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Letters

Victor Mallet, the first vice-president of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, which had arranged for Andy Chan Ho-tin to give a speech on Hong Kong independence, has been denied a renewed work visa by the Hong Kong government.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office demanded an urgent explanation of the denial, while a spokesman for the US Consulate described the case as “deeply troubling”.
On the other hand, Beijing steadfastly supported the decision of the Hong Kong government, which was taken according to its jurisdiction and thus should preclude any unnecessary foreign meddling.
Beijing or individual rights? Carrie Lam has clearly made her choice
Any jurisdiction has the authority to grant or refuse a visa, and would not need to give any explanation. It's an undeniable fact that both the US and Britain have denied visas without giving any explanation to many applicants. Then why must they question the decision when one of their own is on the receiving end? Do they have any special leverage over others?
Carrie Lam on denial of visa for Victor Mallet


The seeking of an “urgent explanation” by Britain and the American expression of concern over this “troubling” development is truly amusing.
When mass murderers denounce petty thieves
Did they really not know that for the Foreign Correspondents’ Club to provide a forum for Andy Chan Ho-tin to give a speech on Hong Kong independence would have been the last straw for Beijing?
If they really don't know, they should ask Andy Chan or Victor Mallet. I think they will give an honest answer.
Randy Lee, Ma On Shan


Beijing warns foreign media in Hong Kong over crossing ‘red lines’ during meeting

Hong Kong press freedom rises from record low, first turnaround since 2018

Beijing’s liaison office chief in Hong Kong lays out 3 hopes for local media

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai used false Beijing portrayal to urge West to act, court hears

Press freedom in Hong Kong

Did FCC or Victor Mallet not know that Hong Kong independence speech would make Beijing see red?

Andy Chan, founder of the Hong Kong National Party, shakes hands with Victor Mallet at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Hong Kong where Chan spoke in favour of the city’s independence from Chinese sovereignty, on August 14. Photo: AP

Why Victor Mallet and others should not try to cast Hong Kong or Chinese in Western mould

Victor Mallet, Financial Times journalist and first vice-president of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Hong Kong, was refused a new visa after he chaired a controversial pro-independence talk on August 14. Photo: EPA-EFE

Opinion

Hong Kong localism and independence

Hong Kong Basic Law