Former Legislative Council member of Hong Kong, Ted Hui, stated yesterday (16th) that the Australian Department of Home Affairs has granted him, his wife, children, and parents asylum visas. This confirms his refugee status under the 1951 Refugee Convention, allowing him permanent residency in Australia. The Hong Kong government responded last night with a strong statement, expressing its opposition and dissatisfaction with "certain countries harboring criminals," calling it "contempt for the rule of law, extreme disrespect for Hong Kong's legal system, and crude interference in Hong Kong's affairs."

Hui posted a written notification from the Australian Department of Home Affairs on his social media platform, stating that his asylum application had been approved and that his family members would receive equivalent visas. He noted that although the extradition agreement between Australia and Hong Kong is currently suspended, his asylum status would preclude any possibility of repatriation for political reasons, even if the agreement were to be resumed. He admitted that receiving the news brought "mixed feelings," adding that "exile is not immigration," and that his asylum status means "the day of return is still far away."

Hui believes that Australia granting him asylum, under the leadership of the Labor government, holds special significance, embodying democratic and free values, and objectively reflecting Australia's stance on the Hong Kong issue. He lamented, "How can one congratulate a political refugee who misses his homeland?".

Hong Kong Government: "Shameless and Cowardly Behavior"

The Hong Kong government issued a stern statement last night, labeling fugitives who abscond after forfeiting bail and continue to endanger national security as "shameless and cowardly behavior in the truest sense." The statement emphasized that any country harboring Hong Kong criminals "shows contempt for the rule of law, extreme disrespect for Hong Kong's legal system, and crude interference in Hong Kong's affairs." It warned that "turning a blind eye to their crimes and disregarding the potential safety threats they pose to the local society and residents will ultimately lead to self-inflicted consequences."

The government warned the individuals concerned "not to fantasize that absconding from Hong Kong will allow them to evade criminal liability" and reiterated that they will ultimately be held accountable and face legal sanctions. It is noteworthy that the National Security Department of the Police had, since July 2023, issued a reward of HK$1 million for the arrest of eight individuals absconding overseas, including Ted Hui, accusing him of sedition, inciting subversion of state power, and collusion with foreign forces. Last December, Secretary for Security Chris Tang listed Ted Hui as a "fugitive" and imposed measures such as asset freezing and revocation of his HKSAR passport.

Key Indicators

The granting of political asylum to a high-profile figure from Hong Kong signals escalating diplomatic tensions between Australia and the Hong Kong/Chinese government, potentially impacting trade and investment relations.
This decision could lead to increased scrutiny of asylum applications from Hong Kong residents and might encourage more individuals to seek refuge in other countries.

Regional Perspective

Australia's granting of asylum visas to Ted Hui and his family sets a significant precedent in the context of Hong Kong's ongoing political crisis. This decision reflects Australia's firm stance on human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, coming at a time of growing international concern over the erosion of autonomy and civil liberties in the region. This move could lead to further diplomatic friction with Beijing and Hong Kong, affecting the flow of investment and skilled labor into the region.

Analysis

Ted Hui's successful asylum application in Australia points to the continuing deep political and social divisions within Hong Kong. For investors and businesses, this development highlights the increasing geopolitical risks in the region. Australia, through this action, may be seen as a safe haven for political dissidents from Hong Kong, potentially drawing more human and financial capital away from the territory. In the long term, this could lead to a reassessment of the risks of doing business in Hong Kong, particularly for companies reliant on political stability and the rule of law. Furthermore, the Hong Kong government's reaction signifies its continued hardline approach towards dissent, which may further isolate the region internationally.