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New University of Hong Kong chief Zhang Xiang: ‘Campus should not be a platform for political advocacy’

Mainland China-born scientist Professor Zhang Xiang declares school’s opposition to idea of city’s independence

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Professor Zhang Xiang said the campus should not become a platform for political advocacy. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

The new head of the University of Hong Kong has declared the school management’s opposition to Hong Kong independence.

Professor Zhang Xiang said on Wednesday the campus should not become a platform for political advocacy.

The mainland China-born scientist, who became HKU president and vice chancellor in July, took the clear stance just weeks after student leaders at different local universities insisted they had a right to talk about the idea of breaking away from China at events heralding the start of the new academic year.

“The University of Hong Kong is committed to the core principle of ‘one country, two systems’ under the Basic Law. It expects its staff and students to obey the law and to be aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions,” Zhang said, reading aloud a written statement during an open dialogue with students on Wednesday, when the issue was raised.

Zhang Xiang made the comments at an open dialogue with students on Wednesday. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
Zhang Xiang made the comments at an open dialogue with students on Wednesday. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

“The university’s senior management is opposed to Hong Kong independence.”

Jeffie leads the Hong Kong politics team at the Post. She joined the paper in 2013 after beginning her career as a political reporter in 2009. She is the co-editor of Rebel City: Hong Kong’s Year of Water and Fire published by the Post and World Scientific, which documented the city’s anti-government protests in 2019. She has previously been a recipient of the Human Rights Press Awards, the Hong Kong News Awards and the Chinese University Journalism Award.
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