Hubbry Logo
Simon ChengSimon ChengMain
Open search
Simon Cheng
Community hub
Simon Cheng
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Simon Cheng
Simon Cheng
Simon Cheng
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Simon Cheng Man-kit (Chinese: 鄭文傑; born 10 October 1990) is a Hong Kong activist. He was formerly a trade and investment officer at the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong. Cheng was detained by Chinese authorities in August 2019 in West Kowloon station when he returned from a business trip in Shenzhen. Chinese government agents tortured Cheng to induce his confession on video that he was a British spy who was involved in instigating the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Cheng subsequently fled to London and was granted asylum in June 2020.

Key Information

Early life and career

[edit]

Cheng was born in Hong Kong in 1990, and he was a Hong Kong permanent resident. He graduated from National Taiwan University with a degree in political science and pursued a M.Sc. in the Political Economy of Europe at the London School of Economics.

Cheng returned to Hong Kong in 2017 and worked as a trade and investment officer at the British Consulate-General Hong Kong. His work was in the Scottish Development International section with his main responsibility being to encourage the mainland business community to invest in Scotland.[1]

Detention in China

[edit]

Disappearance

[edit]
Main article: Disappearance of Simon Cheng

On 8 August 2019, Cheng, on behalf of the British Consulate-General of Hong Kong, left Hong Kong for Shenzhen to attend a business event via the Lo Wu control point. He was expected to return on the same day via the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link. At 10:37 pm that day, he messaged his Taiwanese girlfriend, indicating that he was about to pass through the border checkpoint in West Kowloon station, which is under Mainland China's jurisdiction despite the fact that the station itself is located in Hong Kong after the controversial co-location agreement was passed in the Legislative Council in 2018. However, his family and friends were unable to contact him, and he did not show up for work on the following day.[2] His family and friends worried that he was arrested because he had expressed his support for the ongoing 2019 Hong Kong protests through his social media accounts.[3]

On 14 August, a group of protesters gathered outside the UK consulate in Hong Kong to stand in solidarity with Cheng and asked the UK government to assist him. His disappearance caught public attention, since it was reported that officers at the border had been searching civilians' belongings and phones to identify anyone who had attended the protests.[3] China has also accused foreign powers including the United Kingdom of instigating the protests, though has failed to produce evidence to support such accusations.[4]

His family met with Nicola Barrett, a consulate official, who advised them to seek help from the police. The Hong Kong Police Force launched an investigation into the issue and listed Cheng as a "missing person". When asked by journalists from HK01, officers at the West Kowloon station checkpoint claimed that no one was arrested on 8 and 9 August inside the station. The Immigration Department also assisted Cheng's family and had contacted the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong for more information and later reported on August 10 that Cheng was under administrative detention in Shenzhen, though the reason for detainment was not disclosed.[2] The British Consul General stated that they were "extremely concerned" about Cheng's disappearance and asked the Chinese authorities to release more details about his detainment.[5]

On 21 August, at a press conference held by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Geng Shuang revealed that China had detained Cheng using the Security Administration Punishment Law, which covers mostly minor offences. Geng added that his arrest was China's "internal affair" since Cheng was a Hong Kong citizen.[5] The following day, Chinese state-owned tabloid Global Times added that Cheng was arrested for allegedly "soliciting a prostitute". Under Article 66 of the law, offenders can be fined and detained for "no less than ten days but no more than fifteen days".[3] According to Hu Xijin, a Global Times editor, Cheng's family was not informed by the police because it was supposedly requested by Cheng to "...reduce damage to his reputation". However, Cheng's family rejected such accusations, telling Hong Kong Free Press that "Everyone knows it is not the truth. But time will tell". The family, who operated a Facebook page named "Release Simon Cheng" then re-posted the Global Times news piece on Facebook and added that the piece was "a joke".[6] Global Times had previously attacked Cheng for his political views and accused him of supporting Hong Kong independence.[7] On 24 August, he returned to Hong Kong.[8]

Recounting the incident

[edit]

In November, Cheng published an article named "For the Record: An Enemy of the State" on Facebook, in which he disclosed the details during his detention and his side of the story. He admitted that the British consulate had asked him to observe the protests. He had joined several legal and peaceful rallies, and joined several Telegram groups which were used by the protesters for coordination. He stated that the protest movement was leaderless and all actions were coordinated using digital platforms. Cheng added that his role was to purely observe the movement then report back to the British consulate, meaning that he would not attempt to direct the movement or instigate any conflict. He further added that it was "the kind of civil society monitoring work many embassies do". He believed that his position as a member of the British consulate staff, as well as his relationship with a mainland Chinese friend who was detained for participating in the protests, were the main reasons why Chinese authorities chose to detain him. During his trip in Shenzhen, he met with the relatives of the friend and collected money for him in a private capacity.[1]

He recounted that he was handed over to three plain-clothed officers who he suspected to be secret police after he was escorted back to Shenzhen from West Kowloon station.[1][9] The mainland agents inquired about the UK's role in the protests, and questioned him about what kind of assistance the UK government had provided to the protesters. According to Cheng, they subjected him to torture in order to make him confess that he had instigated and organised the protests "on behalf of the British government". Cheng added that he was "shackled, blindfolded and hooded" during his detention. He was forced to maintain stress positions for a sustained period, and that he would be beaten when he moved. He also reported being subjected to solitary confinement and sleep deprivation, as interrogators forced him to sing the Chinese national anthem whenever he tried to sleep. He was also strapped on a "tiger chair", which completely disabled the movement of the detainees, for a sustained period of time. His glasses were removed throughout his detention, causing him to feel "dizzy" constantly, and he was not allowed to contact his family. He also believed that other Hongkongers were detained by China.[1]

