Tang says undercurrents persist despite calmer Hong Kong
AM730 · 5 SOURCES35 minutes ago6 MIN
Summary
Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung (鄧炳強) said on Monday that Hong Kong society is much calmer than it was in 2019, but he warned that hidden risks remain and that people still try every day to operate on the legal margins.
Speaking on a radio programme, Tang said the government is willing to accept criticism, but drew a line at conduct intended to stir distrust toward the Hong Kong or central governments.
He said four national security risks remain, and called “soft resistance” the most malicious because it can be disguised as something harmless or even well-intentioned.
Tang also declined to confirm market speculation that the new Huanggang Port could open on October 12, saying only that the target remains the fourth quarter and that safety, smooth traffic flow and orderly operations must come first.
Key Points
- Tang said Hong Kong is much more stable than during the 2019 unrest because “there is law to follow”, so most people now “dare not break the law”.
- He said four risks still exist: smearing by external forces, domestic terrorist activity, overseas fugitives promoting Hong Kong independence, and “soft resistance”.
- Tang called “soft resistance” the most malicious threat because it may mix unrelated or seemingly neutral messages with incitement, making people believe them.
- Citing the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, he said false online claims included cheap land resumption, riot police targeting victims, and firefighters lacking gear or food.
- On the new Huanggang Port, Tang said a 20,000-person test was suitable, but he would only confirm a fourth-quarter launch, not an October 12 date.
Why It Matters
Tang’s remarks show officials are continuing to treat public narratives, online rumours and even ambiguous messaging as part of Hong Kong’s security environment, not just a communications issue.
For residents, that means sharper official scrutiny of speech framed as criticism but seen by authorities as incitement, while major cross-boundary projects such as the new Huanggang Port remain tied to operational readiness rather than fixed public timetables.