Overview

• Hong Kong’s Education Bureau sent “friendly reminders” to schools cautioning that US Independence Day events might violate the city’s national security law.
• The US Consulate General in Hong Kong called the warnings “repression” and accused the government of interfering in consulate-hosted celebrations.
• Officials confirmed plans for a private July 4 reception aimed at reinforcing ties between Hong Kong residents and the United States.
• Beijing imposed the national security law in 2020, penalizing subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorism with sentences up to life in prison.
• Hong Kong authorities have not responded publicly to the consulate’s condemnation or to requests for comment on the school guidance.