Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the National Security Agency, disclosed sensitive material regarding American surveillance programs in 2013. Then, he escaped to Hong Kong, where he was permitted to depart the country even though American efforts to extradite him failed. This happened because the US document calling for his arrest used the wrong middle name! The US accused Hong Kong of not complying with the extradition process, which led to tensions between the two countries following this incident.
Hong Kong government representatives defended their choice, claiming they had adhered to the correct protocol. Due to their disparate legal systems and extradition agreements, the US and Hong Kong have a delicate relationship that is highlighted by this case. It also calls into doubt the US’s capacity to extradite criminals from other nations.