Cheng added that the interrogators showed him pictures of protesters and asked him if he recognised any of them or if he was able to point out their political affiliation. He was also asked to draw out an organisation chart as the agents hoped to identify the protest leaders and "core" protesters. They also forced him to unlock his phone, allowing them to print out email conversations he had with the British consulate. The agents then forced him to record two confession videos, one for soliciting prostitutes, another for "betraying the motherland".[1] Throughout the process, the agents verbally assaulted him, calling him "worse than shit", "enemy of the state", and that he did not deserve any "human rights" as he was an "intelligence officer".[1][10] They also threatened that they would never release him, and claimed they would charge him for "subversion and espionage" if he refused to admit that the British were the masterminds behind the protests.[10][11] Commenting on the interrogators, Cheng believed that they were not keen on finding the truth, and wanted to "fulfil and prove their pre-written play by filling in the information they want from the detainees".[12] Before he was allowed to leave, the police reportedly threatened him by claiming that he would be "taken back" to mainland China from Hong Kong if he disclosed "anything other than 'soliciting prostitution' publicly".[1]

When asked by a reporter from BBC News if he paid for sex, Cheng said he visited a massage parlour for "relaxation" after his business trip, and that he had done "nothing regrettable to the people I cherish and love".[1] On 21 November, Chinese state media China Global Television Network (CGTN) released his confession video and a two-minute long CCTV footage of him visiting a clubhouse. CGTN claimed that the footage was taken on 23 July, 31 July and 8 August, and wrote that Cheng stayed in the parlour for approximately two and a half hours in each visit. In the confession video, wearing prison uniform, Cheng claimed that he did not contact his family or seek help from a lawyer because "he felt ashamed and embarrassed". Cheng, in his earlier written statement, added that he was forced to confess and that he had to record it several times.[13] Cheng stated that he recorded the video under duress and he was coerced into filming the video as a condition for his release.[11] He added that he would be put under "indefinite criminal detention" if he refused to film the video.[14] He filed a complaint to Ofcom over CGTN's broadcast of his forced confession on 28 November 2019.[15] On 4 February 2021, Ofcom revoked CGTN's licence to broadcast in the UK.[16] On 8 March 2021, CGTN was fined a total of £225,000 by Ofcom for serious breaches of fairness, privacy and impartiality rules. "We found the individuals (Simon Cheng and Gui Minhai) concerned were unfairly treated and had their privacy unwarrantably infringed," Ofcom said, adding that the broadcaster had "failed to obtain their informed consent to be interviewed." It concluded that "material facts which cast serious doubt on the reliability of their alleged confessions" had been left out of the programmes, which aired pre-trial "confessions" of the two men while they were being detained. Ofcom said it was considering further sanctions.[17]

Reactions

[edit]

According to BBC News, UK government sources deemed his account about forced confession and torture credible, and the UK government had subsequently offered Cheng support. Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, condemned the Chinese government and summoned Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming:[18]

Simon Cheng was a valued member of our team. We were shocked and appalled by the mistreatment he suffered while in Chinese detention, which amounts to torture. I summoned the Chinese Ambassador to express our outrage at the brutal and disgraceful treatment of Simon in violation of China's international obligations. I have made clear we expect the Chinese authorities to investigate and hold those responsible to account.[18]

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang criticised the summoning of Liu and responded by warning the UK not to interfere in China's internal affairs and describing the UK's "actions and comments on all issues relating to Hong Kong" as "false".[19][12] Liu also responded by saying that Cheng had already made the confession, and that his legal rights were protected during his detention.[20] Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng declined to comment.[19]

Amnesty International responded by saying that Cheng's account of his treatment during his detention aligned with the "documented pattern of torture" commonly seen in Chinese prisons.[11] Peter Dahlin, who served as the director for Safeguard Defenders, commented that Cheng's confession videos have no validity. He added that Beijing has a history of forcing detainees who have ties with foreign governments to record confession videos to deflect criticism. He added that these videos "paint the process with a veneer of judicial process and legality".[13] Willy Lam, a professor from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, commented that the incident reflects Beijing's "vindictive attitude" towards Hong Kong citizens who have ties to foreign countries, and that the incident would likely further fuel the ongoing protests.[21]

Life after detention

[edit]

After he returned to Hong Kong, Cheng claimed that he was "asked to resign" by the consulate as he was considered a "security risk", though the consulate responded by saying that it was Cheng's decision to resign.[10] Cheng later clarified that he left the post because his job would require him to visit mainland China frequently. He briefly stayed in Taiwan from 30 August to 29 November 2020. In Xinyi District, he found himself being followed by an unknown individual. The Taiwanese government then provided bodyguards for him to ensure his personal safety.[22]

The UK government granted him a two-year working holiday visa, and on 27 December 2019, he submitted a request for asylum, which was granted to him and his fiancée on 26 June 2020. This indicated that after five years, he would become eligible to apply for full British citizenship.[23] After he left Hong Kong, he advocated internationally for Hong Kong's and Taiwan's freedom and democracy. As China imposed a national security law on Hong Kong, Cheng collaborated with other exiled activists, including Ray Wong, Brian Leung and Lam Wing-kee to launch an online advice platform named "Haven Assistance" to help Hongkongers who were also facing political prosecution and seeking asylum.[24] Cheng also advocated for the establishment of a "parliament-in-exile" as he believed that the formation of such council can "send a very clear signal to Beijing and the Hong Kong authorities that democracy need not be at the mercy of Beijing".[25] He also established "Hongkongers in Britain", a platform which aids Hongkongers already in Britain and those who sought to emigrate there to integrate into the society.[26]

On 30 July 2020, the Hong Kong police announced that they had issued arrest warrants to six exiled activists including Cheng, Nathan Law, Ray Wong, Wayne Chan, Honcques Laus, and Samuel Chu for breaching the national security law "on suspicion of inciting secession or colluding with foreign forces". Responding to becoming a political fugitive, Cheng said "the totalitarian regime now criminalises me, and I would take that not as a shame but an honour".[27] On 14 December 2023, the Hong Kong government issued an arrest warrant against Cheng and put a bounty of HK$1 million on his capture.[28]

