A former banker and self-proclaimed patriot, Innes Tang has reported numerous residents for alleged breaches of national security, claiming to represent the sentiments of a silent majority in the city.
Hong Kong's Informant Phenomenon: Reporting on 'National Security' Violations
Hong Kong's Informant Phenomenon: Reporting on 'National Security' Violations
Innes Tang explains his motivation behind reporting locals and his views on the national security law in Hong Kong.
Innes Tang, a former banker in Hong Kong, has sparked significant discussions surrounding national security by establishing a reporting hotline for individuals he suspects are violating the controversial national security law (NSL). He claims to represent the views of many Hongkongers who do not support the pro-democracy movement and considers his actions as a form of civic duty.
According to Tang, he has reported dozens of fellow citizens for activities he believes could infringe upon the NSL, imposed by Beijing in 2020 in response to pro-democracy protests the previous year. This law makes various activities unlawful, including secession and subversion against the Chinese government. His reports range from incidents involving colonial-era flags to protest-themed baked goods.
"I view this as proper community-police cooperation," Tang informed the BBC World Service during an extended interview process. "We are vigilant in monitoring our surroundings for any suspicious activities that could be interpreted as infringing upon our national security."
He goes on to mention that nearly 100 individuals and organizations have been reported, many of which have resulted in police action, highlighting the efficacy of such reporting. Though Tang insists that he does not conduct investigations himself, he takes anonymity-driven tips from the public and compiles these for law enforcement.
This growing culture of informing has emerged in a city where freedoms once flourished under British rule. Following the imposition of the NSL, Hong Kong has seen arrests surpassing 300 related to national security violations, contributing to a worrying trend of citizens fleeing the city—over 300,000 in recent years.
Tang's assertions echo sentiments shared by many who support the government's narratives, although critics, including political scientists like Kenneth Chan, express concerns about the implications of such a reporting culture on society. "Those who openly express their views become isolated or targeted," Chan notes, highlighting the atmosphere of fear fostering self-censorship.
Supporters of the NSL, including Tang, argue that it is necessary for stability, emphasizing that a majority of locals feel similarly and wish to regain control after the chaos of the protests. However, the NSL has faced criticism for silencing dissent and stifling political discourse, raising questions about the future of democracy in the region.
Currently, Innes Tang is pivoting his focus abroad. He is working with pro-Beijing non-profit organizations and plans to share Hong Kong's narrative on international platforms, including Geneva. As he shifts his gaze away from local affairs, Tang contemplates the concept of patriotism and its implications in the current political climate, stating, "I wish to serve my community and my country in the best way possible."
Meanwhile, Kenneth Chan and others in Hong Kong continue to grapple with the shifting social landscape, where public expression has dramatically changed. With pro-democracy representation dwindling and academic environments now characterized by fear of surveillance, the question of what Hong Kong's identity will become hangs in the balance.
