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The Diplomat
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Diplomat
Hong Kong's Latest National Security Taboos: 4th of July and a Video Game
Following the Hong Kong authorities' ban of the allegedly 'seditious' mobile game 'Reversed Front: Bonfire,' the Hong Kong education bureau warned teachers against participating in U.S. Independence Day celebrations in the city. The latest restrictions represent yet another phase in the Hong Kong authorities' quest to coerce full allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party regime. Teachers are just the latest group affected by tightening restrictions and moves toward ideological conformity in Hong Kong. As The Guardian reported, a school principal texted staff advising them 'to be careful about Independence Day activities organised by the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong, and not to participate to avoid violating the national security law and Hong Kong laws.' Staff were also told to seek approval before attending such events and to discourage student participation. Notably, the Education Bureau did not specify which laws would be breached by attending Fourth of July events, leaving teachers and students vulnerable to vaguely determined consequences by the Hong Kong government. The Hong Kong government's sensitivity around U.S. Independence Day events may stem from the 2019 pro-democracy movement, when many Hong Kongers espoused American ideals such as liberty and self-governance. Protesters often waved American flags at rallies, believing their call for change paralleled grievances from the American Revolution, like 'taxation without representation.' The Hong Kong government's threats of legal consequences for teachers and students who wish to attend the U.S. Consulate's Fourth of July celebration, or to celebrate in any other way, expose the ongoing erosion of the freedom of expression and the greater dismantling of the education system in Hong Kong. What once was a pluralistic and globally connected system is increasingly constrained by ideological policing. This censorship echoes other recent moves by the authorities, including the banning of 'Reversed Front: Bonfire,' a mobile strategy game in which players can support the independence of groups from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang (or, alternatively, 'choose to lead the Communists to defeat all enemies,' as the game's description puts it). On June 10, the Hong Kong National Security Department warned that downloading or sharing the game could constitute 'incitement to secession' or 'subversion' under Hong Kong's National Security Law. The National Security Department disabled action on electronic messages related to the mobile game, and the game has been removed from major app stores in the region. The crackdown on 'Reversed Front: Bonfire' resembles earlier efforts to suppress the freedom of expression, such as the banning of children's books that allegorically depicted wolves (representing the Chinese Communist Party) invading sheep villages (symbolizing Hong Kong). In both cases, metaphor and fiction are treated as threats to national security. These actions suggest an increasingly brittle government that responds to children's books, digital games, and foreign holidays with legal threats and censorship. The fear of the authorities around the Fourth of July reveals their increasing insecurities around Hong Kongers setting off their own fireworks in response to the increasing crackdown on their human rights. The U.S. Consulate has already responded. In a statement to the Associated Press, it condemned the repression of U.S. Independence Day celebrations, noting that the Hong Kong authorities' 'attempts to characterize these activities as 'unlawful' only further reveals its insecurity and fear of freedom.' If celebrating the Fourth of July or downloading a mobile game can be deemed a threat, it raises serious questions about the future of civil liberties in Hong Kong. While the city's government claims to safeguard national security, it increasingly does so at the cost of international human rights norms, including freedom of thought, expression, and belief. Looking ahead, there is another troubling implication: if holidays like the Fourth of July are now suspect, others such as Christmas and Easter may be next, given that they present narratives inconsistent with the official ideology of the Chinese Communist Party. Defenders of basic freedoms, both inside and outside Hong Kong, must take note. The situation calls for sustained international scrutiny and action. It is time for the United Nations and democratic nations to treat these escalating restrictions not as isolated incidents, but as part of a systematic dismantling of freedoms in a once-open society.
