China says the UK is sheltering fugitives after Hong Kong put bounties on the heads of eight pro-democracy activists who fled the territory.
The statement from its London embassy came after the UK said it would not tolerate attempts by China to silence individuals in the UK or overseas.
Reports say that the eight left the former British territory after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee said they would be pursued for life. He urged them to give themselves up, adding that otherwise they would spend their days in fear.