Hong Kong pro-China informer: 'Why I've reported dozens of people to police'

In Hong Kong, a man named Innes Tang has taken it upon himself to report individuals to the police for what he believes are violations of the national security law. He has even set up a hotline, funded by his own money, to receive reports from the public about activities that may infringe on national security. Innes, who describes himself as a patriot, states, 'We are in every corner of society, watching, to see if there is anything suspicious which could infringe on the national security law. ' Since the United Kingdom handed Hong Kong back to China 28 years ago, the city has undergone significant changes, particularly with the introduction of the national security law (NSL) after the pro-democracy protests in 2019. This law has been criticized for limiting free speech and press, and it has fostered a culture of informing. The NSL criminalizes actions deemed as calls for 'secession,' 'subversion,' or collusion with foreign forces. Innes and his volunteers have reported nearly 100 individuals and organizations to the authorities, claiming that their actions could be in violation of the NSL. He believes that reporting these incidents is effective, as many cases have been opened by the police, resulting in some individuals facing jail time. Innes clarifies that he does not conduct investigations himself; rather, he reports incidents that he feels warrant police attention, describing this as 'proper community-police cooperation. ' He is not alone in this endeavor, as Hong Kong's authorities have also established their own national security hotline, which has received a staggering 890,000 tips from the public between November 2020 and February of this year. The pressure on those reported can be intense. Since the NSL was enacted, over 300 individuals have been arrested for national security offenses, and it is estimated that around 300,000 Hongkongers have permanently left the city in recent years. Pong Yat-ming, the owner of an independent bookstore that hosts public discussions, reports frequent inspections from government officials citing 'anonymous complaints. ' He recalls receiving ten visits from officials in just a 15-day span. Kenneth Chan, a political scientist and university lecturer involved in the pro-democracy movement since the 1990s, humorously notes that he has become 'a bit radioactive these days,' as some friends and colleagues now avoid him due to his outspoken views. He emphasizes that he does not blame the victims of this situation, but rather points to the system itself as the root cause. In response to these concerns, the Hong Kong government asserts that it 'attaches great importance to upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy,' while also stating that academic institutions must ensure their operations comply with the law and serve the interests of the community. Innes Tang claims that his motivation for reporting individuals stems from a love for Hong Kong, and he reflects on how his views on China were shaped during his youth when the city was still a British colony. He acknowledges that the colonial policies were not ideal, as opportunities were often reserved for the British, leaving locals with limited access. Like many of his generation, he longed for unity with China and a departure from colonial governance. However, he notes that many Hongkongers at the time were more focused on their livelihoods than on their rights. 'Democracy or freedom were abstract ideas that we didn't fully understand,' he admits. Innes believes that an average citizen should not become overly involved in politics, and he only became politically active to restore what he calls 'balance' to Hong Kong society after the unrest of 2019. He sees himself as a voice for the 'silent majority' of Hongkongers who do not support independence from China or the disruptions caused by protests. On the other hand, many Hongkongers view rallies and demonstrations as a long-standing tradition and one of the few ways to express public opinion in a city that lacks fully democratic leadership. Kenneth Chan expresses concern, stating, 'We are no longer a city of protests. So what are we? I don't have the answer yet. ' He argues that patriotism is not inherently negative, but it should allow citizens to maintain a critical perspective, which he feels is lacking in Hong Kong. In 2021, electoral reforms were implemented, stipulating that only 'patriots' who swore loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party could hold significant positions in government or the Legislative Council. This has led to challenges in the functioning of the council, as many believe that these so-called patriots do not genuinely represent the people. Innes Tang himself expresses a desire to see the current system challenged, stating, 'I don't want to see every policy passing with 90% of the vote. ' He warns of the potential misuse of the national security law, where individuals might accuse others of infringement simply for disagreeing. The Hong Kong government maintains that the improved Legislative Council is now free of extremists who aim to obstruct the government without engaging in constructive dialogue. For now, Innes has ceased reporting individuals, believing that balance and stability have returned to Hong Kong. However, in academia, the fear of surveillance has led to self-censorship becoming the norm. Pro-democracy parties have largely disappeared from the Legislative Council, with many disbanding, including the once-powerful Democratic Party of Hong Kong. In a promotional video, Innes and his team showcase banners representing the individuals and organizations they have reported to the police. Innes Tang has now shifted his focus overseas, stating, 'There aren't any particular issues in Hong Kong now, so I asked myself - shouldn't I have a look at how I can continue to serve my community and my country? ' He is now working as a representative for a pro-Beijing non-profit group, regularly visiting the UN in Geneva to present China's perspective on Hong Kong and human rights. Meanwhile, Kenneth Chan feels uncertain about his future, noting that a third of his friends and students are now in exile, another third are in jail, and he finds himself in a state of limbo. He reflects, 'Today I'm speaking freely with you… no one would promise me that I would continue doing it for the rest of my life. ' In a written response to the BBC, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong government emphasized that national security is a top priority and an inherent right for any country, stating that it 'only targets an extremely small minority of people and organizations that pose a threat to national security, while protecting the lives and property of the general public.