Home>News Center>China
       
 

Tang: Beijing not behind radio hosts' leave
(China Daily HK Edition)
Updated: 2004-06-02 08:44

State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan Tuesday refuted the claim that the departures of three Hong Kong radio hosts from their posts were caused by pressure from the central government.

"This is definitely not the truth," he told ATV last night.

Tang is so far the highest ranking central government official to speak on the recent incidents concerning the radio talkshow hosts.

The resignations of Albert Cheng, Raymond Wong and Allen Lee within a month in succession have prompted some people in Hong Kong to suspect that Beijing is trying to affect Hong Kong's freedom of press and speech in the lead-up to the Legislative Council election in September.

Responding to concerns in Hong Kong that freedom of speech would be narrowed after the recent incidents, Tang said: "Some have suggested that it was under Beijing's instruction that they (the radio hosts) had left their posts; this is definitely not the truth."

Without naming names, he said one of the three radio hosts left Hong Kong because of heavy debts he owed.

"It was out of his own intention to flee to Canada because he could no longer stay in Hong Kong. How could he say it was under Beijing's pressure?" Tang asked.

He noted that the interpretation by the country's top legislature on Basic Law annexes concerning electoral changes aimed to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity, stability and development.

"Stability is of utmost importance. Without it, how could Hong Kong have real democracy and freedom?" he said.

 
  Today's Top News     Top China News
 

New auto rules state joint venture guidelines

 

   
 

Mooted anti-monopoly law to benefit all

 

   
 

EU move on lifting arms ban appreciated

 

   
 

30,000 km highways to create economic hub

 

   
 

Iraq council disbands; CPA still in power

 

   
 

Premier: High time to liberalize grain trading

 

   
  Mainland, Taiwan marrow links set
   
  Nation to fight text message, Internet fraud
   
  China speeds up building west-east oil artery
   
  Premier: High time to liberalize grain trading
   
  Beijing closes down anti-SARS headquarters
   
  Nation's 1st AIDS outpatient service launched
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
  News Talk  
  When will china have direct elections?  
Advertisement