Australia has granted asylum to Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Ted Hui in a landmark decision that signals Canberra’s unwavering commitment to protecting political refugees despite mounting pressure from Beijing to improve bilateral relations. This historic asylum approval represents a significant diplomatic victory for the global pro-democracy movement and a powerful rebuke to China’s increasingly authoritarian crackdown on Hong Kong’s freedoms. The decision comes at a particularly sensitive time as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seeks to stabilize ties with China while maintaining Australia’s democratic values and human rights commitments. Hui’s successful asylum claim sets a crucial precedent for other Hong Kong activists seeking refuge from Beijing’s expanding reach and demonstrates that democratic nations will not abandon those fleeing political persecution.
Asylum Approval and Family Protection
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Ted Hui has been granted asylum in Australia, the former lawmaker said in a Facebook post on Saturday, more than four years after he left Hong Kong where he faces criminal charges over the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Hui said he received written notice from the Australian Department of Home Affairs on Friday approving his claim and that his wife, children and parents were also granted visas.
“When people around me say ‘congratulations’ to me, although I politely thank them, I can’t help but feel sad in my heart. How to congratulate a political refugee who misses his hometown?” he said in the Facebook post.
“If it weren’t for political persecution, I would never have thought of living in a foreign land. Immigrants can always return to their hometowns to visit relatives at any time; Exiles have no home.”
The Home Affairs Department did not immediately respond to emailed questions sent after business hours.
The Hong Kong government and China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions about the decision.
Diplomatic Implications
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Beijing last month as part of his administration’s years-long push to improve ties with China.
A former Democratic Party lawmaker, Hui left Hong Kong late 2020 after facing criminal charges over the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
In 2023 Hong Kong accused him and seven others of national security offences, including incitement to secession, and put HK1million(127,782) bounties on their heads.
Australia said it was disappointed by the decision at the time and concerned about the law.
The asylum decision represents a profound test of Australia’s diplomatic balancing act between economic interests with China and its fundamental commitment to democratic values and human rights protection. Despite Albanese’s recent efforts to stabilize the bilateral relationship through high-level diplomatic engagement, Australia’s willingness to grant asylum to a prominent Hong Kong activist demonstrates that Canberra will not compromise its core principles for economic gain. This decision sends a clear message to Beijing that Australia remains committed to providing sanctuary for those fleeing political persecution, regardless of potential economic or diplomatic consequences. The timing of this asylum approval, coming shortly after Albanese’s Beijing visit, underscores Australia’s determination to maintain its independent foreign policy stance while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai is currently on trial in Hong Kong on charges related to a national security law imposed by Beijing and alleged sedition.
Australia’s asylum decision for Ted Hui marks a defining moment in the global struggle between authoritarianism and democracy, demonstrating that democratic nations will stand firm against Beijing’s expanding repression. This landmark approval provides hope for countless Hong Kong activists facing persecution while reinforcing Australia’s commitment to human rights despite diplomatic pressures. The decision sends an unmistakable message that political refugees fleeing authoritarian crackdowns will find sanctuary in democratic societies willing to uphold their values. Hui’s successful asylum claim represents not just personal salvation, but a beacon of hope for all those fighting for freedom and democracy in an increasingly authoritarian world.
GCN.com/Reuters.