US Secretary of State Condemns Hong Kong Authorities' Bounties on Activists

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned Hong Kong authorities for offering bounties on five pro-democracy activists, including a US citizen, calling on the international community to oppose "transnational repression." Blinken criticized the move as a disregard for international norms and human rights, urging the global community to join the US in condemning the act. The UK Foreign Secretary also condemned the move, labeling it a threat to democracy and fundamental human rights. The activists, wanted under Hong Kong's national security law, have advocated for democracy and civil liberties from abroad following a crackdown on opposition to Beijing. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Western governments of malicious intentions in criticizing the bounties.