HONG KONG – Radio Free Asia has made the decision to close its bureau in Hong Kong, citing concerns for the safety of its staff following the implementation of Article 23, a new national security law. The law, enacted by the Hong Kong government, has raised serious questions about the ability of Radio Free Asia to operate safely in the Chinese territory. “Actions by Hong Kong authorities, including referring to RFA as a ‘foreign force,’ raise serious questions about our ability to operate in safety with the enactment of Article 23,” said Bay Fang, the president and chief executive of Radio Free Asia.
While Radio Free Asia will retain its official media registration, the outlet has closed its physical bureau in Hong Kong and no longer has full-time employees in the city. Radio Free Asia had been operating in Hong Kong since 1996, but it is unclear how many employees will be affected by the closure or whether they will be relocated.
The Hong Kong government declined to comment on RFA’s decision, but has condemned any criticisms against the Article 23 law. The law, approved unanimously by Hong Kong’s legislature, addresses crimes such as treason, sedition, state secrets, and external interference, making them punishable by up to life in prison. It was enacted to supplement a broader national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. However, critics argue that these laws are eroding civil liberties in Hong Kong.
The United States and others have strongly criticized the Article 23 law, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials in response to the crackdown on dissent. Hong Kong’s press freedom has drastically declined in recent years, with the city now ranking 140th out of 180 countries and territories in the World Press Freedom Index. Pro-democracy news outlets, including Apple Daily and Stand News, have been shut down, while others have chosen to close or move their operations out of Hong Kong.
Foreign news outlets have also faced criticism in Hong Kong, with Radio Free Asia and Voice of America being labeled as “anti-China” by newspapers with pro-Beijing leanings. Radio Free Asia, reporting in Cantonese and Mandarin, is among the few remaining independent news organizations covering events happening in Hong Kong.
The enactment of Article 23 legislation has led to a trend of media outlets and media-related organizations leaving Hong Kong since 2020, when the national security law was implemented. The law increases pressure on local journalists and creates a potential threat for organizations registered in Hong Kong. Critics argue that it is aimed at generating self-censorship among the media.
Given the uncertainties and challenges imposed by Article 23, Radio Free Asia has had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from Hong Kong. This move underscores the growing concern over media freedom and the erosion of civil liberties in the city.