A Taiwan university education event planned at the end of this month in Hong Kong has been forced to cancel due to tensions in cross-strait relations. According to a report cited by Radio Free Asia on the 8th, the event was reportedly “advised” by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong, which ultimately led to its cancellation citing security concerns. Officials from the Liaison Office indicated that their decision would depend on whether Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration speech would ease cross-strait relations, before allowing Taiwanese universities’ enrollment activities to take place in Hong Kong.
In recent years, Taiwan-related events in Hong Kong have faced increasing suppression. Two years ago, three secondary schools abruptly withdrew from hosting a Taiwan education exhibition. Last year, the Education Bureau “suggested” local schools not to participate in promoting Taiwan education information, further demanding that the names of participating schools and promotional materials refrain from using words like “national”, “overseas”, “President Tsai Ing-wen”, among others, resulting in several Taiwan institutions withdrawing from exhibitions. An education fair organized by the Hong Kong alumni associations of various Taiwan universities, originally scheduled for May 25 and 26 at the Taiwan-owned “Hoi Wah Foundation” property in Hong Kong, was also reportedly cancelled under pressure from the Liaison Office.
The report quoted insiders as saying that the organizers had held enrollment events at the Hoi Wah Foundation without interference in previous years. However, this year they received a “guidance” from the Liaison Office, with the message implying potential risks due to recent developments, with a concern that such activities could be seen as encouraging Hong Kong students to study in Taiwan. As the enrollment event would involve inviting teachers from Taiwan, the organizers, out of safety considerations, ultimately decided to cancel the event. The source also mentioned that the Liaison Office intends to use Hong Kong’s relevant regulations to prosecute individuals participating in the event from Taiwan.
The source pointed out the narrowing opportunities for Taiwan institutions to conduct enrollment activities in Hong Kong. Additionally, the Liaison Office indicated that their stance will be influenced by President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration speech and its impact on cross-strait relations. The organizers have not responded to the incident. The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan, when approached for comment by the media, expressed that such activities contribute positively to Taiwan-Hong Kong interactions and hoped for a constructive approach from all parties involved.