Hong Kong college head condemns ‘vile’ student over confrontation with mainland Chinese counterparts

Row over independence posters at Chinese University continues as man who posted message congratulating education undersecretary over son's suicide is identified

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Chinese students put posters up on the “Wall of democracy” at Chinese University. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 9:03am, 11 Sep 2017Updated: 6:43pm, 11 Sep 2017

A former student union leader’s tirade against mainlanders during a campus row over calls for Hong Kong independence has ignited a war of words between the head of the university’s oldest college and its students.

Tensions between local and mainland students in Hong Kong intensified last week after independence-themed banners and posters appeared on several campuses, including Chinese University.

On Thursday, quarrels broke out at the site of Chinese University’s “democracy wall” when local students tried to stop mainland counterparts from putting up anti-independence posters and others critical of the student union on top of those advocating independence. The Hong Kong students argued the move went against the principle of freedom of speech.

Seven Hong Kong student unions label removal of independence banners an ‘erosion of academic autonomy’

Former Chinese University student union president Ernie Chow Shue-fung was filmed at the site using the derogatory word “Cheena” in an argument with mainlanders. “Cheena” was used by the Japanese during the wartime occupation of the mainland.

Chow insisted the mainlanders also hurled insults.

On Saturday, Professor Henry Wong Nai-ching, head of New Asia College, where Chow is currently a Year Four student, issued a letter to the college’s students, staff and alumni condemning his behaviour.

“Chow used vulgar language to abuse students and improper language to insult [Chinese],” he said.