Abstract
This chapter explores further the third controversial issue arising from the Occupy Central , by examining the central and local authorities’ zero-tolerance positions on Hong Kong independence , the Hong Kong government’s efforts to oppose pro-independence forces, and how these efforts have affected civil liberties in society and freedom of discussion on school and university campuses. It argues the central and local governments cannot tolerate pro-independence voices, consider the rise of pro-independence factions a key potential threat to national sovereignty and security, and have categorically defined discussions of Hong Kong independence as outside the limits of freedom of speech and academic freedom . The Hong Kong government has moved to prevent the spread of pro-independence sentiments by introducing unprecedented measures shrinking the space for pro-independence discourse, constraining social freedoms, and limiting the discussion of political sensitive issues on campuses—though their efficacy is uncertain.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. (2018, October 8). AmCham statement regarding the non-renewal of FT editor Victor Mallet’s Visa. Retrieved from https://www.amcham.org.hk/news/amcham-statement-regarding-the-non-renewal-of-ft-editor-victor-mallets-visa.
Au, O. (2018, September 3). Daxue Zhidao Shizhi Buyi [The Dao of University: Unwavering determination]. Retrieved from https://zh-hk.facebook.com/CUHK.SU/posts/2009401419122257.
Bland, B. (2018, October 5). Financial times journalist’s visa renewal denied by Hong Kong. Financial Times. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/5240ecda-c870-11e8-ba8f-ee390057b8c9.
Cheung, T., & Su, X. (2018, September 27). Crime to associate with banned party, schools warned. South China Morning Post, p. A1.
Cheung, Y. (2018, August 29). Jiaoyu Weihe Wu? [What is education?]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/EdUHKSUEC/photos/a.333556010043789/2018688021530571.
Chinese University of Hong Kong. (2018, January 17). 17 January 2018 Statement from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Retrieved from http://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press_detail.php?id=2702.
Chugani, M. (2018, October 4). Buzzwords that can land some in hot water. South China Morning Post, p. A11.
Demosisto. (2018, July 17). We have entered an era of white terror. Retrieved from https://www.demosisto.hk/article/details/267.
Education Bureau. (2017). Discussion on Controversial Topics in Schools. Hong Kong: Education Bureau.
Education Bureau. (2018a, May 16). LCQ5: Issues relating to the promotion of “Hong Kong Independence”. Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/16/P2018051600529.htm.
Education Bureau. (2018b). Prohibiting the penetration of unlawful society into school. Hong Kong: Education Bureau.
Financial Times Editorial Board. (2018, October 8). Hong Kong’s move against free speech. Financial Times. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/16a85b2e-ca1c-11e8-9fe5-24ad351828ab.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office of United Kingdom. (2018, October 5). FCO statement on Denial of Hong Kong Visa for FT Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fco-statement-on-denial-of-hong-kong-visa-for-ft-reporter.
Foreign Correspondents’ Club Hong Kong. (2018a, October 5). FCC calls on authorities to explain visa decision on Club Vice President Victor Mallet. Retrieved from https://www.fcchk.org/fcc-statement-calls-on-authorities-to-explain-visa-decision-on-club-vice-president-victor-mallet/.
Foreign Correspondents’ Club Hong Kong. (2018b, August 6). FCC statement on Andy Chan Ho-Tin Club lunch event. Retrieved from https://www.fcchk.org/fcc-statement-on-andy-chan-ho-tin-club-lunch-event/.
Global Times Editor. (2018, October 7). Shao Yiming Yingguo Jizhe Xianggang Jiu Neidi Hua Le? [Is Hong Kong mainlandized by just one British Journalist Less?]. Huanqiu Shibao [Global Times]. Retrieved from http://opinion.huanqiu.com/editorial/2018-10/13192678.html.
Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. (2017). About Hong Kong alliance. Retrieved from https://hka8964.wordpress.com/hkaeng/#eng_who.
