On 19 February 2025, the Eaton Hotel in the Jordan area abruptly cancelled the Hong Kong Journalists Association’s (HKJA) annual spring dinner scheduled for February 24, without explanation. This followed the Regal Hong Kong Hotel’s cancellation on February 13, citing dubious reasons like water leakage and power supply issues, despite hosting other events. These cancellations, likely due to external pressure, disrupted a key fundraising event with attendees including legislators, foreign consuls, and business representatives. According to the chairwoman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, these cancellations appear to be coordinated efforts to restrict their activities and are part of a pattern. In January 2025 already, the HKJA Cup football tournament faced cancellations from both the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre and the Happy Valley Recreation Ground. These actions signal a closing space for independent journalism associations in Hong Kong, threatening their ability to maintain professional networks and conduct necessary fundraising. The implications are severe: freedom of assembly and press are under threat, and the sustainability of independent professional bodies is at risk. This trend creates a chilling effect on civil society, demonstrating the vulnerability of professional organizations to indirect pressure and signalling a shift in the relationship between commercial entities and civil society groups.
