Australia Voices Concerns to China About Letters Harassing Hong Kong Dissident

In a significant diplomatic development, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed China’s interference regarding anonymous letters targeting Australian citizens. These letters, offering 1 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $130,000) for information about pro-democracy activist Kevin Yam, have raised alarm in Melbourne. Wong emphasized, “The Australian government does not accept interference,” underscoring the nation’s commitment to citizen safety. Yam, who returned to Australia in 2022 after protests in Hong Kong, is wanted for his role in the 2019 demonstrations. While the letters were traced back to Hong Kong and included police contact details, Wong noted there is no evidence linking the Chinese or Hong Kong governments directly to this intimidation attempt. Yam, undeterred, stated, “I will continue to live my everyday life.”