‘Soft resistance' is real, still exists in Hong Kong, John Lee warns
'Soft Resistance' still definitely exists in Hong Kong, the chief executive has said, urging residents to remain vigilant as 'many villains' are trying to threaten national security.
City leader John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Tuesday that criticism of the local government was acceptable only if it did not intend to undermine national security.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui earlier said that authorities would step up scrutiny in granting venues and funds to shows in guarding against soft resistance, fuelling concerns from the arts sector that her warning would affect many innocent works of art and hurt the city's cultural scene.
Backing Law's remarks on Tuesday, Lee said soft resistance still 'definitely' existed in Hong Kong despite the national security law being in effect for five years.
'Soft resistance is real and lurks in different places, potentially existing in various fields,' Lee said before a weekly meeting of the city's top decision-making body, the Executive Council.
'Some are operated under different names that might sound righteous, but are actually intended to harm security or carry out destructive soft resistance. It comes in many forms and varieties. We all need to stay vigilant and clear-eyed.'
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