Expert Suggests Hong Kong Government Gradually Allow Applications for June 4th Commemorative Events
Hong Kong veteran media figure and commentator Lau Yiu-siu published an article in Ming Pao, suggesting the Hong Kong government gradually allow citizens to legally apply to hold June 4th commemorative activities in remote areas. He argues this would help resolve societal grievances and improve the government's image, noting that while the 37th anniversary passed peacefully, underlying tensions remain.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 10:57
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(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Qian, Hong Kong, 10th) Just after the 37th anniversary of the "June 4th Incident," Hong Kong veteran media figure, commentator, and writer Lau Yiu-siu published an article in a newspaper, proposing a long-term solution for the Hong Kong government, including allowing people to legally apply to hold commemorative activities in remote areas in the future.
Lau wrote in Ming Pao today that this year's 37th anniversary of the "June 4th Incident" passed without incident and was generally calm, but the psychological knot remains, which is "not good for national rejuvenation."
He stated that if the relevant authorities want to reduce the sensitive effect, there are many methods. The Hong Kong government could approve holding "June 4th" commemorations in remote area ballparks. This move would have more benefits than drawbacks and could greatly improve the image. The authorities moving from a ban to a gradual opening (for applications) is better than a complete ban.
He also said that June 4th is not actually sensitive, as different years have different historical events on that date. For example, the Chinese Communist Party's first daily newspaper, "Re Xue Ri Bao" (Hot Blood Daily), was founded on June 4, 1925, and former Chinese Communist Party leader Deng Xiaoping announced the reduction of one million troops on June 4, 1985.
He said: "As long as the facts of June 4th from different years coexist without needing to be hidden, there will be no self-imposed taboos."
For a long time, the now-dissolved Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HKASPDMC) held an annual "June 4th" candlelight vigil in Victoria Park (維園) with official approval. However, June 4, 2019, was the last time the alliance held the vigil there.
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Hong Kong. The authorities rejected the alliance's application, citing the pandemic, and later cordoned off Victoria Park for a year to prevent illegal gatherings. Subsequently, under pressure from the Hong Kong National Security Law, the alliance announced its dissolution in September 2021.
After the pandemic subsided and the alliance dissolved, around June 4th each year, Victoria Park is instead used by "patriotic and pro-Hong Kong" groups to hold events like the "Hometown Market Carnival." (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150610
Lau wrote in Ming Pao today that this year's 37th anniversary of the "June 4th Incident" passed without incident and was generally calm, but the psychological knot remains, which is "not good for national rejuvenation."
He stated that if the relevant authorities want to reduce the sensitive effect, there are many methods. The Hong Kong government could approve holding "June 4th" commemorations in remote area ballparks. This move would have more benefits than drawbacks and could greatly improve the image. The authorities moving from a ban to a gradual opening (for applications) is better than a complete ban.
He also said that June 4th is not actually sensitive, as different years have different historical events on that date. For example, the Chinese Communist Party's first daily newspaper, "Re Xue Ri Bao" (Hot Blood Daily), was founded on June 4, 1925, and former Chinese Communist Party leader Deng Xiaoping announced the reduction of one million troops on June 4, 1985.
He said: "As long as the facts of June 4th from different years coexist without needing to be hidden, there will be no self-imposed taboos."
For a long time, the now-dissolved Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HKASPDMC) held an annual "June 4th" candlelight vigil in Victoria Park (維園) with official approval. However, June 4, 2019, was the last time the alliance held the vigil there.
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Hong Kong. The authorities rejected the alliance's application, citing the pandemic, and later cordoned off Victoria Park for a year to prevent illegal gatherings. Subsequently, under pressure from the Hong Kong National Security Law, the alliance announced its dissolution in September 2021.
After the pandemic subsided and the alliance dissolved, around June 4th each year, Victoria Park is instead used by "patriotic and pro-Hong Kong" groups to hold events like the "Hometown Market Carnival." (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150610
FAQ
What is the main proposal of this article?
That the Hong Kong government gradually allow applications for June 4th commemorative activities in remote areas like ballparks.
Who is Lau Yiu-siu?
A veteran Hong Kong media figure, commentator, and writer.
What happened to the Hong Kong Alliance?
It dissolved in September 2021 under pressure from the Hong Kong National Security Law.