RTHK Becomes Mainlandized, as Lam Promises Rosy Future

RTHK staff must abide by the one-China policy on Taiwan

 

Radio Television Hong Kong is becoming like Chinese state media with rules imposed on how it will report on Taiwan.

In a circular distributed today to staff at the government broadcaster, they are not allowed to use "inappropriate" terms such as "Taiwan's president" or "Taiwan's government" in all radio, television and online content, to comply with the one-China principle.

Taiwan cannot be described as a country

"Inappropriate terminology such as 'country', 'Republic of China', 'ROC'... must not be used when referring to Taiwan. Under no circumstances should Taiwan be referred to as a sovereign state or perceived as one," it said.

The circular instructed staff to refer to "the most senior leader of Taiwan" as 'Taiwan leader' rather than 'Taiwan president', and 'Taiwan authorities' should be used rather than 'Taiwan government'.

An RTHK spokesman reiterated that as a public broadcaster and a government department, its programmes and content it releases must all abide by the one-China principle.

This circular may have come about after Federation of Trade Union lawmaker Luk Chung-hung inquired in the Legislative Council last week why RTHK used the word "president" to refer to the island's leader. Luk submitted a written question to Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah in Legco, suggesting the broadcaster may have breached the one-China principle.

Tsai now "Taiwan leader" not "Taiwan president"

Yau did not indicate that any policy change was in the works, but only said that all along the government has handled Taiwan-related matters in accordance with the Basic Law, the one-China principle, and the central government's policies towards the island. 

He added that RTHK would "continue to abide by the charter, duly meet its obligations as a public broadcaster, and uphold the highest professional standards of journalism."

When will RTHK describe Taiwan as a "renegade province", and will other media outlets will get this memo as well?

Meanwhile the reports of tens of thousands of people leaving Hong Kong for the UK has unfazed Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

In today's media briefing, Lam said the government did not hold an official position on the matter, but said: "Every now and then in the history of Hong Kong, there are such emigration trends.

Lam pitching Greater Bay Area back in 2018

"But if you really ask me to say something to those who are seeking to emigrate or have already emigrated, I would tell them Hong Kong has a prosperous future."

She pointed out Hong Kong's role in the Greater Bay Area, which will link the city along with Macau and nine cities in Guangdong together in a bid to become an economic and business powerhouse.

"For those who feel a sense of belonging to Hong Kong and are willing to toil away here, this is the best time. But if they choose to leave, this is a personal decision."

"Toil" is an interesting choice of word...