On 10 January 2024, Hong Kong national security police searched Cheng's parents' and two sisters' home and brought them to police stations for questioning. Cheng had broken off contact with his family for four years.[29] On 12 June 2024, the Hong Kong government revoked the passport of Cheng, exercising powers that it had been granted under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.[30]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Simon Cheng

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Simon Cheng is a -born pro-democracy activist and former trade and investment officer at the British Consulate-General in .
In August 2019, Cheng was detained by Chinese authorities at the border while returning from a business trip, held under for 15 days on charges including "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" and alleged prostitution-related offenses.
He later recounted being subjected to , including beatings and forced stress positions, during interrogations focused on his consulate work and support for 's pro-democracy protests, prompting the government to condemn the mistreatment of its former staff member.
Chinese officials released a video of Cheng confessing to the charges under duress and denied allegations, attributing his detention to violations of China's Security Administration Punishment Law.
After his release and subsequent flight to the , Cheng was granted asylum in 2020 amid ongoing threats, establishing himself as a advocate and co-founder of the diaspora organization Hongkongers in Britain to support exiled ers and highlight transnational repression by .

Early life and career

Education and initial employment

Simon Cheng was born in in 1990. He grew up in the city and completed his there before pursuing undergraduate studies abroad. Cheng attended from 2010 to 2014, where he earned a in and . Following graduation, he pursued postgraduate studies at the London School of Economics, obtaining a in European political economy. Details of Cheng's initial professional employment after completing his remain limited in public records, with his subsequent role at the British consulate commencing around 2017 in trade and investment promotion.

Employment at British consulate

Simon Cheng was employed as a trade and investment officer at the British Consulate-General in , with his role beginning in late 2017. His position was part of Scottish Development International, an agency affiliated with the consulate focused on fostering economic ties. Cheng's duties centered on promoting business opportunities, including attracting investment into from Hong Kong-based firms and affluent individuals interested in overseas ventures. This involved networking events, outreach to potential investors, and facilitating connections between Scottish enterprises and Hong Kong's commercial sector, without any involvement in diplomatic or security functions. UK government officials have stated that Cheng was a locally engaged staff member, hired on a non-diplomatic , and held no or responsibilities, countering subsequent Chinese allegations of subversive activities. As part of his routine work, Cheng conducted regular business trips across the border to , including to , to engage with potential partners and explore investment prospects. He continued in this capacity until his detention by Chinese authorities on August 8, , at the end of one such trip.

Pre-detention political activities

Involvement in Hong Kong democracy movement

Cheng expressed support for the 2014 , a series of pro-democracy occupations in demanding for the chief executive election, which he described as a pivotal experience in his awareness of the city's autonomy struggles under the "" principle. Although not a frontline participant—consistent with his own accounts of avoiding direct street actions—Cheng aligned with broader networks of young activists advocating for genuine electoral reforms to counter perceived encroachments on 's promised high degree of autonomy. Prior to his employment at the British Consulate-General in late 2017, Cheng's engagement remained at the level of personal advocacy and observation, influenced by parallel movements like Taiwan's 2014 Sunflower Movement during his studies there, fostering his views on democratic . Upon returning to , he connected with pro-democracy circles emphasizing institutional reforms rather than confrontational tactics, reflecting a moderate stance within the spectrum of activists pushing for adherence to the Basic Law's electoral provisions. These ties underscored his commitment to and , though verifiable records indicate no leadership in organized events or petitions specific to this period.

Social media and protest support

Prior to his detention on August 16, 2019, Simon Cheng expressed support for the protests opposing the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 through posts on platforms including and . These included sharing pro-democracy images and content related to the demonstrations, which drew attention from associates concerned about potential repercussions amid escalating tensions. Cheng's online activity focused on amplifying protest-related information without direct frontline participation, aligning with his broader advocacy for democratic reforms in . Friends highlighted these public expressions as a likely factor in suspicions surrounding his disappearance, given the Chinese authorities' scrutiny of perceived dissent during the bill controversy. In subsequent accounts, Cheng described indirect contributions such as disseminating logistical information for demonstrators, though verifiable pre-detention evidence remains limited to his footprint. He made infrequent comments on foreign involvement, including the United Kingdom's stance, which avoided explicit endorsements of external interference but critiqued perceived inadequacies in diplomatic responses to the unrest.

2019 detention in mainland China

Arrest at West Kowloon station

Simon Cheng, a employed as a trade and investment officer at the British Consulate-General in , was detained by authorities on August 8, 2019, while attempting to cross into territory from via the link at West station. The arrest occurred in the mainland port area of the station, a customs-enclosed zone under Chinese jurisdiction, during routine border inspection following a standard work-related trip to for client meetings. Cheng's last known contact was a message to his girlfriend at approximately 7:40 p.m. that evening, stating he was nearing the border checkpoint on the train from Shenzhen North station; he subsequently vanished without further communication. His family and the British consulate reported him missing after failing to hear from him, with initial inquiries to Hong Kong immigration and Shenzhen police yielding no information until August 10, when officials confirmed detention but provided no details. Chinese foreign ministry spokespersons publicly acknowledged the administrative detention on August 21—13 days after the arrest—stating it would last the full 15 days permitted under public security regulations, though Chinese law mandates family notification within 24 hours absent exceptional circumstances.

Interrogation and formal charges

Following his detention on August 8, 2019, at Shenzhen's Luohu Port, Simon Cheng was subjected to for 15 days under China's management regulations, specifically accused of soliciting . Shenzhen authorities stated that Cheng had confessed to the offense during the detention period, which concluded with his release on August 24, 2019, after which he was permitted to return to under monitoring. In a video released by Shenzhen police on November 21, 2019, Cheng appeared to confess on camera to visiting a and soliciting a sex worker on , describing the act as a momentary lapse in judgment while under stress from work. Chinese state media, including CGTN, presented the footage as evidence of Cheng's guilt for the administrative violation, emphasizing that such offenses typically warrant short-term detention without formal criminal charges. Cheng's subsequent statements indicated that the interrogation sessions, conducted in windowless rooms by both uniformed police and plainclothes state security agents, primarily centered on his involvement in Hong Kong's pro-democracy rather than the . He reported being repeatedly questioned about funding sources for activities, his professional ties to the British consulate-general in , and alleged foreign interference in local affairs, including links between organizers and institutions like the London School of Economics. Chinese authorities maintained that the charge was the basis for detention, dismissing broader inquiries as unrelated to the administrative process.

