Select Committee on Foreign Affairs Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence


APPENDIX 39

Memorandum submitted by Hong Kong Journalists Association

  The HKJA welcomes the Committee's continuing interest in Hong Kong. We believe that international opinion continues to be an issue of importance for the Hong Kong Government, and as the former sovereign power the views of Britain are of particular weight.

GENERAL POINTS

  On a positive note, we are pleased to report that the people of Hong Kong continue in large measure to enjoy the right to freedom of expression, and that Hong Kong society benefits from public debate and a relatively free press. But we remain concerned about various longstanding threats to such freedom, some a legacy from the period of British rule, others arising from Hong Kong's re-incorporation into China.

  We are especially concerned that during the past year there have been several ominous developments that threaten freedom of expression. Most worrying have been statements by Chinese officials on the question of Taiwan's sovereign status, and whether the media should be free to report views which contradict the Beijing position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Though they appear not to have had an immediate effect on the coverage of Taiwan in the Hong Kong media, these interventions should be regarded as part of a process of opinion and agenda-setting by the Chinese government, and as a shot over the bows for the media which maps out no-go areas for the future.

"NO GO AREAS"

  We are Concerned that issues considered vital to the interests of the Chinese state will become no-go areas. Even if the media continue to report freely and with great enthusiasm on topics within Hong Kong, including vigorous reporting on Hong Kong's business figures and government officials, this would represent a "birdcage" freedom that would damage Hong Kong's ability to function as an international city. Many international businesses use Hong Kong as their HQ for China, and without access to real news about China this would be impossible; they would be operating without light.

  Unfortunately the credibility crisis currently faced by the media due to perceived low standards could undermine public support for any moves by journalistic organisations to combat the very real and significant danger of the government enacting draconian anti-subversion laws. These laws, against treason, secession, sedition, subversion as mandated under article 23 of the Basic Law, are a sword hanging over our head. We fear that the public may not be willing to support the media if it fails to take concrete action to curb its excesses.

WHAT TO DO

  The most important single move that could be made by the Hong Kong government would be to bring its laws and practice regarding freedom of expression fully into line with its international human rights, obligations, including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Sadly, at the end of British sovereignty the task of bringing Hong Kong's laws into line with international standards was left unfinished. The new administration has shown no interest at all in continuing this task.

  We call on the Chinese government to refrain from any action that may curb freedom of expression or inhibit legitimate reporting activities. It should repeal all regulations restricting the right of Hong Kong and other journalists to work on the mainland, and should adopt a more open and non-discriminatory attitude to local journalists working on the mainland.


 
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