China’s mainland government is increasing its pressure on Hong Kong to conform to Party rules.

Hong Kong refuses visa renewal for foreign press club vice-pres. who chaired independence talk https://t.co/CS9nM5K6HD #exclusive #breaking @fcchk @cpjasia @RSF_eastasia @IFJAsiaPacific @fcchk @FreedomofPress @RSF_inter @HKJA_Official pic.twitter.com/SZeUHXKw2y

— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) October 5, 2018

🚨🚨🚨 Victor Mallet, the Financial Times’ Asia News Editor, has been refused a visa to work in Hong Kong because he chaired a panel discussion on the city’s independence.

THIS IS A BIG DEAL. This is a much bigger deal than any correspondent getting kicked out of China. https://t.co/DZ1Ffi9OC8

— Melissa Chan (@melissakchan) October 5, 2018

This is a big deal, because China promised during the handover that it would respect the laws of Hong Kong: “one country, two systems.” Instead (as anyone who lives in China would expect), they have been steadily eroding the relative independence promised Hong Kong, and making it conform to mainland laws. While HK issues its own visas, it’s clear that Beijing has pressured HK immigration officials to deny this visa on political grounds.