Independent bookshops in Hong Kong and mainland China are facing mounting pressure from authorities as bookstores selling politically sensitive titles find themselves targeted by government inspections and state media criticism.
The tightening scrutiny has created an atmosphere of self-censorship among booksellers and readers alike. Independent shops such as Luck Win Bookstore and Elmbook maintain a low profile and avoid public statements or events, yet both shops faced criticism in the Beijing-controlled newspaper Wen Wei Po ahead of a recent book fair.
State Media Criticism and the Red Lines of Censorship
State-backed media outlets in Hong Kong have accused specific independent booksellers of promoting “soft resistance” by stocking politically nuanced literature. The targeted publications include The Hong Kong Diaries by Chris Patten, the final British governor of Hong Kong, and 300 Short Essays by the late Apple Daily columnist Lee Yee. The Apple Daily newspaper was previously shuttered under national security laws, with senior staff and owner Jimmy Lai jailed. According to Tong Kin-long of University College London, authorities intentionally keep boundaries ambiguous so that people establish their own red lines and practice preemptive self-censorship.
Shifting Atmospheres in Hong Kong and Mainland China
Readers and booksellers note that the operational environment for independent stores has deteriorated across both regions. A man identified as K, in his 30s from Sichuan, recalled that mainland bookshops once served as vibrant public spaces for discussion before a gradual tightening began around 2015, resulting in the disappearance of sensitive books and public talks. Similarly, patrons in Hong Kong report government officials monitoring book-related events.
FAQ
What kind of books have drawn scrutiny from authorities?
State-linked media have flagged titles such as Chris Patten’s The Hong Kong Diaries and Lee Yee’s 300 Short Essays as examples of “soft resistance.”
How are independent bookshops responding to the pressure?
Many shops maintain a low profile, avoiding public announcements and organized events to minimize the risk of official repercussions.
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