CPJ is deeply disturbed by the 12 April 2000 statements of a senior Chinese official, warning Hong Kong media that they are not free to report independently on the contentious issue of Taiwan’s political status. “The Hong Kong media should not spread and advocate the ‘two states’ theory and the independence of Taiwan,” said Wang […]
CPJ is deeply disturbed by the 12 April 2000 statements of a senior Chinese official, warning Hong Kong media that they are not free to report independently on the contentious issue of Taiwan’s political status.
“The Hong Kong media should not spread and advocate the ‘two states’ theory and the independence of Taiwan,” said Wang Fengchao, deputy director of the Chinese government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, speaking at a seminar organized by the Hong Kong Association of Journalists. According to a report published by China’s official news agency, Xinhua, Wang added that the issue of Taiwan’s independence could not be treated as a normal news story as “the media should make decisions in the interest of national unity.”
Wang also urged the Hong Kong government to draft anti-subversion legislation that could be used to curb press coverage of statements in support of Taiwan’s independence.
Wang’s comments followed last week’s television broadcast of an interview with Taiwan’s vice president-elect, Annette Lu Hsiu-lien. The Hong Kong television station Cable TV carried the interview, in which Lu stated that Taiwan should be considered a “remote relative and close neighbor of China.” China considers Taiwan a renegade province, and has threatened war if Taipei declares independence.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– expressing your dismay with regards to Wang’s apparent disregard for Article 27 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law, which states that “Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of speech, of the press, and of publication”
– noting that Wang’s remarks violate the principle of “one country, two systems,” which
was designed to preserve Hong Kong’s civil and political liberties, including press freedom
– welcoming the statement issued on 12 April by Anson Chan, Hong Kong’s acting chief executive, reaffirming that Hong Kong media “are free to comment and report on all matters of current interest”
– urging His Excellency to uphold Beijing’s pledge to respect Hong Kong’s autonomy, and to guarantee publicly that Hong Kong’s media will not be subject to official interference from Beijing
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
His Excellency Jiang Zemin
President, People’s Republic of China
Beijing 100032
People’s Republic of China
Fax: +86 10 6512 5810
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