HKFP
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- HKFP
Gov't vows strict vetting of applications for event subsidies, performance venues to prevent ‘soft resistance'
Hong Kong will strictly vet applications for event subsidies and performance venues, as well as exhibition content and library collections, to better safeguard national security, the city's culture minister has said. Hong Kong is still facing threats from 'soft resistance,' which may take the form of performance content, song lyrics, and storylines, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said in an interview with Beijing-backed newspaper Wen Wei Po published on Friday. Law said the authorities must 'remain vigilant' at all times and that safeguarding national security was an 'ongoing process.' 'There is no completion, only continuation. We must continue to take national security work seriously and carry it out diligently,' the minister said. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has stepped up training for its personnel to 'deepen their sense of national awareness,' Law said. The bureau also vowed strict vetting of event subsidies, venue performances, exhibition content, and library collections to 'eliminate any elements that may harm national security,' she added. Since 2021, government officials have cited 'soft resistance' as a threat to national security, although they have not provided a clear definition of the term. A recent example cited by the authorities was the mobile game Reversed Front: Bonfire, which the government said promotes secessionist agendas, advocates 'armed revolution,' and calls for the overthrow of the 'fundamental system of the People's Republic of China.' Commissioner of Police Joe Chow warned of 'undercurrents' and 'soft resistance' in the art, culture, and media sectors during a press conference in April, shortly after taking the helm at the force. He later said national security legislation does not affect artistic creation in Hong Kong, adding that many artists or performers understand the 'boundaries of the law.' Last month, former district councillor Katrina Chan Kim-kam, one of the first people arrested under Hong Kong's domestic security law, said she was told to withdraw from a play after a government department – from which the organisers rented out the venue to host the production – threatened to cancel the rental, citing a potential breach of the national security clause. Chan was set to perform in a play at Tsuen Wan Town Hall. The venue's conditions of use for facilities state that hirers and those admitted to facilities must abide by the Beijing-imposed national security law. In response to HKFP, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said all bookings are processed 'in accordance with the established booking procedures and the terms and conditions of hire.' The department also refused to comment on individual bookings. In 2021, an HKFP report revealed that 29 out of 149 books about the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown were removed from the shelves over the past 12 years. Local media reported in May 2023 that political titles by authors including academics Simon Shen and Ma Ngok, former lawmaker and barrister Margaret Ng, and the late prominent democrat Szeto Wah had been purged from the shelves of local public libraries. According to Ming Pao, around 40 per cent of books and recordings about political topics or figures have been removed from public libraries since 2020. Of 468 political books and recordings identified by the newspaper, at least 195 have been removed, the newspaper reported. In July 2023, LCSD said members of the public are 'welcome' to report books that may endanger national security, as part of its new channels for collecting views on the city's library collections. The LCSD told HKFP in October that year that 50 reports were made by the public about suspected 'objectionable' content found in library books and other titles. Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong's mini-constitution in June 2020 following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts – broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers and led to hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents, while dozens of civil society groups disappeared. The authorities say it restored stability and peace to the city, rejecting criticism from trade partners, the UN and NGOs. LATEST FROM HKFP AI surveillance cameras helped prosecute 6 people for monkey feeding, Hong Kong gov't says Taiwan says UK Navy ship sailed through Taiwan Strait 'Moving Great Wall': China's towering teen basketball star set to play at Women's Asia Cup Meta sues Hong Kong-based company behind AI deepfake app that creates fake nude images
AllAfrica
17-06-2025
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Creative edge: made in Taiwan, banned in Hong Kong
Hong Kong authorities' recent decision to ban Reversed Front: Bonfire, a Taiwanese-developed mobile game, has generated an unexpected outcome that illustrates both the complexities of digital governance and the enduring power of democratic principles. The game, which allows players to explore various political scenarios including resistance movements, was removed from app stores under Hong Kong's national security law. However, this action has inadvertently created a powerful case study in how censorship can amplify the very messages it seeks to suppress while highlighting Taiwan's distinctive position as a thriving democracy in the digital age. Streisand Effect in digital action The ban has produced a textbook example of the Streisand effect—the phenomenon where attempts to suppress information actually increase its visibility and reach. Within hours of the prohibition announcement, Reversed Front: Bonfire became the most searched term on Google among Hong Kong residents. The game's developers at ESC Taiwan noted with characteristic humor that their product had been 'introduced to the entire Hong Kong' through the controversy, reaching far more people than any marketing campaign could have achieved. This unintended amplification extends far beyond Hong Kong's borders. International media coverage of the ban has drawn global attention to both the game and its underlying themes. Social media discussions about the incident have introduced audiences worldwide to conversations about digital freedom, creative expression and the role of gaming in political discourse. The controversy has transformed a relatively niche mobile game into a symbol that resonates across multiple platforms and jurisdictions. The digital age has fundamentally altered the dynamics of information control. Unlike traditional media, which can be more easily regulated within specific territories, digital content has an inherent viral quality that often makes suppression efforts counterproductive. Each attempt to limit access creates new pathways for distribution and generates additional interest from previously unaware audiences. Divergent governance approaches The incident reflects the natural tensions that arise when different political systems encounter the same digital content. Hong Kong's application of its national security law represents one approach to digital governance—prioritizing stability and political sensitivity in content regulation. This perspective emphasizes the potential risks that certain digital content might pose to social cohesion and institutional authority. From this governance framework, games that simulate political resistance could be viewed as potentially destabilizing, particularly in regions with complex political circumstances. The swift removal of the game from major app stores demonstrates how regulatory frameworks can be effectively implemented when authorities determine that content conflicts with local legal standards. However, this approach also reveals the inherent challenges of governing digital content in an interconnected world. The rapid international attention generated by the ban illustrates how local regulatory decisions can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond their intended scope. Taiwan's democratic