Release and immediate aftermath

Cheng was released from administrative detention on August 24, 2019, after serving the full 15-day term imposed for violating regulations, including alleged solicitation of . Shenzhen's Luohu District police announced that he had confessed to his offenses during . He was then deported across the border to , where his girlfriend confirmed his safe return later that day. Despite the release, Cheng failed to report back to the British Consulate General in or make any public appearances in the immediate days following. Colleagues and friends, who had already raised alarms over his initial absence since August 8, expressed ongoing concerns to media outlets about his unexplained non-appearance at work post-deportation, amid fears of potential re-detention or by mainland authorities. This absence fueled speculation and reports of him being effectively missing again within , transitioning into preparations for departure from the territory without further details on his movements.

Torture allegations and Chinese official narrative

Cheng's detailed claims of abuse

Cheng detailed his experiences of mistreatment in an 8,000-word post published on November 20, 2019, describing a 15-day in from August 9 to 24, 2019, during which he claimed to have endured repeated physical and by interrogators identifying as . He alleged beginning on the second day, with interrogations intensifying in the final 48 hours, focused on his purported role in linking the British consulate to protests. Physically, Cheng claimed interrogators subjected him to stress positions, including prolonged squatting against a wall or fixed poses for hours, with beatings using spiked batons on bony areas such as knees, ankles, and thighs if he shifted position. He described being hooded and blindfolded, then handcuffed and shackled in a spread-eagled "x-frame" suspension for hours, sometimes with arms raised above his head via chains, causing severe pain and restricted movement; he was also strapped to a metal "tiger chair" with handcuffs attached to a bar, limiting any mobility. Sleep deprivation was enforced by forcing him to repeatedly sing the Chinese national anthem upon dozing, alongside verbal abuse labeling him a "British spy," "traitor to the motherland," and "enemy of the state." Psychologically, Cheng alleged tactics aimed at extracting a tying the government to organization, including threats of , , and charges; he claimed interrogators showed him photos of protesters for identification and asserted that groups had been detained in . He stated he was coerced into unlocking his phone via facial recognition while held by the hair, signing fabricated documents, and recording multiple scripted video confessions—one admitting to "betraying the motherland" by inciting unrest, another staging solicitation of —under duress over several takes. Upon crossing into and later arriving in the , Cheng reported visible injuries including bruises on his wrists, ankles, thighs, and knees, which UK medical examinations documented as consistent with the described physical restraints and beatings.

Evidence and corroboration debates

Cheng's allegations of physical torture, including repeated beatings with batons, forced stress positions such as the "tiger chair," and psychological coercion through and threats, align with documented patterns of abuse in mainland Chinese detention facilities. has reported that such methods—encompassing beatings, electric shocks, and prolonged —are routinely employed to extract confessions, based on testimonies from numerous detainees across political cases. These practices persist despite legal prohibitions, with Amnesty's 2015 report "" detailing over 200 cases of torture-linked forced confessions since 2009, often involving state security personnel targeting perceived subversives. Independent verification remains constrained by China's denial of access to detention sites for international monitors or forensic experts, rendering scarce and assessment dependent on victim testimonies and secondary evaluations. Post-release medical checks in , referenced in Cheng's accounts, indicated bruises, swelling, and mobility issues consistent with blunt force trauma and restraint use, though these were not conducted under controlled conditions allowing chain-of-custody for injuries. analyses emphasize this evidentiary gap as systemic, noting that opaque detention protocols preclude on-site investigations or autopsies, a limitation echoed in broader critiques of China's opacity. Debates over a video disseminated by Shenzhen authorities on November 21, 2019, center on indicators of versus claims of voluntariness. The footage depicts Cheng admitting to and in a flat monotone, with minimal and scripted phrasing, features identified in reviews of Chinese state-broadcast confessions as hallmarks of duress, including post-torture scripting and rehearsal under threat. Cheng has described multiple recording sessions following , aligning with patterns where detainees report iterative filming to produce compliant narratives, though forensic video analysis remains unavailable due to lack of raw footage access. Such debates highlight reliance on contextual patterns over definitive proof, as no neutral third-party authentication has been permitted.

Beijing's response and counter-accusations

Chinese authorities initially reported on August 22, 2019, that Simon Cheng had been subjected to 15 days of in under China's public security regulations for repeatedly soliciting , a claim disseminated by state-affiliated outlet citing local police. This narrative framed the detention as routine enforcement of , with no indication of political charges or extended custody beyond the statutory period. In response to Cheng's public allegations of mistreatment on November 20, 2019, Luohu District police released a video on November 21, 2019, showing Cheng confessing to engaging in on multiple occasions at a , accompanied by CCTV footage purportedly depicting his visits there over three weeks. , including CGTN, used this material to deny any abuse, asserting that procedures adhered strictly to legal norms for the prostitution offense and rejecting claims of or political interrogation. Beijing's counter-narrative portrayed Cheng's consular position as a facade for subversive actions, accusing him of acting as a "black hand" orchestrating protest activities under foreign direction, particularly from British entities. Officials implied intelligence ties, with state commentary demanding probes into British diplomatic staff's potential roles in fomenting unrest, framing Cheng's case as of external interference in China's internal affairs.

