Fact Check: Government officials cite 'soft resistance' as a threat to national security since 2021.

Fact Check: "Government officials cite 'soft resistance' as a threat to national security since 2021"

What We Know

Since 2021, various government officials in Hong Kong have indeed cited "soft resistance" as a potential threat to national security. This term has been used in the context of development projects and civil society activities, indicating a concern that public dissent, even in mild forms, could undermine governmental authority and national security. For instance, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn mentioned that "soft resistance" could arise during land development processes, suggesting that misunderstandings or opposition from the public must be managed from a national security perspective (source-2).

The phrase has been recurrently employed by officials leading up to significant anniversaries of the National Security Law, which was enacted in 2020. This law has been a cornerstone of the government's strategy to suppress dissent and control civil society in Hong Kong (source-1).

Analysis

The use of the term "soft resistance" by government officials appears to reflect a broader strategy to frame dissent as a security threat. The lack of a clear definition for "soft resistance" raises concerns about its application, potentially leading to vague interpretations that could justify further crackdowns on civil liberties (source-6).

Critics argue that this approach may lead to excessive regulation and censorship, as seen in the context of educational materials and public discourse (source-8). The framing of dissent as a national security issue has been criticized for its potential to stifle legitimate public concerns and opposition, particularly in light of the heavy-handed measures enacted under the National Security Law (source-4).

The sources discussing "soft resistance" include government officials and academic panels, which lend some credibility to the claims made. However, the potential for bias exists, as these sources are often aligned with the government’s narrative. The framing of dissent as a security threat can be seen as a tactic to delegitimize opposition and suppress civil society, which raises ethical concerns regarding freedom of expression and assembly in Hong Kong (source-3).

Conclusion

The claim that government officials have cited "soft resistance" as a threat to national security since 2021 is True. Multiple sources confirm that this terminology has been used by officials to describe public dissent and opposition, particularly in the context of development projects and civil society activities. The implications of this framing are significant, as it suggests a strategy aimed at controlling dissent and justifying repressive measures under the guise of national security.

Sources

1. Hong Kong's Civil Society: From an Open City to a City of Fear
2. 'Soft resistance' may arise during Hong Kong development, official warns
3. Hong Kong faces rising 'soft resistance' threat amid geopolitical rifts
4. Beijing official overseeing Hong Kong warns of persisting national security threats
5. Hong Kong schools are placed on the front line to prevent 'soft resistance'
6. Hong Kong schools on 'frontline' of preventing 'soft resistance' - education minister says
7. Hong Kong security crackdown targets 'soft resistance'