The city’s authors are taking their thoughts and memories elsewhere, as a new publishing base emerges in exile.

By Chen Yee-ching | The Reporter/RFA Mandarin

Hong Kong’s bookstores once drew Chinese-language bibliophiles from far and wide in pursuit of some of the city’s most off-beat, salacious and politically radical writings, coupled with cute or alternative takes on art and culture.

But even before the 2020 National Security Law ushered in a crackdown on public criticism of the authorities, the Chinese government had been positioning itself to take control of the city’s main publishing imprints and bookstore chains, squeezing out dozens of independent stores as it did so.

Summary

Challenges faced by writers and publishers in Hong Kong, particularly after the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020, has significantly impacted freedom of expression in the city.

Writers and booksellers fearing arrest or seeking a freer environment in which to work have turned to democratic Taiwan. Taiwan’s educated readership and use of traditional Chinese characters, offers a natural home for many Hong Kong literary folk. The country’s publishing houses and book-buying market are helping Hong Kong writers and publishers to preserve memories and connections to home.

Writer Carpier Leung, now based in Taiwan, says:

“I would say that everyone is looking for a safe way to express their love for Hong Kong.”

Read the original, full-text version of this article at the publisher’s website here