Flight to exile and UK asylum

Escape route via Taiwan

Following his administrative detention release on August 24, 2019, Cheng returned to and reported the incident to the British Consulate-General. Aware of potential ongoing by authorities, he evaded monitoring by departing for shortly thereafter, arriving in late August. This move served as an initial safe haven, allowing him to lie low while coordinating further travel amid fears of re-arrest or . Cheng spent roughly three months in , utilizing the island's relative security as a staging point for his . He collaborated with his girlfriend on logistical research for onward routes and engaged in discreet negotiations with officials to facilitate departure. While specific activist network involvement remains unconfirmed beyond personal contacts, the transit avoided direct flights from to minimize traceability. In November 2019, Cheng boarded a nonstop commercial flight from to the , completing the circuitous escape sequence. To safeguard intermediaries and avoid compromising the pathway for others, he withheld public details of the itinerary initially, disclosing logistics only in later interviews such as one with New Bloom Magazine in December 2020.

Asylum application and approval

Upon arriving in the in early 2020 after fleeing via , Simon Cheng submitted an asylum claim to the UK , citing a well-founded fear of due to his political opinions, support for 's pro-democracy movement, and prior employment as a case officer at the British consulate-general in . His application referenced the risks stemming from his 2019 detention in , where authorities accused him of political activities, heightening concerns of further reprisals under the framework. The reviewed the claim over approximately six months, approving it on June 26, 2020, and granting Cheng refugee status along with his fiancée as a dependent, providing five years of residency eligibility. Cheng described the decision as recognizing his case of "political intrinsically," positioning it as a potential precedent for other pro-democracy figures holding passports seeking protection from Beijing's reach. UK officials underscored the asylum system's role in safeguarding individuals from state reprisals, particularly former diplomatic staff facing threats tied to their professional and activist roles, without disclosing specific procedural details on Cheng's case due to norms.

Family harassment by authorities

Following his flight to the in late 2019, Simon Cheng publicly severed contact with his immediate family members in on January 10, 2020, stating that the decision was intended to shield them from ongoing harassment and threats by Chinese authorities linked to his . Cheng expressed hope that his relatives could thereby live "in tranquillity and peace, without external harassment and threat," amid reports of prior pressure tactics employed against families of exiled dissidents. Despite this measure, national security police raided the residence of Cheng's parents and two sisters on January 10, 2024, seizing electronic devices and other items during a property search. The four family members were then detained for questioning regarding their connections to Cheng, who faces a HK$1 million bounty under Hong Kong's for alleged to and with foreign forces. Authorities released them later that day without charges, but the incident underscored persistent scrutiny on relatives of overseas activists. No verified reports indicate formal travel bans or continuous imposed on Cheng's family, though such actions have been documented in parallel cases involving relatives of exiles as a means of leverage. Cheng has described these events as part of a broader pattern of familial by Beijing-aligned forces to deter diaspora advocacy.

Activism in exile

Founding of Hongkongers in Britain

Hongkongers in Britain (HKB), a non-profit organization supporting the diaspora in the , was co-founded by Simon Cheng in July 2020 alongside figures such as Julian Chan. The group emerged in response to the increasing emigration of residents following Beijing's imposition of the national security law, aiming to unite expatriates and facilitate their settlement. HKB's initial structure included a board chaired by Cheng, an executive committee, and directors focused on public affairs, with operations registered as a charitable entity in the UK. Its core goals centered on advocating for the rights of British National (Overseas) visa holders, providing integration support such as community networking and policy advice, and lobbying UK policymakers to safeguard Hong Kong-related interests amid geopolitical tensions. Headquartered in London, the organization quickly expanded into a nationwide network, launching initiatives like crowdfunding campaigns to fund advocacy efforts by mid-2020.

Advocacy for Hong Kong diaspora

Following his , Simon Cheng has advocated for policy measures to secure extended residency rights for diaspora in the , particularly emphasizing the preservation of the visa scheme's original terms. Through his leadership in Hongkongers in Britain, he has urged the government to exempt BNO visa holders from proposed reforms that could extend the path to from five years to ten years, arguing that such changes would undermine the scheme's purpose as a safe haven post-2020 national security law. This advocacy includes submissions highlighting surveys where 90% of arrivals reported facing campaigns aimed at harming their interests, positioning extended residency as essential for integration and protection. Cheng has also pushed back against potential extradition risks to or authorities, collaborating with groups to assess and publicize threats from proposed extradition amendments and mutual legal assistance treaties. He has contended that maintaining safeguards against such treaties is critical, given extraterritorial applications of 's security laws to exiles, while evaluating specific reforms as not increasing societal risks but necessitating vigilance for vulnerable communities. These efforts involve public statements and joint analyses warning of Beijing's use of legal mechanisms to pursue overseas critics, aiming to influence policy toward non-cooperation in extraditions involving charges. In parallel, Cheng has engaged in public writings and collaborations to heighten awareness of the national security law's impacts on the diaspora, contributing articles to The Freethinker that blend human rights critiques with philosophical reflections on authoritarian overreach, such as responses to incidents involving Chinese diplomatic interference in the UK. He has worked with fellow exiles, including discussions on establishing a "shadow parliament" to signal continued democratic representation abroad, fostering networks that educate on the law's chilling effects like passport revocations and bounties without overlapping into personal security matters. These initiatives underscore collaborative platforms for policy advocacy and community resilience among Hong Kongers in exile.

