Tang Ping-keung defends ‘pin you down’ national security warning
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Security Secretary Tang Ping-keung said on 17 August that his earlier warning that he would “pin you down” was directed at all people who endanger national security or collude with external forces. Speaking to reporters after a radio programme, he said the government would strictly enforce the law, use every method to find evidence, and make arrests and prosecutions where evidence exists
Key Points
- Tang’s latest remarks followed the Hong Kong Journalists Association executive committee election, after which he had described the group as lacking legitimacy and credibility
- He had also warned that if any group abused the name of a trade union and engaged in activities unrelated to union work, authorities would investigate and pursue the matter according to law
- On 17 August, after attending a radio interview in the morning, Tang told reporters his “pin you down” comment targeted all people involved in acts endangering national security
- He said those who endanger national security or collude with external forces should expect firm enforcement action, with arrests and charges if evidence is uncovered
- Responding to an article by Society for Truth and Light general secretary Choi Chi-sum on arrests of several independent bookstore operators, Tang said there would be no “banned books list”
Why It Matters
Tang’s remarks indicate the administration is maintaining a hard line on national security enforcement while rejecting calls for a clear list of prohibited books. For Hong Kong readers, that means official scrutiny will continue to focus on conduct and publication content rather than labels, names or formal organisational status