Opinion | Hong Kong must remain a beacon of freedom of expression as China, and the region, cracks down on critics

Cliff Buddle says unlike in mainland China, freedom of expression under Hong Kong’s ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement can only be restricted in extreme cases in the public interest. It is this that sets Hong Kong apart

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There should be a part of China where free speech flourishes, sensitive issues can be openly discussed and the government criticised. This is very much in China’s interests as the country becomes increasingly influential on the world stage. Illustration: Craig Stephens

Published: 5:30pm, 25 Apr 2018Updated: 6:45pm, 25 Apr 2018

Hong Kong has received much advice from central government officials in recent weeks. Some of it has been mild and constructive, some tough and combative. Beijing’s determination to crush any notion of independence for the city has been expressed in the strongest terms.

No one can be left in any doubt that the central government will not tolerate an independence movement in Hong Kong. But there is a danger that the hard-line official response will undermine the city’s freedom of expression. It risks creating a chilling effect that will be felt far beyond this particularly sensitive issue.

The latest controversy over the boundaries of free speech was sparked by comments on Hong Kong independence made by law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting in Taiwan last month. His remarks were relatively mild, but they prompted a salvo of criticism, notably from Beijing and the Hong Kong government. There were calls from some for him to be prosecuted and fired from his job with the University of Hong Kong.

Benny Tai gives a speech at a rally on April 7 organised by Civil Human Rights Front and pan-democrat lawmakers in support of him after his comments on the question of Hong Kong independence at a forum in Taiwan drew condemnation from Beijing. Photo: Felix Wong

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