Independent book fair in Hong Kong attended by editors following Chinese government's blockade
In the heart of Hong Kong, a unique literary landscape is thriving, but it is one that faces significant hurdles. A recent survey of 19 independent publishers in the city has revealed that their freedom of expression has been undermined, and many rely on independent bookstores for distribution.
The challenges these publishers face are multifaceted, stemming from legislative changes, self-censorship, and exclusion from major events. The 2020 National Security Law (NSL), the 2021 "Patriots Law," and the 2024 Article 23 legislation have collectively expanded the scope of what authorities consider "national security" violations, leading to greater risks for any content deemed politically sensitive.
One of the most notable examples of this censorship is the Hong Kong Book Fair, the city’s largest and most high-profile literary event. This year, at least three major local independent publishers were barred from participation in the government-run Hong Kong Book Fair, a repeat of previous years’ exclusions. In response, at least 14 publishers have organised an independent book fair, explicitly promoting it as a space with "no censorship."
Bookstore owner Leticia Wong, of Hunter Bookstore, highlighted this distinction, stating, "The biggest difference for us (from the government-run fair) is that we have no censorship." The alternative fair, which dealt with topics such as minority groups, the LGBTQ community, and the city’s wealth gap, showcases a stark contrast to the government-run event.
Leslie Ng, editor of Bbluesky, one of the publishers excluded from this year’s Hong Kong Book Fair, declared that the fair used to be diverse and supportive, but that has changed. Ng stated that when editing books, they always consider if they might be breaking the law due to the blurry red line and fear of not knowing where it is.
The existence of an alternative, uncensored book fair highlights the dichotomy between government-sanctioned and independent literary cultures in Hong Kong, but also underscores the marginalization of voices that do not conform to official expectations. The visible exclusion of certain publishers creates a chilling effect, discouraging others from publishing works that might draw official scrutiny.
Independent publishers in Hong Kong confront a multifaceted set of challenges. These include legal risks, market access, social and political pressure, and reputational and personal risks. The broad and vague definitions in the NSL and related legislation make it risky to publish works that could be interpreted as undermining national security, leading to widespread self-censorship.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of independent publishers in Hong Kong is evident. Wong, of Hunter Bookstore, believes that her fair showcases the "unique landscape" of Hong Kong’s publishing world. She affirmed that book fairs should not be censored and that independent publishers deserve more attention.
As the city’s once-vaunted reputation for free expression and a vibrant publishing culture continues to erode, these independent publishers serve as a beacon of hope for those who care about publishing, reading, and writing freedom.
- The alternative, uncensored book fair in Hong Kong, organized by at least 14 publishers, showcases a unique culture of literature that promotes diversity and freedom of expression, distinct from the government-run fair.
- The challenges independent publishers face in Hong Kong extend to their lifestyle and home-and-garden, as they encounter legal risks, market access issues, social and political pressure, and reputational and personal risks, often leading to self-censorship in their books and entertainment production, threatening the city's once-vaunted reputation for a vibrant publishing culture.
