• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

HK police to follow up with investigations into 'soft resistance' case in local book fair

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Jul 22, 2025 11:10 PM

Some anti-China activists advocating for "Hong Kong independence" took advantage of the Hong Kong Book Fair to openly provoke and organize a so-called "reading everywhere - Hong Kong independent book fair and bookstore festival," where they promoted "an atmosphere of soft resistance," local media outlet Hong Kong Wen Wei Po reported on Tuesday. In response, the Hong Kong Police Force told the Global Times on Tuesday that it will follow up with investigations and actions based on evidence, actual circumstances and case requirements, and handle the matter in accordance with the law.

According to the Wen Wei Po's investigation, some areas in Sham Shui Po, where the "independent book fair" was held, appeared to be a stronghold of remnants from the black-clad violence movement in 2019.

The participating bookstores, along with more than 20 nearby eateries and retail stores, were turned into a "soft resistance" industrial cluster. The "book fair" was used to drive business for these other shops.

During the visit, reporters discovered that many stores were filled with various propaganda products, using subtle language or innuendo to promote "soft resistance." For example, they slightly altered the slogans from the "black-clad violence" movement, printing them on postcards and stickers, and re-selling pens that previously carried such slogans but had been modified. Restaurants and retail stores also displayed promotional posters for the "independent book fair," and the cultural products on sale carried clear incitement undertones.

"The circle of soft or implied resistance is an evil phenomenon. Hidden and hatred messages threaten the community," Chu Kar-kin, a veteran commentator based in the HKSAR and member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"These rule-breakers intend to classify the consumers by labeling, which is obstructive and harmful to the social harmony and unity. They should stop such selfish acts. They should not incite others," Chu said.

National security risks often manifest in the form of "soft resistance," using seemingly unrelated topics as entry points to spread division and manipulate public sentiment through public opinion, online platforms or cultural infiltration, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keun was quoted as saying in a report by the local media RTHK on Tuesday.

Tang noted that the Security Bureau will adopt a multi-pronged approach to address national security risks, including soft resistance. It will also expedite the issuance of guidelines outlining how government personnel should fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding national security while performing their duties. Additionally, the bureau will assist the public in recognizing the true nature of national security threats and the tactics of soft resistance, the official said.

According to Article 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, any person who commits an act with "seditious intent" — including promoting "Hong Kong independence" or making veiled threats to national security — may be committing a criminal offense, Willy Fu, a law professor who is also the director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"If a bookstore possesses or sells such materials, law enforcement authorities have the right to investigate in accordance with the law and may pursue prosecution based on the circumstances," the legal expert said.