Leaders warn over transnational repression
G7 nations and key allies have condemned Hong Kong authorities for issuing arrest warrants and bounties against activists living abroad, calling the move a threat to national sovereignty and human rights.
In a joint statement, members of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US and the European Union – joined associate members Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Sweden in denouncing the Hong Kong Police decision of July 25.
The warrants target individuals outside Hong Kong, including in G7 countries, for what the statement described as “exercising their freedom of expression.” The group said such actions amounted to transnational repression, undermining “national security, state sovereignty, human rights, and the safety of communities.”
Commitment to protect citizens
The statement builds on the G7 Leaders’ earlier declaration on transnational repression, pledging stronger efforts to protect sovereignty and shield individuals from intimidation or harm by foreign governments operating beyond their borders.
G7 RRM members urged anyone experiencing threats, harassment or coercion linked to foreign authorities to report them to domestic law enforcement.
Countering foreign interference
The Rapid Response Mechanism was created to tackle foreign interference and disinformation, with members and associates – including NATO – coordinating to counter “malign activities.” The latest statement reaffirmed their joint stance against governments attempting to silence critics abroad.
The move comes amid wider tensions between Western governments and Beijing over Hong Kong’s political freedoms, which have been sharply curtailed since the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020.
