U.S. Consulate Criticizes Hong Kong Government for Suppressing Independence Day Celebrations

The U.S. consulate in Hong Kong criticized the local government on Tuesday for what it deemed an attempt to suppress Independence Day celebrations. This condemnation arose after reports emerged that the city’s education authorities had advised schools and teachers against participating in events organized by American diplomats to celebrate the U.S. holiday.

The consulate emphasized that celebrations of Independence Day are a tradition for U.S. embassies and consulates globally and condemned the Hong Kong government for portraying these events as “unlawful.” In an email to The Associated Press, the consulate asserted that the government’s actions reveal its insecurity and fear of freedom.

This statement followed an announcement from a Facebook page called “Edu Lancet,” which highlighted that education authorities had issued “friendly reminders” to schools urging caution regarding participation in these festivities, claiming it could violate the national security law. The Associated Press was unable to independently verify the information shared by the Facebook page, although a report from the South China Morning Post corroborated that authorities had advised schools to remain vigilant about promoting U.S.

Independence Day celebrations. In response to media inquiries, the city’s education bureau acknowledged that it has provided guidelines designed to protect national security but did not confirm the specifics of the reminders.

The bureau stated that schools must act as responsible gatekeepers, ensuring that both teachers and students are sensitive to issues of national security. The backdrop to this incident is significant, as Beijing enacted a national security law in 2020 following widespread anti-government protests.

Since then, many activists have been prosecuted, while others have fled, and concerns surrounding this law have prompted numerous families and professionals to seek emigration.