Expat Hongkongers Protesting In Oz Now Fearing Chinese Surveillance

Hong Kong expats who’re organising anti-Chinese events in Oz are now at risk from the new law.

Three Australian expats are risking everything by speaking out over China’s controversial new security law as part of a growing resistance movement. A collective of Hong Kong expats hailing from New South Wales in Australia and calling themselves NSW HongKongers are now fearing their events have been the subject of surveillance by agents of the Chinese state.

When interviewed by local media, the three insisted on anonymity including being introduced using false names, wearing masks and altering the pitch of their voices. They told journalists they’re risking their lives by simply talking to the press as they’re convinced they’re being constantly monitored by the enemy. They could well be right in their suspicions, as known Chinese agents were spotted outside a Sydney exhibition entitled the ‘Art of Defiance’, held earlier this year.

For those brave enough to organise protests at this time in Hong Kong’s troubled history, fear is now a normal state of mind, no matter where they’re based. One female activist told the media she’s convinced there are Chinese agents working in Sydney, adding she doesn’t feel safe as a result. None of them can return to Hong Kong as they’re convinced they’ll be arrested due to their involvement in the year-long protests in support of the democracy movement.

One high-level Hong Kong lawyer believes the Chinese are leaving the island’s population guessing as a means to control, adding it’s causing caution and a reluctance to speak out about the fate of their home country. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has her own version of the law, saying it’s to give prosperity and long-term stability to the former British colony and threatening those who disagree with her.

For the three protestors now in Oz, the home they knew is now gone forever due to the new law, as it stifles free speech and destroys the city’s civil liberties including freedom of speech. Formerly, they feared the Hong Kong they loved was dying, now they know it’s dead, a view also being taken by many long-stay expat professionals who’re queueing to leave.