“Freedom of expression is not absolute, and like all freedoms it comes with responsibilities. All universities undersigned agree that we do not support Hong Kong independence, which contravenes the Basic Law.”

Mathieson’s clarification came amid high tensions between universities and students over the renewed separatism movement in Hong Kong as schools reopened this month.

The row centred on whether independence-themed materials should be allowed to be put up on campuses, especially in areas managed by student unions, following a number of recent cases where banners and posters have appeared at tertiary institutions.

The management of several universities, including Chinese University and Polytechnic University, had taken down such materials on their premises, drawing the fury of students.

In his interview, Mathieson reiterated that school heads had “said nothing about the discussion” of independence, and only repeated their position – that they “do not support Hong Kong independence”.

“Sometimes different political camps here exploit the same words or events to mean different things according to their own aims and wishes,” he added.

Mathieson also said after a university event on Tuesday that because the statement was very short and very brief, people could interpret it in different ways.

Ed Wong Ching-tak, president of the HKU’s student union, slammed the vice-chancellor for twisting his words.

“The statement only had those [three] lines and now he is coming out to say that they are referring to different things,” he said. Wong said it was only natural for people to come to a common conclusion about what the phrases meant.

Wong added that the actions of Chinese University and PolyU – removing materials with the pro-independence theme – further reinforced the perception that the topic was off limits on campuses.

Other university heads who had issued the joint statement with Mathieson either refused to comment or could not be reached.