HONG KONG: A string of figures critical of China’s Communist Party say they have been denied visas to Hong Kong, sparking accusations of a secret “blacklist” that bears signs of Beijing’s growing influence over the city. Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said she believed Hong Kong was “giving up” its own authority on immigration issues. Rejected Taiwanese scholar Wu Rwei-ren accused the Hong Kong government of having a “blacklist” which was expanding to academics. Meanwhile Chinese authorities have issued warnings about challenges to its sovereignty, particularly incensed by an emerging independence movement in Hong Kong. “It’s saddening if I can’t go to Hong Kong anymore,” he said in a Facebook post, but added he would not be stopped.

Source: Manila Times December 21, 2017 04:18 UTC