Innes Tang's Call for National Security: Monitoring Hong Kong Society

In this article, Innes Tang, a former banker turned patriot, reflects on his role in monitoring suspected national security breaches in Hong Kong and highlights the implications of the national security law on civic freedoms and social dynamics.

Innes Tang stands as a prominent figure in Hong Kong's complex socio-political landscape, having reported numerous citizens to the police for supposed violations of the controversial national security law (NSL). Tang claims he is simply helping maintain order and security in a city that has undergone tremendous upheaval since the UK's return of sovereignty to China in 1997. His grassroots approach includes a hotline he personally funded to receive reports of any behaviors he deems suspicious.

The NSL, which was implemented in response to the pro-democracy protests of 2019, criminalizes acts seen as secession, subversion, or collusion with foreign entities. Critics argue that it has curtailed free speech and press freedoms, ushering in a culture of mutual distrust and surveillance.

Tang contends that by reporting infractions, he is acting in the best interest of society, claiming that many of those he has reported have faced police investigations, with some receiving jail sentences. He sees himself as a facilitator of community-police cooperation rather than an active investigator.

His actions reflect a broader trend among pro-China patriots, as the Hong Kong government reveals that their national security hotline has received over 890,000 tips from the public since late 2020. However, critics lament the impact of such surveillance on civil society, as individuals reported for alleged offenses often find themselves under intense scrutiny.

The conversation surrounding the NSL also encompasses the profound psychological toll it takes on Hongkongers, with many fearing repercussions for their political expressions or affiliations. Some academics and public figures, like political scientist Kenneth Chan, report a growing sense of isolation as they find themselves distanced from peers due to their political stances.

Innes Tang claims that his drive to report perceived violations stems from a love for Hong Kong and a desire for stability. He reflects on the colonial past, criticizing the prioritization of British interests over local citizens, but acknowledges that many citizens prioritize economic stability over political engagement. His objective, he says, is to articulate the views of the so-called silent majority who support governance aligned with Chinese national interests.

Interestingly, Tang sees potential for reform and says he opposes the weaponization of the NSL against dissenters. He recently paused his reporting activities, believing that stability has returned to Hong Kong, as large-scale protests almost vanished under the weight of the stringent new laws.

As Tang continues his advocacy role, he has shifted his focus to international discourse, representing pro-China viewpoints at global forums like the UN. Meanwhile, Kenneth Chan remains caught in a precarious situation, grappling with the changes within the academic and political landscape, unsure if he will always be able to speak freely.

The future remains uncertain for many in Hong Kong, with an estimated 300,000 residents fleeing since the NSL's enactment and the political atmosphere stifling democratic engagement. As Tang immerses himself in new international responsibilities, the stark realities faced by other Hongkongers exemplify a community adapting to a new era of governance under the weight of the national security law, where mere dissent could lead to dire consequences.