Publishers Say Self-censorship Creeping In

Some publishers taking part in the book fair that opened on Wednesday say they have been witnessing self-censorship creeping into the industry, especially since the Causeway Bay booksellers’ disappearance.

Daniel Wong from “One of a Kind Publishing Company” says he felt the kidnapping incident was a signal that Beijing does not tolerate anything directly targeting the Communist Party or its leaders' private lives.

But Wong said there’s a higher tolerance for other books critical of the country. “If it’s culture, economy or Hong Kong affairs, I think it’s safe,” he said. “And it’s our freedom, up till now.”

He added that it could be a different story if the suspended extradition bill is eventually passed.

“The chilling effect does exist. That fear is worrying," he said.

Wong had also installed a Lennon Wall at his booth. He said he’s a fan of John Lennon and with similar walls sprouting up across Hong Kong, he felt it was all the more reason to set up one at the venue too.

Jimmy Pang from another publisher, Sub-culture Limited, also said there is "white terror" clouding the sector.

He said not many people are willing to publish books that are critical of China and said he noticed fewer books on Chinese politics at the annual fair in recent years.

Pang said it’s harder now to publish books analysing the latest Hong Kong political situation because of its fast-changing nature.

But one publisher said it publishes all books that convey a positive message. Breakthrough editorial manager Ng Wing-chi said they stick to their mission, which is to publish books for youths and parents.

As long as the books send a positive message to their readers, they will publish it, no matter whether it is critical of Beijing or not, Ng said.

The president of the Taiwan Publishers Association said they are not planning to sell books related to politics at the fair to avoid conflicts and inconvenience to the organisers.

He said such books of course would be sold in Taiwan because they enjoyed such freedom.

An executive of a publishing group which is controlled by Beijing said they have not taken any extra security measures despite calls for demonstrations, and said his group supports freedom of expression.

Calvin Ko, a manager of Joint Publishing which is owned by Sino United Publishers, said they have left the security arrangements to the organisers, the Trade Development Council.