Prosecute those who push for Hong Kong independence

Tian Feilong says freedom of speech does not protect independence advocacy because it is unconstitutional in Hong Kong, and the uproar over pro-independence posters on university campuses illustrates the consequences of indulging such acts of defiance

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Tian Feilong

Published: 5:10pm, 14 Sep 2017Updated: 7:09pm, 14 Sep 2017

The position that free speech allows the promotion of Hong Kong independence has no basis in law, because the Basic Law does not protect hostile, subversive acts. Illustration: Craig Stephens

As Lui Tai-lok, the chair professor of Hong Kong studies at the Education University, once so sharply observed, “An embarrassing Hong Kong is still in preparation”. Indeed.

The recent appearance of pro-independence posters on several Hong Kong university campuses has sparked debate in society, not least over a widely circulated video in which a Chinese University student from the mainland was seen tearing down the posters put up on her university’s “democracy wall” and arguing with other students.

The posters’ message and the tenor of the debate underline two attributes of Hong Kong’s independence push. First, talk of Hong Kong independence is protected by freedom of speech, and may not be curbed. Second, supporters are no longer interested in debating independence; rather, independence is accepted as a matter of course.

We seem to be seeing the emergence of a “natural independence” attitude in Hong Kong. A term first used in Taiwan, it describes the leanings of a new generation of Taiwanese youth who see independence as a natural progression. In this, Hong Kong is going the way of Taiwan.

Hong Kong’s young democrats need some lessons on democracy

This is not surprising. China’s rise presents a great challenge to the preservation of Hong Kong’s and Taiwan’s ways of life, and those who are determined to reject the country’s power have become almost pathologically depressed and angry. In the grip of such mental pain, rational thinking and democratic ideals – even ethics – may go out of the window.