Endanger Hong Kong’s national security and I’ll take you down, Chris Tang warns

Hong Kong's Security Chief Chris Tang Ping-keung has issued a stern warning that anyone endangering the nation's security will face consequences. He criticized the embattled Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) for lacking credibility and legitimacy. Tang accused the HKJA of not being a statutory organization and of fielding candidates from foreign media outlets, rather than mainstream local media.

He also called the election conducted by the HKJA a "black box" process, as it failed to disclose candidate names and the final elected list. Tang's criticisms stem from the HKJA's record during the 2019 anti-government protests, where they were accused of shielding rioters and adopting a biased stance. The group's actions have also been criticized for misleading the public about a national security trial involving former media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying.

Tang emphasized that he will hold individuals accountable for any actions that threaten national security, national power, or collusion with external forces. The HKJA had originally planned to elect a new executive committee in mid-June but extended the incumbent committee's term due to a lack of suitable candidates. The association secured the required minimum five candidates and is scheduled to hold the election on August 8.

The South China Morning Post has reached out to the HKJA for further comment. HKJA chairwoman Selina Cheng Kar-yue stated that the group operates under an interim board focused solely on conducting the election. She claimed the HKJA was conducting annual elections as required by union law, despite not publishing election information due to ongoing harassment.

Cheng also defended the HKJA's stance on welcoming international journalists and the recent Trade Unions Ordinance amendment, arguing it reflects Hong Kong's identity as an international hub.