Recent campaigns and writings

Since 2023, Cheng has maintained an active presence on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @SimonChengUK, focusing on diaspora challenges such as visa pathways and community resilience for Hong Kong expatriates in Britain. In a September 10, 2025, post, he expressed support for a cross-party parliamentary debate on a petition advocating retention of the five-year (ILR) requirement for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders, highlighting the 's contributions to the economy and society. Earlier, on December 25, 2023, he shared messages emphasizing hope and remembrance for detained Hong Kongers during holiday periods, underscoring ongoing efforts. Cheng has authored analytical writings framing Hong Kong's pro-democracy struggles within broader principles of global democratic resilience. In a 2023 macro-analysis published by Hongkongers in Britain, he outlined tactical fronts—street protests, council-level organizing, and international advocacy—for sustaining the movement against authoritarian encroachment, drawing on localism, , and as ideological pillars. A March 3, 2025, blog for the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation further linked Hong Kong's deteriorating freedoms to wider risks for democratic values, critiquing authoritarian tactics observed post-2019 protests. His campaigns through Hongkongers in Britain have included submissions and advocacy influencing UK policy discussions on Hong Kong, such as those referenced in parliamentary evidence on family persecutions and national security law impacts, where his organization's input supported calls for protective measures for exiles. These efforts emphasize empirical tracking of Beijing's extraterritorial pressures while promoting self-reliant diaspora networks over dependency on state interventions.

Passport cancellation and bounties

On 12 June 2024, Hong Kong's Security Bureau revoked Simon Cheng's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport under Article 54 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (commonly known as Article 23), which empowers the Secretary for Security to cancel travel documents of individuals suspected of committing national security offenses while absconding. This measure targeted Cheng alongside five other UK-based figures—Nathan Law, Finn Lau, Mung Siu-tat, Johnny Fok, and Tony Choi—whom authorities accused of subverting state power and colluding with foreign entities to incite actions against Hong Kong's stability. The revocation was justified by Hong Kong officials as a necessary step to prevent "fugitives" from using valid passports to travel freely while allegedly continuing to undermine and from overseas. Security chief emphasized that such individuals posed ongoing threats by promoting and foreign interference, framing the passport cancellations as enforcement of legal accountability rather than . On 24 December 2024, national security police announced HK$1 million (approximately $128,000) rewards for information leading to the arrest or prosecution of Cheng and five other designated fugitives—Dennis Kwok, , Simon Cheng, and two others unnamed in initial reports—accused of similar offenses including conspiracy to subvert state power. Police described the bounties as a response to these exiles' persistent efforts to destabilize through overseas advocacy, such as organizing protests and lobbying foreign governments, which they claimed eroded public order and . This followed an earlier HK$1 million bounty on Cheng issued in December 2023, indicating sustained official pursuit of those labeled as threats to stability.

Impact on UK-based activities

Following the issuance of a HK$1 million bounty by authorities in 2023, Simon Cheng adopted heightened caution in his UK-based public engagements, citing fears of , abduction, or infiltration by Chinese agents. He has limited personal interactions, avoiding contact with friends and family to mitigate risks to them, which has resulted in and eroded trust within his networks due to reported instances of impersonation and disinformation campaigns targeting him. Cheng's advocacy has shifted toward greater reliance on digital platforms and remote coordination, supplementing in-person events that remain infrequent and heavily secured, as he expressed doubts about the UK's capacity to shield exiles from transnational repression despite his 2019 asylum grant. police responses, such as advising VPN use and route variations in cases of reported threats, have been described by Cheng and peers as inadequate, with investigations often stalled due to lack of evidence like CCTV footage, highlighting enforcement gaps in addressing state-sponsored intimidation. The operations of Hongkongers in Britain (HKB), which Cheng co-founded in 2020 to assist diaspora with settlement and advocacy, have persisted amid these threats, focusing on support and community building, though funding constraints emerged after the Housing Ministry reduced assistance, compelling Cheng to pursue supplementary employment. Perceived risks from ongoing bounties and family interrogations in have compounded operational challenges, yet HKB maintained activities like public speeches—such as Cheng's February 2025 address opposing China's proposed embassy expansion—demonstrating resilience despite the on broader participation.

Security concerns in Britain

In May 2024, British authorities charged three individuals under the National Security Act with assisting a intelligence service, including foreign interference and gathering intelligence on pro-democracy figures in the . These arrests, involving alleged surveillance of Hong Kong exiles, heightened security fears within Britain's Hong Kong diaspora, prompting concerns over Chinese transnational repression on UK soil. Simon Cheng, as a prominent activist with a history of detention by Chinese authorities, cited these developments as exacerbating risks for targeted individuals like himself, amid reports of Beijing's growing influence in Britain. Despite receiving political asylum in the in July 2020, Cheng has repeatedly expressed persistent unease about his personal safety, stating that he "always need to look over [his] shoulder to make sure [he's] not being followed" due to suspected Chinese operatives tracking him. This stems in part from a HK$1 million (approximately £100,000) bounty imposed by police in December 2023 for charges of to and with foreign forces, which he views as extending threats extraterritorially. Cheng has articulated that "even the isn't safe as a ," attributing this to Beijing's expanding reach, including potential abductions during travel to China-influenced countries. Cheng has advocated for stronger UK measures to counter these risks, questioning the adequacy of current asylum protections and warning that "Beijing's power is growing" such that safeguards "could be never enough." He has specifically urged the British government to halt plans for a new Chinese embassy in , arguing it would facilitate further intimidation of exiles. These concerns align with broader parliamentary scrutiny of China's interference, as noted in a 2025 UK committee report labeling a "flagrant" perpetrator of transnational repression.

