HONG KONG — On Tuesday, the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong openly criticized the local government’s actions, accusing them of attempting to suppress U.S. Independence Day celebrations. This reaction followed reports suggesting that local educational authorities had advised teachers and students to avoid events organized by American diplomats.
The consulate asserted that the Hong Kong government was obstructing events hosted by the U.S. Consulate General. Such events are part of a global tradition where U.S. embassies and consulates celebrate Independence Day with receptions and festivities.
In a statement issued in response to inquiries, the consulate remarked, “We condemn the Hong Kong government’s repression of U.S. Independence Day celebrations. The characterization of these activities as ‘unlawful’ demonstrates a deep-seated insecurity and fear of freedom.”
This denunciation followed a report from a Facebook page named “Edu Lancet,” which mentioned that local education authorities had circulated advisories to schools. The advisories reportedly cautioned teachers against participating in consulate events to avoid breaching the national security law and recommended discouraging students from attending these events as well.
While the Associated Press has not been able to independently validate the claims made by the Facebook page, known for its updates on the education sector, a report by the South China Morning Post confirmed that authorities had alerted schools to remain vigilant regarding any activities promoting U.S. Independence Day on campus.
The city’s education bureau has yet to provide any comments on the matter.
Previously, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, claimed in a March media interview that the page’s founder, Hans Yeung, was creating societal division.
The national security law was imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong in 2020 following widespread anti-government protests in 2019. The law was presented as essential for restoring stability in the city. Under this law, numerous leading activists have faced prosecution or imprisonment, prompting others to flee. Consequently, concerns over the law have driven many middle-class families and young professionals to seek prospects elsewhere.