(RFA) China stepped up public criticism of an outspoken Hong Kong law lecturer on Wednesday, saying his hypothetical comments on possible independence for the city represented a threat to its sovereignty, and accusing him of making common cause with supporters of independence in Taiwan.
Earlier this month, Hong Kong University associate professor Benny Tai, who has since voiced concerns for his personal safety, had made speculative remarks about the possibility of independence for the city at an academic forum in Taiwan.
Tai, who has since reported being followed and secretly photographed by ‘a powerful department,’ told the forum that Hong Kong, along with other parts of China, might consider options including independence in the event that China became a democratic country.
His comments prompted an unprecedented rebuke from the Hong Kong government, which “strongly condemned” them, as well as continuing criticism from the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Continue reading →