Chinese activist Zhang Xinyan, wanted by Hong Kong gov’t, arrives in Canada after Thailand detention

Chinese activist Zhang Xinyan, who faces charges from Hong Kong's national security police, has safely arrived in Canada after a period of detention in Thailand. Sheng Xue, a Chinese Canadian activist who aided Zhang, confirmed her arrival at Vancouver International Airport on Monday morning, Canadian time.

Zhang, 55, is wanted by Hong Kong authorities for alleged subversion under Article 23 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. She was elected to the Hong Kong Parliament, an organization formed by Hong Kong activists in Canada that was banned in the city last December. As a dissident and Falun Gong practitioner, Zhang fled China in 2014 and obtained refugee status from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees after her Chinese passport was revoked.

Her journey to Canada was complicated when she was arrested by Thai authorities in May for allegedly overstaying her visa. She was held at an Immigration Detention Centre, and Sheng Xue noted that Zhang was "almost sent to China" multiple times during her three-month ordeal. Sheng expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada and various activists for their support in securing Zhang's release and resettlement.

Hong Kong police issued an arrest warrant for Zhang and 14 other activists last July, offering a bounty for information. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, enacted in March 2024, allows for pre-charge detention and restricted access to lawyers, with penalties up to life imprisonment. Zhang's arrival in Canada marks a significant development in her pursuit of asylum and freedom from political persecution.

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Over a three-month ordeal, there were a few times that she was almost sent to [China]. Now Zhang Xinyan is safe and will be finally landing in Canada in seven hours.