Hong Kong book bans are 'extremely concerning', says IPA

The International Publishers Association has expressed concern following reports in the Guardian, Global Times and the Wall Street Journal that certain books have have been removed from public libraries and bookshops. It comes as the new Chinese Security Law is implemented in Hong Kong.

The missing titles include works by prominent protester Joshua Wong and Hong Kong politician Tanya Chan, among others.

Kristenn Einarsson, chair of the IPA’s Freedom to Publish committee, said: “Banned books are a worldwide problem, but these reports suggest that the impact in Hong Kong of the new Security Law will be felt immediately. It is extremely concerning. We stand with publishing colleagues anywhere who are affected by book bans and call on governments around the world to protect the right to publish freely in their countries.”

The IPA has previously expressed concern about the situation for publishers in Hong Kong, in connection with the now-closed bookshop and publishing house co-owned by Gui Minhai. Minhai, a Hong Kong based publisher, was 2018 IPA Prix Voltaire laureate, and is currently in jail in China.