Hong Kong's government has warned the Wall Street Journal it may have broken the law by publishing an editorial that said casting blank ballots was one of the "last ways" for residents to voice dissent.

The warning letter, which the US media outlet published on Monday, comes as China's ruling Communist Party transforms the business hub into something more closely resembling the authoritarian mainland.

Erick Tsang, Hong Kong's Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, took exception to an editorial the Journal ran last week titled: "Hong Kong Says Vote -- or Else".

The editorial previewed the city's upcoming legislature election slated for this month that reduces Hong Kong's already limited democratic opportunities.

"Boycotts and blank ballots are one of the last ways for Hong Kongers to express their political views," the Journal wrote in its editorial.

In his letter, Tsang said he was "shocked" to read that sentence and warned that Hong Kong banned "inciting another person not to vote, or to cast an invalid vote".

"We reserve the right to take necessary action," Tsang said, adding that would pursue perceived offences "irrespective whether the incitement is made in Hong Kong or abroad".

Under a new legislative election system imposed by Beijing, only pre-vetted candidates can stand for office. Twenty of the 90 legislature seats up for grabs are directly elected -- down from half.

Most of the city's pro-democracy opposition figures are either in jail, have fled overseas, been barred from standing or have declined to take part in the December 19 polls.

Sensitive to any move that might cast doubt over the legitimacy of its new "patriots only" political model, Hong Kong's government recently made it an offence to encourage people to boycott local elections or incite them to cast invalid or spoiled ballots.

That law does not make it illegal for individuals to void ballots or refuse to vote.

Last week authorities issued arrest warrants for two Hong Kong activists living overseas for using social media to call on people not to vote.

Three others within Hong Kong have been arrested for the same offence.

The anti-corruption watchdog has warned pollsters that asking residents whether they intend to boycott the polls could be an offence.

Officials have also warned that organising a boycott of elections could violate the city's national security law.

In its editorial, the Journal described the polls as a "sham vote" which showed China was "crushing the autonomy it promised" to Hong Kong and was "trying to enforce its political crackdown even overseas".

The Journal has previously riled China with its editorials.

Last year an opinion piece on the coronavirus was deemed racist by Beijing and resulted in expulsion of three reporters from the country.

Hong Kong has long served as a regional media hub, though it has tumbled down press freedom rankings in recent years as Beijing asserts greater control over the city.

International media including the Financial Times, AFP, CNN, the Journal and Bloomberg all have regional headquarters in the city.

Related Links
China News from SinoDaily.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Asia's biggest flower market makes stars out of influencers
Kunming, China (AFP) Dec 6, 2021
Boxes of roses, lilies and carnations pile up as influencer Caicai speaks into her smartphone from a small studio at Asia's biggest flower market - with thousands of customers eagerly awaiting her view on the best deals. E-commerce is big business in China and influencers and livestreamers have made their fortunes showcasing products for luxury brands and cosmetics firms. Now the nation's horticulture industry, worth an estimated 160 billion yuan ($25.1 billion), is getting in on the action. An ... read more