Full Breakdown
Hong Kong Artist’s Red Thread Stopped by Police Ahead of Tiananmen Anniversary
6/4/2026, 1:39:15 AM
Red Thread Performance Halted by Police
On June 3, 2026, performance artist Sanmu Chen (also reported as Sanmu Chan) displayed a 6.4-metre red thread on a street signpost in Causeway Bay, symbolising the June 4 Tiananmen anniversary. Plain-clothes police surrounded him, searched his bag, and released him after a brief detention. At the same time, artist Chan Mei-tung holding a question-mark balloon was escorted to a subway station.
Tiananmen Commemorations, 2020 Ban, National Security Law
Hong Kong’s annual Victoria Park candlelight vigils commemorating the June 4 Tiananmen crackdown attracted tens of thousands until authorities banned them in 2020, citing COVID-19 restrictions. That year Beijing imposed a national security law after the 2019 protests. The law has been used to charge three former vigil organizers with inciting subversion; two remain on trial facing up to ten years in prison. The former vigil site now hosts a pro-China patriotic carnival each early June.
Timeline of Police Interventions
- June 3, 2023 – Chan detained in East Point Road, shouting “Don’t forget June 4” and “Hongkongers don’t be afraid.”
- June 3, 2024 – Chan briefly detained after forming “eight nine six four” with his hand.
- June 3, 2026 – Chen/Chan displayed the red thread, was searched and released; Chan Mei-tung was escorted after showing a question-mark balloon.
Official Statements & Responses
Hong Kong officials said the national security law aims to safeguard national security while, they claim, respecting human rights. Beijing officials said the law is essential for Hong Kong’s stability. Police declined to comment on the June 3, 2026 interventions.
Criticism & Opposition
Human-rights groups say the vigils ban, the disbanding of dozens of civil-society groups and the use of the security law to detain artists show a “decline in civil liberties” since the 1997 handover. Overseas Chinese communities still hold Tiananmen vigils in London and Canada.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's abnormal when people monitor you when you are saying or doing something,” — Sanmu Chen, performance artist
- “Don’t forget June 4,” — Sanmu Chan, shouted on June 3, 2023
- “The Hong Kong and Beijing governments say the security law is crucial for the city’s stability.” — Beijing government spokesperson (as reported)
- “Hong Kong authorities said the law clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security.” — Hong Kong government statement
What’s Next
The fourth edition of the patriotic food carnival began on June 3, 2026 and will run through June 7. The two vigil organizers on trial are expected to receive verdicts in July, with possible sentences of up to ten years.
