Vice-Chancellor Zhang Xiang is reportedly part of the new organization Hong Kong Coalition, led by past Chief Executives Leung Chun Ying and Tung Chee Hwa.

 

Wait...What Coalition?

 

The Hong Kong Coalition states that its aim is to uphold “One Country, Two Systems”, help Hong Kong to fight against hardships, and ‘reboot’ society, thus the name in Chinese (再出發). The Coalition comprises some of the most famous figures in Hong Kong, including tycoons Li Ka-shing, Lee Shau-kee, all university presidents except one, and experts in almost every sector you can name. 

 

Tung Chee Hwa and Leung Chun Ying mentioned in their launching press conference that the alliance would help the Hong Kong government contain the Covid-19 pandemic, revive the economy and end the political turmoil that had “shattered” Hong Kong since the extradition bill protests erupted last June. 

 

Despite the Hong Kong Coalition not claiming itself as a political party, Tung Chee Hwa has implied a political stance, saying that Hong Kong had become an international “battleground,” where “foreign forces” aimed to sabotage the One Country, Two Systems in the name of advocating for democracy and human rights. These comments garnered the praise from authorities in Beijing.

 

Zhang may have forgotten what he said…

 

Remember when Zhang held a dialogue with HKU students in the midst of the protests last year? His words were recorded by the media. 

 

“The University should not serve as a battleground for the resolution of political issues.”

 

– Zhang Xiang, in the open forum last year

 

Though he mentioned how academic freedom and freedom of speech are core values of the University, this particular remark has now caught him in a controversy. The Student Union of HKU has posted an open letter to Zhang Xiang, saying that the reputation of the University rests on his conduct, and criticizing him for showing ‘sycophancy towards the Beijing regime’.

The Student Union is asking Zhang to answer certain questions regarding the extent of his involvement in the coalition, whether or not he consulted Senior Management, and what his participation means for the University.