Hong Kong’s top security official stated Thursday that booksellers must ensure the titles they offer do not compromise national security, a day after authorities arrested five individuals associated with two bookstores. The arrests, occurring Wednesday, mark the third such action targeting independent bookstores in recent months. Critics have expressed concerns about the erosion of free expression in the city, citing an unclear legal standard.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang asserted that the law is unambiguous. "If you are a bookseller, you have the responsibility to make sure the books you sell won't endanger national security," Tang told reporters. He drew a parallel, stating, "It's equal to, for example, when you are selling food, you need to ensure the food won't cause a stomach ache and is not either poison or illegal."
When questioned about the possibility of authorities creating a list of banned books, Tang indicated that such a measure would not be effective in targeting publications that "intend to harm the country." He added, "We will not let criminals off the hook like this."
The police operation on Wednesday involved raids on Have A Nice Stay, a bookshop established by former journalists, and the long-standing Greenfield Book Store. According to the police, the five arrested individuals are suspected of displaying and selling seditious materials. A police statement alleged that the content of the publications incited hatred against the Hong Kong government, its judiciary, and law enforcement agencies.
Have A Nice Stay had previously announced its closure, scheduled for August 30, citing financial difficulties and an ambiguous legal red line as contributing factors. The bookstore stated it lacks the capacity to review every book and determine which might be considered "problematic."
This incident follows similar actions in March, when police arrested the owner and staff of the independent Book Punch store, reportedly on suspicion of selling seditious publications. Among the books reportedly sold was a biography of former pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who received a 20-year prison sentence in his national security case. In June, Hong Kong police arrested two booksellers on suspicion of selling seditious publications and receiving funds from foreign political organizations.
In Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy that China claims as its territory, President Lai Ching-te commented on the situation via Facebook, noting that freedom of expression and publication in Hong Kong are under pressure. "Every independent bookstore is vital in guarding free thought," he stated. Liang Wen-chieh, deputy minister of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, also commented, telling reporters that some Taiwanese publishers have engaged in self-censorship regarding their book selections for a Hong Kong book fair.