The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has ended its association with a respected Taiwanese scholar. Michael Hsiao, once named an honorary researcher, now faces rejection following political accusations. CUHK’s decision came after a report in a pro-Beijing newspaper labeled Hsiao as a Taiwan independence supporter. The article linked him to a recent university poll that showed disapproval of the Hong Kong government.
That survey, conducted by CUHK’s Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, showed only 19.4% supported the local government. In contrast, 38.2% disapproved of its performance. The numbers clashed with findings from other pro-establishment polls. Following the article, the university quickly announced Hsiao’s honorary role would end. Officials said they would act in line with Hong Kong’s National Security Act. They emphasized their commitment to protecting Hong Kong’s legal framework.
Hsiao responded in an interview with Taiwanese media. He denied involvement with any surveys and clarified that he had not taken part in CUHK polls during his long association with the institute. In fact, Hsiao said his role had always been honorary. He explained that active cooperation had stopped nearly a decade ago and that he had not visited Hong Kong for more than ten years.
Hsiao called the university’s move a sign of growing political pressure. He described it as part of a broader purge of academic freedom in Hong Kong. He also criticized the media campaign targeting scholars with differing political views. The Taiwan independence supporter label, he said, was both unfair and unfounded. Hsiao stressed that academic freedom should not be subject to political attacks.
This incident reflects the increasing tensions between Hong Kong and Taiwanese intellectuals. The use of the term Taiwan independence supporter has become a political tool in regional disputes. As Hong Kong aligns more closely with Beijing’s policies, international academic ties continue to face pressure.
