Inside the Mind of a Pro-China Informer in Hong Kong: A Patriot's Call to Action

Innes Tang, a former banker and self-described patriot, has taken it upon himself to report individuals he believes violate Hong Kong’s national security law. His actions, driven by a sense of duty, reflect the increasing culture of surveillance in the city following strict governance imposed by Beijing. While he claims to represent the “silent majority,” critics warn of the dangers of a system that criminalizes dissent.

Innes Tang, a former banker and self-identified patriot in Hong Kong, has become a prominent figure in the city’s network of informants, reporting dozens of fellow citizens to the police for perceived national security violations. His actions stem from convictions rooted in his belief that he is aiding in the protection of the community under the national security law (NSL), a framework introduced by Beijing following Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Since the NSL’s implementation, a culture of informing has emerged, with Tang setting up a hotline to receive community reports on alleged infractions. “We’re in every corner of society, watching, to see if there is anything suspicious,” he stated in an interview with the BBC World Service. The NSL criminalizes actions deemed as secession, subversion, or collusion with foreign forces, and has been criticized for undermining free speech and civil liberties in the city.

The impact of Tang’s reporting runs deep; he claims to have turned in nearly 100 individuals and organizations, with police actions resulting from some of these reports. He emphasizes his role as a facilitator of “community-police cooperation,” reflecting a broader trend where the government has encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities. In support of this initiative, Hong Kong authorities reported receiving significant volumes of tips via their own national security hotline.

The atmosphere in Hong Kong following the NSL has resulted in new pressures, particularly for those reported to authorities. Activists note that since the law's enactment, over 300 arrests have been made, while many have fled the city to escape oppression. Bookseller Pong Yat-ming, who frequently faces inspections based on anonymous complaints, describes a chilling environment where fear stifles public voice and dissent.

Kenneth Chan, a political commentator and advocate for democracy, reflects on the social repercussions of the current climate, stating, “Some friends, students, and colleagues now avoid me… but I would be the last person to blame the victims. It’s the system.” The local government, while claiming to uphold academic freedom and institutional autonomy, asserts responsibilities among academic institutions to operate in a legally compliant manner.

Intriguingly, Tang connects his motivations to an early longing for unity with China, prompted by his experiences during the colonial period. He argues that the idea of democracy was too abstract for his generation. “An average citizen should not become too involved in politics,” he insists, marking a shift in his priorities which he attributes to the societal upheaval that followed the 2019 protests.

Despite his belief that he reflects the will of the “silent majority,” many Hongkongers maintain that public demonstrations have long represented a vital means of expressing opinion in a city where democratic channels have narrowed. Chan laments, “We are no longer a city of protests… I don’t have the answer yet.”

Further complicating the situation is the electoral reform established in 2021, requiring officials to pledge loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party, thereby reshaping the political landscape and leaving critical policies unchecked. This phenomenon has led to perceptions of government representatives as “verbal revolutionaries” disconnected from the populace they ostensibly serve.

Tang now conducts his activism beyond Hong Kong, taking roles in pro-Beijing organizations and advocating for China's perspective on human rights at international forums. In his pursuit of creating a media company, he seeks new avenues for his voice, reflecting on the current calm in Hong Kong as he ceases reporting on local activities.

For Chan, the future remains uncertain, navigating a landscape where many friends and colleagues have been imprisoned or gone into exile. “No one would promise me that I would continue… speaking freely for the rest of my life,” he states, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by those who dare to voice dissent in today’s Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong government reinforces its stance that the national security law is focused on a small minority threatening public order while purporting to safeguard the community’s wellbeing, underscoring the complex dichotomy present in the city’s current environment.