Australia has granted asylum to former Hong Kong lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Ted Hui, who fled the city more than four years ago to evade criminal charges related to the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Hui, wanted by Hong Kong authorities under national security laws, welcomed the asylum grant as a recognition of human rights violations and the erosion of democracy and freedom in Hong Kong since the crackdown on massive protests in 2019. The Australian government’s decision also extends permanent residency to Hui and his family. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has granted political asylum to Tony Chung, another pro-democracy activist and the youngest person jailed under Hong Kong’s national security law. Hong Kong authorities have expressed strong opposition to the asylum grants by Australia and the UK, summoning diplomats from both countries and condemning the actions as harboring criminals. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described Hui and Chung as anti-China agitators disrupting Hong Kong's order. The asylum grants highlight ongoing international concerns over human rights and democratic freedoms in the China-ruled territory following the 2019 protests and subsequent government crackdown.