Explainer: Hong Kong’s national security crackdown – month 73

In July 2026, Hong Kong's cultural sector faced increased scrutiny with the police raid on two independent bookstores. The first store, Greenfield Bookstore, which had been in operation since 1976, was raided on July 30, resulting in the arrest of five individuals suspected of sedition. This incident was followed by the closure announcement of Greenfield Bookstore after its lease expired, marking it as the third bookstore closure in a single month.

The government accused the five arrested individuals of displaying and selling items that could stir hatred against the Hong Kong government, judiciary, and law enforcement bodies. The police investigation alleged that these items were deemed to have seditious intent. The government defended the raids, emphasizing that the law is clear and that bookstores must ensure the legality of the titles they sell.

Two weeks after the Greenfield raid, the independent bookstore Have a Nice Stay announced its closure, citing financial difficulties and unclear red lines. Another independent bookstore, Elmbook, also announced it would close its physical store before the raids, following a ban from the annual Hong Kong Book Fair. Taiwanese officials reported that Hong Kong authorities were checking for "banned books" shipped from Taiwan, prompting local publishers to self-censor before shipping to avoid potential issues.