3 days ago
Hong Kong Independent Bookstores Face National Security Crackdown
Independent bookstores in Hong Kong have sold books that are difficult to find in mainland China.
Some readers visit them to learn about different views of Chinese history and politics.
Police recently arrested booksellers at four shops over alleged sedition.
The government says its national security laws are needed for stability and still protect lawful speech and publishing.
It also says books that encourage hatred or the overthrow of governments are not allowed.
Booksellers say they cannot clearly tell which books might cross the line because there is no banned-book list.
Some stores are closing because of pressure, money problems or trouble with landlords.
Readers worry that Hong Kong will lose places where people can explore ideas freely.
Taiwan has published more books about Hong Kong, but shipping those books there may also become harder.
Four Hong Kong bookstores were targeted in arrests linked to alleged sedition under the 2024 national security law.
Greenfield Book Store and Have A Nice Stay announced plans to close amid legal, financial and rental pressures.
Authorities say the security laws protect speech and publication while prohibiting publications with seditious intent.
Readers and booksellers say unclear red lines are shrinking spaces for independent thought and political discussion.
Taiwanese publishers increased Hong Kong-related releases as restrictions intensified, but book shipments to Hong Kong may also face scrutiny.
- Who
- Hong Kong independent bookstores, their booksellers and readers; Hong Kong authorities; and publishers in Taiwan.
- What
- Four bookstores were targeted in arrests over alleged sedition, contributing to closures and renewed concerns about restrictions on independent publishing.
- Where
- Hong Kong, with related publishing and shipping activity involving Taiwan and readers from mainland China.
- When
- The arrests occurred between March and July, with Greenfield announcing its closure in July; the wider crackdown intensified after the 2020 security law and the 2024 law.
- Why
- Authorities say the laws protect national security and prohibit publications with seditious intent; critics and booksellers say unclear restrictions are suppressing dissent and independent thought.
Critics and Booksellers
Hong Kong Authorities
Effect of the security laws
Critics and Booksellers
Critics say the laws are part of a broader crackdown on dissent and are narrowing Hong Kong’s independent publishing space.
Hong Kong Authorities
Authorities say the laws are vital to stability and expressly protect human rights, freedom of speech and freedom of publication.
Meaning of seditious content
Critics and Booksellers
Booksellers say unclear red lines make it difficult to know which titles can be sold, encouraging caution about books on China’s modern politics.
Hong Kong Authorities
The government says the law clearly defines seditious intent and prohibits only expression intended to incite hatred against or overthrow the governments of China or Hong Kong.
Role of independent bookstores
Critics and Booksellers
Readers and writers describe the shops as places for independent thought, companionship and access to perspectives suppressed on the mainland.
Hong Kong Authorities
Authorities argue that sellers, like food businesses, have a responsibility to ensure what they offer does not harm national security.
Key facts
- Bookstores targeted
- Book Punch in March, Hunter Bookstore in June, and Greenfield Book Store and Have A Nice Stay in July.
- Relevant laws
- Hong Kong’s separate 2020 security law and a 2024 national security law are central to the crackdown.
- Greenfield Book Store
- The 50-year-old bookstore announced in July that it would close at the end of its lease after being targeted by police.
- Have A Nice Stay
- The former journalists’ bookstore had announced plans to close because of financial challenges and elusive red lines before its booksellers were arrested.
- Government position
- Authorities say expressions with seditious intent to incite hatred against or overthrow the governments of China or Hong Kong are prohibited.
- Banned-book list
- Security Secretary Chris Tang said there would be no banned-book list and that booksellers must ensure their titles do not harm national security.
- Taiwan publishing
- Taiwanese publishers released six times as many books about Hong Kong between 2020 and 2024 as during the previous five years.
Quotes
Fleming Cheng
Mainland Chinese university student and visitor to a Hong Kong independent bookstore
“If the Hong Kong government desperately tries to bring every aspect of the city into close alignment with the mainland, or even to the point where the two become indistinguishable, that would be a tremendous loss for us mainlanders too”
CNBC TV 18
“The publication of books seems to have become a very important medium of communication between Taiwan and Hong Kong, or a medium of mutual support”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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