The US has strongly criticised the Hong Kong government for what it described as a “repression” of Independence Day celebrations after city authorities reminded schools to remain vigilant against any attempts to promote the event on campus.
The US response on Tuesday was made days after reports emerged that authorities had told schools to discourage students from attending July 4 events at the country’s consulate in the city.
“We condemn the Hong Kong government’s repression of US Independence Day celebrations and interference in US consulate-hosted events. Its attempts to characterise these activities as ‘unlawful’ only further reveal its insecurity and fear of freedom,” a spokesman for the US Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau said.
He said that every year, US embassies and consulates around the world commemorated US Independence Day by hosting receptions and other festivities, with other foreign missions doing the same.
“This year is no different. The [consulate] will host a private reception in Hong Kong to celebrate the founding of the United States of America and deepen the long-standing friendship between the people in Hong Kong and the United States,” he said.
On Wednesday, a Facebook page named “Edu Lancet” said that schools had recently received “friendly reminders” from the Education Bureau’s regional offices, warning that students taking part in Independence Day events might be at risk of violating national security laws.
“Teachers should be aware of any Independence Day celebrations organised by the US consulate in Hong Kong and refrain from casual participation to prevent violating the national security law and Hong Kong laws,” said the message reportedly received by one teacher.
“If it comes to your knowledge that students are taking part, please prioritise protecting the students and dissuade them from attending.”
A school principal also confirmed receiving a verbal reminder from the bureau in recent days about attempts to encourage US Independence Day celebrations on campus.
In response to the Post’s inquiry on Friday last week, a bureau spokesman did not confirm or deny the reminders.
But the spokesman said that detailed guidelines had been issued to schools, requiring them to establish mechanisms and formulate measures to implement various tasks related to safeguarding national security and national security education.
The bureau also confirmed it had provided schools with a checklist and suggested good practices to effectively prevent and suppress activities that endangered or were detrimental to national security.