Controversies and differing interpretations

Disputes over prostitution charge validity

Chinese authorities in Shenzhen detained Simon Cheng on August 8, 2019, charging him with solicitation of prostitution under administrative regulations that permit up to 15 days of detention without trial for such offenses. On November 21, 2019, Shenzhen police released surveillance footage and a confession video purportedly showing Cheng entering a massage parlor hotel three times—on July 23, July 31, and August 8, 2019—for approximately two and a half hours each visit, during which he allegedly paid 268 yuan for services including prostitution. State media, including CCTV, presented this as evidence of routine misconduct unrelated to Cheng's pro-democracy activities or consulate role, denying any political motivation or coercion in obtaining the admission. Cheng has consistently rebutted the charge's validity, asserting that the confession was extracted under duress during secret detention by state agents, who subjected him to physical beatings, , and threats of charges carrying longer sentences. He described being isolated without access to lawyers or consular notification for over two weeks before the began, claiming the prostitution allegation was fabricated to justify initial seizure of his devices and data, with no prior personal history of such conduct. Cheng further argued that the video's scripted delivery—reciting details fed by interrogators—lacks voluntary indicators, and he invoked the absence of independent verification for the hotel transactions beyond police-provided footage. Analyses from monitors highlight discrepancies undermining the charge's credibility, noting that solicitation cases in are typically handled summarily by local police without escalation to state security or televised confessions, a pattern reserved for politically sensitive detainees. documented Cheng's account as aligning with broader evidence of coerced admissions in , where detainees face "residential surveillance" enabling unmonitored interrogation, though such organizations' advocacy focus warrants scrutiny against state denials of systemic abuse. No third-party forensic review of the video or records has occurred, leaving the dispute unresolved empirically, with Cheng's asylum grant in the UK on July 1, 2020, implicitly crediting his coercion claims over official narratives.

Role of foreign influence allegations

Chinese authorities alleged that Simon Cheng, as a staffer at the British Consulate-General in , facilitated foreign interference by the in local affairs, particularly through support for the anti-government s. During his detention in from August 8 to August 24, 2019, interrogators accused him of and , claiming the consulate functioned as a command hub for orchestrating protest activities, and pressed him on London's purported role in inciting unrest. released a video on November 20, 2019, showing Cheng confessing to spying for Britain and engaging in activities to destabilize , assertions framed as evidence of meddling via consular channels. The British government rejected these espionage claims, affirming that Cheng held a civilian position focused on trade and investment promotion, with no affiliation to intelligence operations such as MI6. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stated on November 20, 2019, that Cheng was a "valued member of our team" and described his mistreatment as outrageous, summoning Chinese officials to protest the detention without conceding any wrongdoing by UK entities. Cheng himself denied the allegations, attributing the confession video to coercion under torture, including sleep deprivation and physical abuse, a pattern documented by human rights organizations in Chinese mainland detentions. No independent evidence beyond the contested video and transcripts has substantiated Beijing's foreign influence claims against Cheng or the consulate; UK authorities pursued no espionage investigations against him, and international bodies have not validated the assertions absent verifiable documentation. Chinese officials maintain the consulate's involvement without public disclosure of corroborating materials, while the absence of formal charges or trials in neutral jurisdictions underscores reliance on Cheng's under local law for unrelated prostitution solicitation, which he contests as fabricated.

Broader implications for Sino-British relations

The detention of Simon Cheng in 2019 prompted an immediate condemnation from the Foreign Secretary , who described the allegations of mistreatment as "deeply disturbing" and summoned the Chinese ambassador to express concerns over the safety of consular staff and the broader implications for bilateral trust. This incident underscored early tensions in Sino-British relations amid the 2019 protests, highlighting risks to individuals associated with diplomatic missions crossing into . Subsequent Hong Kong authorities' issuance of a HK$1 million bounty on Cheng in 2023, as part of efforts targeting overseas pro-democracy figures, drew further rebuke in July 2025, with officials labeling the rewards as unacceptable threats to residents in Britain and interference in sovereignty. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reiterated opposition to such extraterritorial measures, framing them within ongoing patterns of transnational repression against exiles. In response, the Chinese embassy in accused the of "gross interference" in China's internal affairs by sheltering individuals it deems subversives under the 2020 National Security Law. Cheng's case has served as an emblematic example of post-2020 relational strains, contributing to UK's suspension of extradition treaties with and regular six-monthly reports documenting the erosion of freedoms, which dismisses as biased meddling in . These exchanges reflect mutual accusations—UK emphasizing and violations, versus 's insistence that abroad constitutes foreign-orchestrated destabilization—exacerbating diplomatic friction without resolving underlying disputes over 's .

