‘Law is clear’: Booksellers must ensure books are lawful, says security chief after arrests - but won’t give list of banned titles

Hong Kong's security chief, Chris Tang, has declared that booksellers bear the responsibility for ensuring all titles they offer comply with national security laws. This statement comes in the wake of recent police raids on two bookshops and the arrest of five people, intensifying concerns over freedom of expression and the scope of national security legislation.

Tang asserted on Thursday that the law is clear regarding the obligations of businesses. He emphasized that booksellers must proactively vet their inventory to prevent the sale of materials deemed a threat to national security. However, he explicitly stated that authorities would refrain from providing a list of books considered problematic.

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Law is clear: Booksellers must ensure books are lawful.

This lack of a definitive list leaves booksellers in a precarious position. Without clear guidance on which specific titles are prohibited, they face uncertainty and the risk of inadvertently violating the law. The arrests this week have already created a chilling effect, and the absence of a blacklist exacerbates this ambiguity, potentially leading to self-censorship.

The security chief's remarks underscore the government's stance on enforcing national security, placing the onus on private businesses to interpret and adhere to broad legal requirements. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between security imperatives and the operational realities faced by cultural and commercial enterprises in Hong Kong.

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Authorities would not provide a list of books deemed problematic.