The president of U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia announced that its Hong Kong bureau has been closed due to safety concerns under a new national security law, causing alarm over the city’s media freedoms. The closure reflects the shrinking space for a free press in Hong Kong following the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. In response, Rep. Gregory Meeks expressed concern over the shutdown, stating that the new law undermines media freedom and limits the public’s access to fact-based information. Reporters Without Borders stressed the need for democracies to pressure Chinese authorities to restore press freedom in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has seen a significant decline in media freedom since Beijing imposed a security law in 2020. Critical news outlets like Apple Daily and Stand News were forced to close following the arrest of senior management, including Jimmy Lai. The city now ranks 140th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom. The new security law, passed through an expedited process, grants the government expanded powers to suppress challenges to its authority, targeting offenses like espionage and “colluding with external forces.” Journalists fear the law’s broad scope could criminalize their work.
Radio Free Asia, funded by the U.S. Congress, has faced backlash from the Hong Kong government. Local police criticized RFA for allegedly spreading false information from wanted activist Ted Hui, resulting in a 1 million Hong Kong dollar bounty for his arrest. The security minister accused RFA of disseminating fake comments about the security legislation targeting the media. Despite the government’s claims that the law only impacts a minority endangering national security, concerns remain over its impact on journalistic freedom. RFA has assured its audience in Hong Kong and mainland China that its content will carry on without interruption.
While no arrests have been announced under the new law, Hong Kong officials have condemned international media outlets for their coverage of the security legislation. The government criticized the BBC for a report involving an activist blocked from early release under the law. The New York Times also faced condemnation for an opinion piece. The Hong Kong government has defended the security law, emphasizing that it only targets individuals threatening national security and that journalists should not inadvertently violate it. The closure of RFA’s Hong Kong bureau signals a troubling trend towards further restrictions on press freedom in the city.