Hong Kong Baptist University Students’ Union Editorial Board. (2018, September 4). Xiaofang Yu Kaixueli Kanwu Shanjian Xuesheng Daibiao Jiangce [The University administration deleted part of the speech of students’ representative in the inauguration ceremony]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/busueb/photos/a.426369960780538/1790241261060061.
Hong Kong Government. (1997). Societies Ordinance. Retrieved from https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap151.
Hong Kong Government. (2017, September 8). CE condemns improper remarks appearing on university campuses. Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201709/08/P2017090800644.htm.
Hong Kong Government. (2018a). The chief executive’s 2018 policy address: Striving ahead, rekindling hope. Hong Kong: Government Logistics Department.
Hong Kong Government. (2018b, July 1). Government responds to July 1 procession. Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201807/01/P2018070100546.htm.
Hong Kong Government. (2018c, August 14). HKSAR Government deeply regrets FCC Luncheon Talk. Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201808/14/P2018081400613.htm.
Hong Kong Government. (2018d, November 6). Response by CS at UNHRC universal periodic review meeting. Retrieved from https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201811/06/P2018110600982.htm.
Hong Kong Government. (2018e, October 9). Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting (with video). Retrieved from https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201810/09/P2018100900465.htm.
Hong Kong Government. (2018f, September 4). Xingzheng Zhangguan Yu Xingzhen Huiyi Qian Huijian Chuanmei Tanhua Quanwen [Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting, Part 2]. Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201809/04/P2018090400518.htm.
Hong Kong International Literary Festival. (2018). Hong Kong international literary festival, 2–11 November 2018. Hong Kong: Hong Kong International Literary Festival.
Hong Kong Journalists Association. (2018a, October 5). HKJA expresses shock at Government refusal of work visa for FCC Vice President. Retrieved from https://www.hkja.org.hk/en/statements/hkja-expresses-shock-at-government-refusal-of-work-visa-for-fcc-vice-president/.
Hong Kong Journalists Association. (2018b, August 14). HKJA statement on Chan Ho-Tin Speech at FCC. Retrieved from https://www.hkja.org.hk/en/statements/hkja-statement-on-chan-ho-tin-speech-at-fcc/.
Hong Kong Journalists Association, Hong Kong Press Photographers Association, Independent Commentators Association, Journalism Educators for Press Freedom, Ming Pao Staff Association, Next Media Trade Union, & RTHK Programme Staff Union. (2018, November 9). Joint statement: The death knell for freedom of speech in Hong Kong. Retrieved from https://www.hkja.org.hk/en/statements/joint-statement-the-death-knell-for-freedom-of-speech-in-hong-kong/.
Hong Kong National Front. (2018). Laing Songheng Xiansheng Jiaru Bing Danren Fayanren [Baggio Leung joined us and served as a spokesperson]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/HK.NationFront/posts/2200995536808811.
Hong Kong Police Force. (2018a, July 18). Recommendation on prohibiting the operation of Hong Kong national party under S.8 of Societies Ordinance Cap. 151. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/hknationalparty/posts/%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E6%B0%91%E6%97%8F%E9%BB%A8%E7%8F%BE%E5%85%AC%E9%96%8B%E4%BF%9D%E5%AE%89%E5%B1%80%E7%B5%A6%E4%BA%88%E6%9C%AC%E9%BB%A8%E7%9A%84%E6%96%87%E4%BB%B6the-hknp-hereby-publishes-the-documents-received-from-the-secu/865231717009117/.
Hong Kong Police Force. (2018b, July 18). Recommendation on Prohibiting the Operation of Hong Kong National Party Under S.8 of Societies Ordinance Cap. 151—Additional Information.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students’ Union. (2018, October 4). Xiaofang Guisuo Zhanzai Gaoqiang Jujue Yu Tongxue Duihua [The University administration dared not face us and refused to discuss with students]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/hkpusu/posts/1898706833545971.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students’ Union. (n.d.). Minzhu Qiang Shiyong Shouze [Regulation on the use of democracy wall]. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students’ Union.
