On cross-border detention, Hong Kong and mainland China must strive for greater progress
In the wake of the complicated booksellers controversy, the initial strengthening of the notification system on detainees is a step forward
Given the complexity of the booksellers controversy, the meeting between the mainland and Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday was never expected to bring an end to the saga. It is good that both sides have made a promising start to address the issues involved, some of which have raised serious concerns over the “one country, two systems” principle. The sense of importance attached by Beijing to the review of the reciprocal notification mechanism on detainees is to be welcomed. While the tens of thousands of reports made by the authorities over the past 15 years show that the system is by and large working, there is still room for improvement. As admitted by mainland public security officials, the notification requirement is not legally binding. Currently, only four law enforcement agencies are covered, with no standardised time frame for reporting.
The new consensus for both sides to act within 14 days is a positive step forward. The undertaking by the Hong Kong government to try to extend the system to all law enforcement agencies is also in line with people’s aspirations.
Understandably, the showing of bookseller Lam Wing-kee’s videotaped confession and daily routine while in detention has raised eyebrows, with some describing it as a blatant show of the mainland’s assertiveness rather than an act of notification.
