Hong Kong says it doesn’t send anonymous reward letters after Australia hits out

Hong Kong’s government has said it does not send anonymous letters offering rewards for information on fugitives overseas, dismissing Australia’s concerns that two opposition activists from the city had been targeted in that manner.

Beijing also weighed in on Tuesday, with Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urging Australia to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law for the benefit of maintaining sustainable relations.

“We express our strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to Australia’s blatant interference in the rule of law in Hong Kong,” Mao said.

Authorities were responding to concerns raised by Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, over anonymous letters reportedly offering a substantial reward for information on wanted Hong Kong activist Kevin Yam Kin-fung and fake pamphlets targeting fugitive Ted Hui Chi-fung.

Both were opposition activists formerly based in Hong Kong and were critical of the government’s handling of the 2019 social unrest.

Yam is now based in Melbourne and Hui in Adelaide. Both are lawyers.