Hong Kong University Students’ Union Campus TV. (2018, August 28). Inauguration ceremony for new students 2018. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/hkucampustv/videos/vb.279926822076021/2235111613227743.
Hong Kong University Students’ Union. (2018a). The internal regulations. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Students’ Union.
Hong Kong University Students’ Union. (2018b, September 27). The Union Executive Committee’s response on the unauthorized removal of the post on democracy wall. Retrieved from http://www.hkusu.org/en/the-union-executive-committees-response-on-the-unauthorized-removal-of-the-post-on-democracy-wall/.
Kocijancic, M. (2018, October 8). Statement by the spokesperson on the refusal to renew a visa for a foreign journalist in Hong Kong. Retrieved from https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/kosovo/51753/statement-spokesperson-refusal-renew-visa-foreign-journalist-hong-kong_en.
Lam, C. (2018, July 1). Speech by CE at reception for 21st anniversary of establishment of HKSAR. Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201807/01/P2018070100395.htm.
Lee, M. H., & Tu, K. L. (2018). Xiaoyuan Zhong Buneng Chenshou De Du [Independence cannot be tolerated on university campus]. U-Beat Magazine, 134. http://ubeat.com.cuhk.edu.hk/134_coverstory/.
Leung, K. (2018, October 7). PolyU president urged to meet hunger strikers. South China Morning Post, p. 4.
Lockett, H., & Liu, N. (2018, November 8). Senior FT editor refused entry to Hong Kong. Financial Times. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/b1bd2aec-e333-11e8-8e70-5e22a430c1ad.
Lum, A. (2018a, July 22). Hundreds Cry ‘Foul Play’ over Push to Ban Party. South China Morning Post, p. 3.
Lum, A. (2018b, October 5). Students warn of protest over democracy wall. South China Morning Post, p. C2.
Lum, A., & Ng, N. (2018, September 14). Tough Job to Prove FCC Breached its Lease, Experts Say. South China Morning Post, p. A3.
Ma, J. (2018). China dream (F. Drew, Trans.). London: Chatto & Windus.
National People’s Congress. (2018). Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Xianfa [The constitution of the People’s Republic of China, Amended in March 2018]. Beijing: National People’s Congress.
Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (2018a, October 6). Office Spokesperson: Visa Matters Shall be Handled by SAR Government in Accordance with Law. No Foreign Country Has Any Right to Interfere. Retrieved from http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/gsxw/t1602315.htm.
Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (2018b, August 14). Statement of the Commissioner’s Office on Condemning the FCC Hong Kong for Inviting Hong Kong Separatist to Make Speech. Retrieved from http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/gsxw/t1585245.htm.
Pan-Democratic Legislative Councilors. (2018, October 5). Qianglie Qianze Gangfu Jinshou Zhonggong Hongxian Zhengzhi Daya Xianggang Waiguo Jizhehui [Strongly condemns the Hong Kong government for keeping the Communist Party of China’s Red Line and politically suppressing foreign correspondents’ club Hong Kong]. Retrieved from https://zh-hk.facebook.com/CharlesMokOffice/posts/1976370932430224.
Radio (Television) of Hong Kong (Writer). (2018). Feifa Shetun Minzu Dang Yanlun Hongxian Ding Duicuo [The controversy of prohibiting the operation of Hong Kong National Party by the Societies Ordinance]. In Chengshi Luntan [City forum]. Hong Kong: Radio (Television) of Hong Kong.
Roantree, A. M. (2018, October 5). Hong Kong press freedom in question as FT journalist denied visa. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-politics-visa/hong-kong-press-freedom-in-question-as-ft-journalist-denied-visa-idUSKCN1MF0XH.
Secretary for Security. (2018a, September 24). Jiu Xingshi Shetuan Tiaoli Fuyu Quanli Huijian Chuanmei Kaichang Fayan [Speech on exercising power under Societies Ordinance at the beginning of a media session, 24 September]. Retrieved from https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201809/24/P2018092400544.htm.
Secretary for Security. (2018b). Societies Ordinance. Gazette, 22(44). https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20182244e/egn2018224452.pdf.
