Book Fair Security Stepped Up Amid Protest Call

Organisers of the hugely popular annual book fair said on Tuesday that security will be stepped up amid online calls to stage a protest against publishers that are controlled by Beijing, as part of the anti-extradition bill movement.

Sino United Publishing, which is run by the liaison office, controls the vast majority of Hong Kong's retail book trade.

The Trade Development Council (TDC) said it hopes any action by protesters doesn't affect fair participants, or it will ask demonstrators to leave.

Benjamin Chau, deputy executive director of the TDC, said the council understands people’s wish to express their political views, and it will tolerate their action so long as they don’t disturb others.

"We will try to observe the situation, monitor the situation and try to exercise the suitable arrangement," he said.

Chau said there are no plans to end the event, which opens on Wednesday and runs until next Tuesday, abruptly due to possible demonstrations.

More than 680 exhibitors are joining the event at the Exhibition and Convention Centre in Wan Chai.