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Hong Kong's independent bookstores have long served as a refuge for mainland Chinese readers seeking ideas suppressed at home. These bookstores, often tucked away in buildings away from busy streets, provide a window to a freer world. However, they are now under threat as bookstore owners have been arrested under the National Security Law in 2024. Critics argue that this reflects a broader crackdown on dissent that began with the implementation of a separate security law by Beijing in 2020.
Greenfield Bookstore, one of the targets of police action, announced it would close after 50 years of operation. Other bookstores have also faced similar pressures, with some announcing plans to shut down due to financial difficulties and vague regulations. Owners express difficulty in interpreting the rules, with concerns over what constitutes incitement. The government has emphasized that there will be no banned books but has left ambiguity around what may be deemed seditious.
Taiwanese publishers have stepped in to fill the gap left by Hong Kong's tightening restrictions, but concerns remain about the future of free book distribution between the two regions. Independent bookstores in Hong Kong have become more than just places to buy books; they offer a space for critical thought and community, making their potential loss a significant concern for many.