Hong Kong Book Fair exhibitors urged to exercise ‘self-discipline’, avoid selling ‘unlawful’ books as security law’s passage looms
- While city law does not regulate the political content of books, Beijing’s new tailor-made security legislation is expected to pass before the festival’s start
- Some predict local publishers will be wary about launching new titles that deal with sensitive subject matter such as Hong Kong independence
Responding to a question at a Tuesday press conference, the Trade Development Council’s Benjamin Chau said books at the fair are not vetted or censored by the council. But he reminded exhibitors nevertheless to be “self-disciplined” and showcase titles that comply with Hong Kong law.
“I would like to remind all publishers and exhibitors to participate in our book fair in a lawful manner, meaning they have to work in accordance with Hong Kong law,” the deputy executive director said. “So everyone, please watch out for any unlawful books on display.”
While the political content of books is not regulated under existing Hong Kong law, critics have expressed concern that the new security legislation, the finer points of which remain unknown, could be used to limit free speech and silence dissent. Beijing and pro-establishment figures have countered it would target only a small group of people.
The law, which is expected to be passed in Beijing next week and take effect shortly thereafter, will outlaw acts of secession, subversion and terrorism as well as “collusion with foreign and external forces to endanger national security”.