In a few days, RFA's Cantonese service will celebrate its 27th anniversary. Hong Kong readers used to think of us as a media outlet focused solely on human rights news in China. Indeed, in our early days, in May 1998, we primarily provided uncensored news to audiences within China's firewall, becoming a primary outlet for human rights activists to voice their opinions internationally. This was because we firmly believed that everyone has the right to pursue democracy and freedom.
The 2019 "Anti-Extradition Bill" protests marked a turning point for us, as Hong Kong, once renowned for its freedom, fell. Our coverage of this city gradually shifted to a place where freedoms were being eroded. That year, we walked the streets of Hong Kong with Hong Kongers, spending countless days and nights. With the implementation of the National Security Law, the news media and democratic organizations gradually collapsed. We remained steadfast in our posts, bravely documenting Hong Kong under the National Security Law and the events unfolding there. Even in the post-National Security Law era, though we were forced to leave Hong Kong, our hearts remained with the people of Hong Kong. We focused not only on Hong Kong news but also on reporting closely on the lives of those separated from our homeland.
We believe that as long as there is still a thirst for truth and freedom, there will always be a ray of light.
Even if the world turns out not to be what you expected, still face the uneasy weather with humility. The storm will not stop, and your dream will eventually come true...
We all have an unfulfilled dream, and I hope there will still be opportunities to record Hong Kong stories for you in the future.
