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Under the National Security Law, Hong Kong “Patriots” Report Suspected Violations
In Hong Kong, the enforcement of the National Security Law (NSL) has led to a new phenomenon: citizens reporting on one another for perceived violations. Individuals are increasingly scrutinized, from a woman displaying a colonial-era flag to bakery staff selling cakes with pro-democracy symbols. This environment has raised concerns about freedom of speech and the rise of a culture of informing.
Innes Tang: A Self-Described Patriot
Innes Tang, a former banker, has become a prominent figure in this landscape. He asserts that he and others are actively monitoring society for potential breaches of the National Security Law.
“We’re in every corner of society, watching, to see if there is anything suspicious which could infringe on the national security law,” Tang stated. “If we find these things, we go and report it to the police.”
Background: The National Security Law and Article 23
Following the UK’s handover of Hong Kong to China, a treaty guaranteed the city’s rights and freedoms for 50 years. However, the imposition of the National Security Law by Beijing, particularly after the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations, has drawn condemnation for curtailing free expression and fostering an atmosphere of surveillance.
The NSL criminalizes activities deemed as:
- “Secession” (breaking away from China)
- “Subversion” (undermining governmental authority)
- Collusion with foreign entities
Article 23, an additional security law passed last year, has further intensified these restrictions.
Tang’s Methods and Impact
Tang and his team of volunteers have been proactive in identifying potential violations. Their methods include:
- Capturing screenshots of social media posts
- Establishing a hotline for public tip-offs
- Encouraging followers to share information about individuals around them
Tang claims that nearly 100 individuals and organizations have been reported to authorities as a result of his efforts. “Many had cases opened by the police… with some resulting in jail terms,” he says, describing his actions as “proper community-police co-operation”.
Government Involvement and Public Response
Hong Kong authorities are also actively involved in this surveillance. The city’s security bureau reported receiving 890,000 tip-offs through its own national security hotline between November 2020 and February of this year.
The Impact on Individuals
For those reported to the authorities, the pressure can be considerable. Since the NSL’s enactment in 2020, more than 300 people have been arrested for national security offenses. Moreover, an estimated 300,000 or more Hongkongers have emigrated in recent years.
Pong Yat-ming, who owns an independent bookshop that hosts public talks, reports frequent inspections from government departments prompted by “anonymous complaints.” He recounts receiving 10 visits in just 15 days.
Kenneth Chan, a political scientist and university lecturer involved in the pro-democracy movement, notes that some friends, students, and colleagues now avoid him due to his outspoken views. “But I would be the last person to blame the victims. It’s the system,” he explains.
Government Stance on Academic Freedom
In response, Hong Kong’s government stated that it “attaches great importance to upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy,” while also emphasizing that academic institutions “have the responsibility to ensure their operations are in compliance with the law and meet the interests of the community at large.”
Innes Tang’s Motivations and Views
Tang attributes his actions to a deep affection for Hong Kong, shaped by his experiences during the city’s time as a British colony. He believes colonial policies were not beneficial to locals.
“The colonial policies weren’t really that great,” he says. “The best opportunities were always given to the British and we [the locals] did not really have access.” An average citizen should not become too involved in politics, he says, explaining he only became politically active to restore what he calls “balance” to Hong Kong society following the turbulence of 2019.
He views himself as representing a “silent majority” of Hongkongers who oppose independence and the disruptions caused by protests.
The Erosion of Protest Culture
Other Hongkongers view rallies and demonstrations as a long-standing tradition and a crucial means of expressing public sentiment in a city lacking fully democratic elections.
“We are no longer a city of protests,” observes Kenneth Chan. “So what are we? I don’t have the answer yet.”
He also notes that patriotism, while potentially a virtue, requires citizens to maintain “a critical distance,” which he believes is lacking in Hong Kong.
Concerns About the Current System
Electoral reforms in 2021 stipulated that only “patriots” loyal to the Chinese Communist Party could hold key positions in government. According to China commentator Lew Mon-hung, this has led to a dysfunctional Legislative Council.
“The public think a lot of these patriots are ‘verbal revolutionaries’ or political opportunists – they don’t really represent the people,” he says. “That’s why ridiculous policies still pass with a huge majority. There is no-one to constrain or oppose, no-one to scrutinise.”
Even Innes Tang expresses concerns about the potential weaponization of the National Security Law.
“I don’t want to see every policy passing with 90% of the vote,” he states. “There is a danger the National Security Law will be weaponised, he says, with people saying: ‘If you don’t agree with me, I accuse you of infringement of the national security law.'”
Government Response to Concerns
Hong Kong’s government responded by asserting that the improved LegCo is now free of extremists and that it is engaging in constructive dialogue to represent all Hong Kong people.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Innes Tang states that he has stopped reporting on people, believing that balance and stability have been restored to Hong Kong.
However, Kenneth Chan notes that fear of surveillance has led to self-censorship in academia, and pro-democracy parties are no longer represented in the Legislative Council.
Tang’s Focus Shifts Overseas
Tang’s focus has now shifted overseas. He works as a representative for pro-Beijing non-profit groups, speaking at UN conventions to present China’s perspective. He is also establishing a media company in Switzerland.
For Kenneth Chan, the future remains uncertain. “One third of my friends and students are now in exile, another third of my friends and students are in jail, and I’m sort of… in limbo,” he says.
He concludes, “Today I’m speaking freely with you… no-one would promise me that I would continue doing it for the rest of my life.”
In a written reply to the BBC, a Hong Kong government spokesperson said that national security is a top priority and inherent right for any country. It “only targets an extremely small minority of people and organisations that pose a threat to national security, while protecting the lives and property of the general public”.