On 27 March 2025, Ming Pao, a respected Hong Kong newspaper, published an editorial defending its journalist who had questioned Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung about the lack of gazettal (official public notice) for his recent trip to Thailand. The editorial asserted the legitimacy of such journalistic inquiries, especially in the context of government transparency. In response, Tang issued a strongly worded letter criticising the editorial as “biased and misleading”. He claimed the trip involved a covert operation related to rescuing Hong Kongers held captive abroad, which required confidentiality to protect lives. Tang insisted the media’s focus on administrative procedures rather than the security mission’s necessity and sensitivity was irresponsible. This exchange has reignited debate around press freedom and government accountability in Hong Kong.