References

  1. https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-simon-cheng-hong-kong/
  2. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-simon-cheng-20-november-2019
  3. https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/21/asia/hong-kong-simon-cheng-intl-hnk
  4. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53252533
  5. https://www.npr.org/2019/11/20/781141347/former-u-k-hong-kong-consulate-staffer-says-he-was-tortured-in-mainland-china
  6. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-50457262
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/02/simon-cheng-hong-kong-consulate-worker-tortured-in-china-is-granted-uk-asylum
  8. https://www.indexoncensorship.org/events/the-long-reach-how-authoritarian-governments-silence-critics-abroad/
  9. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/20/former-uk-official-simon-cheng-in-hong-kong-tortured-in-15-day-china-ordeal
  10. https://freethinker.co.uk/author/simon-cheng/
  11. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/20/employee-at-uk-consulate-in-hong-kong-detained-in-china
  12. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49419711
  13. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3046843/simon-cheng-hongkonger-who-was-held-mainland-china-optimistic
  14. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/simon-cheng-hong-kong-employee-british-consulate-china-police-torture-grilling-over-protests-2019-11-20/
  15. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/24/uk-consulate-worker-hong-kong-simon-cheng-detained-in-china-is-freed
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/20/world/asia/british-consulate-hong-kong-simon-cheng.html
  17. https://newbloommag.net/2020/12/21/interview-simon-cheng-eng/
  18. https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/23/asia/simon-cheng-freed-detention-china-intl
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/20/world/asia/british-consulate-hong-kong-china.html
  20. https://hongkongfp.com/2019/08/20/staff-member-uks-consulate-hong-kong-missing-10-days-mainland-china-business-trip/
  21. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3023735/china-confirms-detention-british-consulate-trade-officer-simon
  22. https://www.npr.org/2019/08/21/753015161/china-confirms-british-consulate-employee-held-on-administrative-detention
  23. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/8/24/china-releases-uks-hong-kong-consulate-staffer
  24. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49445555
  25. https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/21/asia/hong-kong-simon-cheng-china-intl-hnk
  26. https://twitter.com/ChinaDaily/status/1197552752773255172
  27. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/about-ofcom/bulletins/broadcast-bulletins/2021/issue-422/complaint-by-mr-simon-cheng-about-china-24-cgtn-21-november-2019-1215.pdf
  28. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/china-tortured-me-over-hong-kong-says-former-british-consulate-employee-idUSKBN1XU0RQ/
  29. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/press-release/2019/11/china-uk-consulate-worker-allegations-fit-pattern-of-endemic-torture-on-mainland/
  30. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2015/11/torture-in-china-who-what-why-and-how/
  31. https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/asa170111993en.pdf
  32. https://safeguarddefenders.com/en/blog/frightened-abused-and-alone-simon-cheng-reveals-details-behind-his-forced-filmed-confessions
  33. https://thediplomat.com/2019/11/another-day-another-forced-confession-on-chinese-television/
  34. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-50592641
  35. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-britain/employee-of-britains-hong-kong-mission-held-in-china-over-prostitution-report-idUSKCN1VC0W9/
  36. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/22/british-consulate-china-media-claims-prostitutes
  37. https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/22/asia/hong-kong-staffer-china-prostitution-intl-hnk
  38. http://hongkongfp.com/2019/11/21/chinese-state-media-publish-confession-video-former-uk-consulate-staffer-simon-cheng/
  39. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3038827/chinese-police-release-simon-cheng-man-kit-confession-tape-amid
  40. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/simon-cheng-china-uk-consulate-torture-allegations-1.5367704
  41. https://www.hrw.org/zh-hans/news/2019/12/15/337077
  42. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/11/20/china-tortured-uk-consulate-worker-britains-role-hong-kong/
  43. https://www.dw.com/en/china-british-consulate-worker-simon-cheng-released/a-50147290
  44. https://theworld.org/stories/2021/08/11/hl-33
  45. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/01/world/asia/hong-kong-simon-cheng-asylum-uk.html
  46. https://apnews.com/general-news-f0ac1717aed4aa74800d92c444975983
  47. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/01/uk-consular-official-hong-kong-simon-cheng-granted-political/
  48. https://hongkongfp.com/2020/01/10/ex-uk-consulate-staffer-simon-cheng-cuts-ties-hong-kong-family-avoid-harassment/
  49. https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/uk-consulate-staffer-detained-in-china-disconnects-with-family-to-spare-them-harassment/
  50. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3247895/hong-kong-national-security-police-question-father-fugitive-opposition-figure-simon-cheng
  51. https://hongkongfp.com/2024/01/11/hong-kong-national-security-police-question-simon-chengs-family-as-exiled-activist-gives-blessing-to-sever-ties/
  52. https://www.hongkongwatch.org/all-posts/2024/10-1-2024/hong-kong-watch-condemns-threats-against-overseas-hk-activists
  53. https://hongkongers.org.uk/who-we-are/
  54. https://hongkongers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/HKB-Policy-Study-on-Hong-Kong-British-National-Overseas-Holders-Intending-to-Come-to-the-UK.pdf
  55. http://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/09/a-second-life-the-hongkongers-working-to-build-a-new-community-in-the-uk/
  56. https://hongkongers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Supporting-hong-kong-arrivals.pdf
  57. https://x.com/simonchenguk
  58. https://safeguarddefenders.com/en/blog/hong-kong-police-challenges-west-abandon-mlats-and-extradition-treaties
  59. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/03/hong-kong-activists-planning-parliament-in-exile-after-china-brings-in-security-law
  60. https://x.com/simonchenguk?lang=en
  61. https://x.com/SimonChengUK/status/1965643028154253314
  62. https://twitter.com/SimonChengUK/status/1739318856210940381
  63. https://hongkongers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Simon-Chengs-macro-analysis.pdf
  64. https://thecfhk.org/category/simon-cheng/
  65. https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/138078/pdf/
  66. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/12/hong-kong-cancels-passports-of-six-pro-democracy-activists-in-exile-in-uk
  67. https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-passports-activists-cancel-nathan-law-494d907a81cfab2058e9ae48733fbe06
  68. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/hong-kong-activists-passports-06122024134110.html
  69. https://www.voanews.com/a/hong-kong-cancels-passports-of-six-self-exiled-democracy-activists/7654211.html
  70. https://hongkongfp.com/2024/06/12/cancelling-hong-kong-democracy-activists-passports-not-a-breach-of-un-rights-treaty-security-chief-says/
  71. https://hongkongfp.com/2024/12/24/breaking-hong-kong-national-security-police-issue-hk1-million-bounties-for-6-fugitives/
  72. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgmj87248no
  73. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/14/hong-kong-puts-arrest-bounties-on-five-overseas-activists-including-us-citizen
  74. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/03/hong-kong-exiles-united-kingdom/682155/
  75. https://news.sky.com/story/i-dont-feel-safe-in-uk-the-exiles-with-100k-bounties-on-their-heads-13433909
  76. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/wanted-china-uk-safe-hong-kong-dissident-3455192
  77. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67977207
  78. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/27/world/europe/britain-china-spy-arrests-hong-kong.html
  79. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-67724230
  80. https://www.icij.org/news/2025/08/parliamentary-committee-labels-china-flagrant-perpetrator-of-transnational-repression-on-uk-soil/
  81. https://www.wsj.com/articles/former-u-k-consulate-employee-says-chinese-secret-police-tortured-him-11574229602
  82. https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/245501-china-releases-video-uk-consulate-worker-confession/
  83. http://hongkongfp.com/2019/11/28/simon-chengs-tv-confession-reveals-truth-chinas-coercive-legal-system/
  84. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-releases-video-of-uk-consulate-workers-confession
  85. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-21/china-confirms-u-k-consulate-staff-detained-under-local-law
  86. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx069we39xo
  87. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/six-monthly-report-on-hong-kong-january-to-june-2025/six-monthly-report-on-hong-kong-1-january-to-30-june-2025
  88. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/hong-kong-issues-arrest-warrants-19-overseas-activists-accused-subversion-2025-07-25/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.