Banned Books and International Intrigue

That's the signpost, up ahead

I checked out People's Coffee and Books in Causeway Bay Hong Kong.  The bookstore specializes in books that are banned in Mainland China.  Many detail the personal lives of government officials or taboo topics such as the Cultural Revolution.    

In recent months, bookstores like this have become famous because of the kidnappings of store owners and employees.  The disappearance of employees at Causeway Bay Books, a establishment very similar to People's Coffee and Books, made international news.  The ongoing saga continues to unfold, highlighting tensions between Hong Kong and Mainland China.  Some of those involved even had to do televised confessions after resurfacing in Mainland China.  

Mall across the street from the
bookstore.  Notice the Finding Dory
characters.

Many in the former British Colony consider this a important example of China's increasing willingness to violate the "one country, two systems" agreement that guarantees Hong Kong a large degree of autonomy.  Though Hong Kong became part of China again in 1997, the territory enjoys personal and political freedoms only dreamt of in the rest of China.

Please checkout the links below for more information on bookstores selling banned books in Hong Kong and the ongoing disappearances.

Sign at street level

http://www.wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-booksellers-disappearance-stokes-fears-over-freedoms-1452112200

http://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/04/in-hong-kong-a-sanctuary-for-banned-books/274831/

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/online-in-china-the-communist-party-and-military-are-at-war-with-ideas-a7130681.html