Another Hong Kong Independent Bookstore to Close Due to Financial Struggles and Unpredictable 'Red Lines'

(Taipei, 14th) Following the recent announcement by 'Yulin Bookstore'—which was barred from participating in this year's Hong Kong Book Fair—that it would cease operations, 'Liu Xia Bookstore,' an independent bookstore founded by Hong Kong media professionals, announced today that it will close on August 30. The store cited financial deficits and 'unpredictable red lines' as reasons for its closure.

Established in 2022, 'Liu Xia Bookstore' made the announcement today via its Facebook account.

In its post, the bookstore stated that it had always operated under the ideal of 'just breaking even,' considering it a success to 'secure a space.' However, over the past six months, it has incurred financial deficits. Given the broader economic situation in Hong Kong, the owners pessimistically concluded, 'It seems nearly impossible to continue.'

The store also cited 'unpredictable red lines' as a key factor. It admitted it lacks the capacity to review every book and cannot determine which titles might be deemed 'problematic.' The owners frankly stated they 'lack the ability and courage to continue fulfilling our mission of disseminating knowledge through books in an inclusive manner.'

They noted that the decision to close 'predated the recent turmoil' and expressed relief that the primary reason was 'poor management' rather than 'force majeure,' saying, 'We can accept this more willingly.'

In June, Hong Kong media reported that 'Yulin Bookstore' and 'Levins Books' were disqualified by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council from participating in the book fair. Subsequently, 'Yulin Bookstore' announced on July 8 that it would close its physical store upon lease expiration in April 2027.

In March, Pang Yat-ming, the owner of independent bookstore 'Fist Books,' and three staff members were arrested. Local media reported the store was accused of selling publications with 'seditious intent.' Hong Kong's National Security Department seized a number of books, including 'The Biography of Jimmy Lai.'

In June, another independent bookstore owner, Wong Man-heung, and her husband were arrested. Media reported they were accused of displaying seditious items and selling seditious publications, including content inciting hatred toward the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. (Edited by Chen Kai-yu / Qiu Guoqiang) 1150714

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