Hong Kong Summons UK and Australian Envoys Following Asylum Grants to Democracy Activists

Published: 19 August ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The Hong Kong government has summoned the British and Australian envoys after both countries granted asylum to high-profile pro-democracy activists fleeing the city. The UK has granted refuge to Tony Chung, one of Hong Kong’s youngest democracy campaigners, who faced a bounty of HK$1 million (£94,900) from local authorities, while Australia has offered asylum to former legislator Ted Hui. Both activists left Hong Kong citing fears of persecution under the city’s national security law.

Hong Kong officials accused Britain and Australia of “harbouring criminals” and summoned British envoy Brian Davidson and Australian consul-general Gareth Williams to formally protest their respective asylum decisions.

Tony Chung, 24, announced on social media that the UK had granted him refugee status along with five years of residency. Having previously been imprisoned twice for his role in pro-democracy protests in 2019, Chung fled Hong Kong after breaching a supervision order, citing the stress of constant surveillance. Sharing his relief, he said the recognition allows him to “start a new life” and continue advocating for Hong Kong from abroad.

Chung was sentenced to 43 months in prison in November 2021 on charges of secession and money laundering, and had previously received a four-month jail term as a teenager for insulting the Chinese national flag.

Ted Hui, a former Hong Kong parliamentarian, was granted asylum in Australia after leaving the city four years ago. Having first arrived in Europe in December 2020, Hui became the first Hong Kong politician to receive a special travel exemption to enter Australia in March 2021. In 2022, he was convicted in absentia in Hong Kong for participating in a pro-democracy protest and sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.

Hong Kong’s chief secretary Eric Chan condemned the asylum grants, asserting that the city opposes any country “harbouring offenders” and maintains that the arrest warrants against both activists were “fully justified, necessary, and legitimate.” Chinese authorities echoed the sentiment, describing Hui as “an anti-China agitator” and calling for foreign governments to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s legal system.

Over the past years, dozens of Hong Kong activists, lawyers, and human rights defenders have sought refuge in countries including the UK, Canada, and Australia to avoid arrest and persecution under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.