advantage Taiwan's response to this situation showcases the distinctive strengths of democratic governance in the digital era. Rather than restricting creative expression, Taiwan's democratic institutions provide space for diverse viewpoints and artistic experimentation. This openness creates an environment where developers can explore complex political themes without fear of censorship, fostering innovation and creativity in digital media. The democratic principle of protected speech, embedded in Taiwan's political culture, allows for the kind of artistic exploration represented by Reversed Front: Bonfire. This freedom extends beyond mere tolerance to active support for creative industries that tackle challenging subjects. Taiwan's approach demonstrates how democratic values can serve as a competitive advantage in the global digital economy, attracting creators and innovators who value expressive freedom. Taiwan's democratic institutions also provide mechanisms for transparent dialogue about digital content and its regulation. Rather than making unilateral decisions about controversial material, democratic processes allow for public debate, stakeholder input and graduated responses that balance various concerns. This approach builds public trust and legitimacy in governance decisions while maintaining space for creative expression. The incident also highlights Taiwan's role as a proving ground for digital democracy. As technologies evolve and new forms of digital expression emerge, Taiwan's democratic institutions provide valuable models for how societies can navigate the challenges of governing digital content while preserving fundamental freedoms. Creative implications The global attention generated by the ban creates unexpected economic opportunities for Taiwan's gaming industry. International curiosity about the controversial game has increased awareness of Taiwanese game development capabilities and the creative environment that enables such projects. This visibility can attract international investment and partnerships while showcasing Taiwan's technological capabilities. Taiwan's commitment to creative freedom also positions it strategically in the global digital economy. As companies and creators increasingly value environments that support innovation without excessive restrictions, Taiwan's democratic approach becomes a significant competitive advantage. This positioning attracts talent and investment while building Taiwan's reputation as a center for digital creativity. The incident demonstrates how democratic values can translate into economic benefits. By supporting creative industries and protecting expressive freedoms, Taiwan creates conditions that foster innovation and entrepreneurship in digital sectors. This approach generates both economic returns and soft power influence in international markets. Building digital resilience Taiwan's response to this situation offers lessons for building resilient digital societies. Rather than restricting content reactively, democratic approaches emphasize building robust institutions that can handle controversial material through transparent processes. This institutional strength provides stability and predictability for creators while maintaining public trust. Democratic societies also benefit from diverse perspectives and open debate about digital governance challenges. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations about content regulation, Taiwan's democratic culture encourages engagement with these complex issues through multiple stakeholders and viewpoints. This approach builds societal resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving digital challenges. The emphasis on democratic processes also creates opportunities for innovative policy solutions. By engaging civil society, industry stakeholders, and academic experts, Taiwan can develop nuanced approaches to digital governance that balance various concerns while preserving core democratic values. Democracy as innovation The Reversed Front: Bonfire controversy ultimately illustrates how democratic principles serve as sources of strength rather than weakness in the digital age. While different political systems will naturally approach digital content regulation differently, Taiwan's democratic response demonstrates the creative and economic advantages that flow from protecting expressive freedoms. The Streisand Effect generated by the ban serves as a powerful reminder that in our interconnected world, attempts to suppress digital content often achieve the opposite of their intended goals. Taiwan's embrace of this reality—supporting creative expression while building robust democratic institutions—positions it advantageously in an increasingly digital global economy. Rather than viewing controversial content as a threat to be managed, Taiwan's democratic approach treats such content as an opportunity for dialogue, innovation, and economic development. This perspective transforms potential challenges into competitive advantages while strengthening democratic institutions and values for future generations. Y Tony Yang is endowed professor and associate dean at George Washington University in Washington, DC, earned his law degree from National Taiwan University and his doctoral degree from Harvard University.
RTHK
14-06-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
No arrests made from joint collusion probe: Chris Tang
No arrests made from joint collusion probe: Chris Tang Security chief Chris Tang was speaking on a radio programme. File photo: RTHK No one has so far been arrested in the first known joint operation between Beijing's office overseeing national security matters in Hong Kong and the local police force, Secretary for Security Chris Tang said on Saturday. The Office for Safeguarding National Security had requested assistance from the force's National Security Department for a probe into suspected collusion with foreign forces, including by arranging interviews with people involved in the case. "Those who were being interviewed could be suspects, or witnesses, or someone who could provide information. I want to emphasise that we have not arrested anyone so far," Tang told a Commercial Radio programme. The minister also noted that Beijing authorities were empowered under the city's home-grown security legislation to ask SAR officers for support, to determine if a situation was one of three exceptional circumstances laid out in Article 55 of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Article 55 of the law stipulates that the Office for Safeguarding National Security can exercise jurisdiction if a case is determined to be complex due to the involvement of a foreign country or external elements, or is considered a "serious situation" where the SAR government is unable to enforce to law effectively, or counter a "major and imminent threat to national security". "This time, we have helped to arrange some interviews. Under the current circumstances where Article 55 has not been invoked, the Hong Kong police are responsible for carrying out law enforcement," Tang said. "In order to determine whether there is such a situation, Beijing's office relied on our legal assistance, which was normal and reasonable." National security police recently warned that the mobile app "Reversed Front: Bonfire" has been deemed to be seditious and those who have downloaded it or provided funds to its developer may be in breach of the security legislation. The security chief said the app had shown the "viciousness of soft resistance", adding that it aimed to "corrupt the minds of young people".
Epoch Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Hong Kong Police Warn ‘Seditious' Taiwan Game May Breach Security Law
A Taiwanese mobile phone game that allows users to play the role of groups opposing the ruling communist regime in China may flout Hong Kong's draconian security laws, the city's police warned on June 10. The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force said in a downloading the game 'Reversed Front: Bonfire' on a mobile platform may constitute a violation of the city's national security laws.
