - 11:06 Updated: Dec 26, 2024 - 11:03
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Ottawa Denounces Beijing’s Canadian Sanctions, Arrest Warrants for Hong Kong Activists

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The federal government condemned Beijing’s sanctions on two Canadian human rights groups and cautioned citizens in China about arbitrary law enforcement by the regime.

In a statement issued on Dec. 24, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) expressed solidarity with members of the two organizations and condemned the Chinese regime’s decision to “punish them for speaking out for human rights.”

“The Government of Canada will not tolerate any threats, acts of violence or harassment against people in Canada, or against their families and friends, because of their political opinions or to silence dissenting viewpoints,” the department said.

The department also urged all Canadians in China to exercise caution due to “the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” adding that it stands ready to provide consular assistance to those impacted by these sanctions.

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People hold signs protesting China's treatment of the Uyghur people, in Vancouver on May 8, 2019. (Lindsey Wasson/Reuters)

People hold signs protesting China's treatment of the Uyghur people, in Vancouver on May 8, 2019. Lindsey Wasson/Reuters

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China’s sanctions, imposed under its Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, are in response to Canada’s sanctions targeting eight senior current and former CCP officials, according to a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These CCP officials have already been sanctioned by the U.S. government for their involvement in human rights abuses against Uyghurs, Tibetans, as well as Falun Gong practitioners.

In announcing sanctions against CCP officials on Dec. 10, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly expressed Canada’s deep concern over the regime’s human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners and minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang. She highlighted abuses, including psychological, physical, and sexual violence, forced labour, arbitrary detention, and suppression of basic rights such as freedom of religion, expression, movement, and association.
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‘Transnational Repression’

The GAC released a separate statement on Dec. 24, condemning Hong Kong police for issuing arrest warrants and bounties on democracy activists who fled abroad following Beijing’s clampdown on social liberties in the city.

Two Canadians were among the six democracy advocates targeted: Victor Ho, a veteran journalist, and Joseph Tay, founder of the advocacy platform HongKonger Station and current Conservative Party candidate for Markham-Unionville in Ontario.

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Journalist Victor Ho poses for a photograph in Richmond, B.C., on Aug. 24, 2022. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

Journalist Victor Ho poses for a photograph in Richmond, B.C., on Aug. 24, 2022. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

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Hong Kong police issued the arrest warrants under its contentious national security law, offering a reward of HK$1 million (approximately $185,000) for any information that could lead to their capture. The Hong Kong national security law, widely seen as an effort by Beijing to erode the city’s autonomy, was passed in June 2020 following months of pro-democracy protests against the CCP’s growing control.

On Dec. 24, Hong Kong authorities also ordered the cancellation of passports for seven other democracy activists who have fled the city, including Dennis Kwok, a former Hong Kong politician born in Canada.
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Lawmaker Dennis Kwok (C) stands outside the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong on Nov. 8, 2016, after a silent march in protest of a ruling by China that effectively bars two pro-independence legislators from taking office. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)

Lawmaker Dennis Kwok (C) stands outside the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong on Nov. 8, 2016, after a silent march in protest of a ruling by China that effectively bars two pro-independence legislators from taking office. Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images

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After the passage of the Hong Kong national security law, Ottawa suspended the Canada–Hong Kong extradition treaty in July 2020 and revised trade policies to treat exports to Hong Kong the same as those to mainland China, including a ban on sensitive military items.
GAC said it “deplores” Hong Kong authorities’ latest actions, described them as “transnational repression abroad,” noting that Canada will not tolerate its attempts to issue threats, intimidation, or coercion against Canadians or those in the country.

“Hong Kong authorities are targeting these people for actions that amount to nothing more than the exercise of freedom of speech by standing up for democracy and human rights,” the department said.

Citing calls from the United Nations Human Rights Committee to repeal the national security law, GAC urged Hong Kong authorities to end prosecution of individuals under this law and withdraw all related warrants and bounties.

“Canada will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong,” the department said.

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