Cultural Association Displays 'I Am a Bookstore Staff Member' Slogan to Support Democracy and Freedom

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Bao'er, Taipei, July 16) Hong Kong police conducted a surprise raid yesterday on the independent bookstore 'Ling Xia Book House,' arresting staff members who were seen wearing T-shirts printed with 'I Am a Bookstore Staff Member' as they boarded police vehicles—an image that sparked widespread discussion. Today, the Chinese Cultural Association displayed the same slogan at its entrance to stand in solidarity with democracy and freedom.

Hong Kong police arrested the bookstore staff yesterday on suspicion of displaying and selling items with 'seditious intent.' The incident was quickly shared through video footage, and the slogan 'I Am a Bookstore Staff Member' became a key phrase used by many on social media to express support for the detained staff.

The Chinese Cultural Association today installed the slogan 'I Am a Bookstore Staff Member' at the entrance of its headquarters. Li Houqing, Secretary-General of the Association, told the Central News Agency that the search of Hong Kong's independent bookstore and the arrest of its staff—whose only statement was the T-shirt reading 'I Am a Bookstore Staff Member'—was a deeply moving image that left many speechless. He noted that July 15 also marks the 39th anniversary of Taiwan's lifting of martial law.

Li lamented that while people in one place lose their freedom because of books, words, and ideas, Taiwan still enjoys the freedom to read, publish, write, and discuss openly. This contrast, he said, is profoundly moving. The ability to use words freely is not a given; it is the result of those who struggled through eras when free speech was impossible.

Li expressed his hope that all those in Hong Kong who protect bookstores and reading will remain safe, and urged people to forever cherish and safeguard the hard-won freedom. He expressed his wish that in Taiwan, 'I Am a Bookstore Staff Member' would always remain just a self-introduction, never a symbol of courage.

The Chinese Cultural Association has long supported democracy, freedom, and human rights. In 2022, after the closure of Hong Kong's Apple Daily, it assisted Hong Kong residents in Taiwan by hosting the 'Back Up a City' exhibition on its first floor, collecting 122 digital and physical newspaper backups of Apple Daily from Hong Kongers around the world, documenting their determined resistance. (Editor: Long Bo-an) 1150716

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