Society for the Study of Hong Kong Independence, Student Union of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. (2018, January 12). Xianggang Duli Yanjiy Xuehui Zhaomu Ganshi [Recruitment of committee members for society for the study of Hong Kong independence]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/CUHKSecrets/posts/1400359153401529:0.
South China Morning Post Editor. (2018, November 14). Ma Jian Fiasco Shows Why Artistic Freedom Must be Respected. South China Morning Post, p. A12.
State Council. (2017). Zhengfu Gongzuo Baogao [Report on the work of the Government]. Beijing: People’s Press.
Students’ Unions of Higher Education Institutions in Hong Kong. (2018a, June 12). A lost battle is a battle one thinks one has lost—A letter to all citizens of Hong Kong from students’ unions of higher institutions. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/hkusupage/posts/1763496313708859.
Students’ Unions of Higher Education Institutions in Hong Kong. (2018b, July 1). One country two systems: The castle in the air will soon tumble down—July 1 declaration. Retrieved from https://zh-hk.facebook.com/hkusupage/photos/pb.509449175780252.-2207520000.1530500570./1791985410859949.
Su, X., & Sum, L.-K. (2018, September 28). Pro-independence banners still up at city universities. South China Morning Post, p. A3.
Sum, L.-K., & Su, X. (2018, November 11). Lam: Row over Writer nothing to do with me. Financial Times, p. 3.
Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts. (2018a, November 8). Media statement. Retrieved from https://www.taikwun.hk/en/taikwun/press/press_release.
Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts. (2018b, November 9). Statement from Timothy Calnin, Director of Tai Kwun. Retrieved from https://www.taikwun.hk/en/taikwun/press/press_release.
Tai, S. (2018, May 7). Guojia Zunyan Mianqian, Yingdui Gangdu Shi fazhi Zhongquan [Handle Hong Kong independence with strong punch for protecting national dignity]. China Central Televison. Retrieved from http://opinion.cctv.com/2018/05/07/ARTISrKJzLMFrPNVpbwyB9ic180507.shtml.
Wang, Z. (2018, April 6). Zai 2018 Quanguo Lianghui Jingshen Fenxiang Luntan Shang De Zhuti Yanjiang [Keynote speech at the sharing forum on the two sessions in 2018]. Retrieved from http://www.locpg.hk/jsdt/2018-04/07/c_129845003.htm.
Wat, W. Y. (2018, October 8). Jupi Qianzhang Yingmei Heceng Jieshi? [Have Britain and the US explain their visa denials]. Takungpao [Takung News], A1.
Wenweipo Reporter. (2018, October 6). FCC Fuzhuxi Gongzuo Qianzheng Bu Huo Xuqi [FCC vice president’s visa not renewed]. Wenweipo [Wenwei News], A2.
Xi, J. (2017a, July 1). Address at the Meeting Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland and the Inaugural Ceremony of the Fifth-Term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Retrieved from http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-07/01/c_136409940.htm.
Xi, J. (2017b). Juesheng Quanmian Jiancheng Xiaokang Shehui Duoqu Xin Shidai Zhongguo Tese Shehui Zhuyi Weida Shengli [Secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and strive for the great success of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era (Report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, 18 October 2017)]. Beijing: People’s Press.
Xi, J. (2018, March 21). Zai Dishisan Jie Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui Diyici Huiyi Shang De Jianghua [Speech at the First Session of the 13th National People’s Congress, 20 March 2018]. Renmin Ribao [People’s Daily], 2.
Zhang, D. J. (2017). Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui Changwu Weiyuanhui Gongzuo Baogao [Report on the work of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress]. Beijing: National People’s Congress.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Law, WW. (2019). Hong Kong Independence: A Political Red Line for Hong Kong Society and Higher Education. In: Politics, Managerialism, and University Governance. Governance and Citizenship in Asia. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7303-9_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7303-9_8
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-13-7302-2
Online ISBN: 978-981-13-7303-9
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)