Jackie Chan, the iconic action actor born in Hong Kong, has sparked a wave of criticism after expressing his support for the Chinese regime and his questioning of freedom in Hong Kong. In comments made at the Boao Economic Forum, Chan stated that “now I am really confused” regarding the concept of freedom, suggesting that “little by little I am starting to feel that in China people need to be controlled”. These statements offer a concerning perspective considering his closeness to the Chinese Communist Party, despite the political turmoil in his hometown.
Opinions that have raised numerous criticisms
The reactions to Chan’s words were swift. Political figures from Hong Kong and Taiwan have criticized the actor, pointing out that his lack of understanding of the principles of freedom and democracy is alarming, especially since he himself has enjoyed those freedoms in his career. Huang Wei-cher, a Taiwanese legislator, commented that Chan “still has not understood the true meaning of freedom and democracy,” while Leung Kwok-hung from Hong Kong accused him of “insulting the Chinese people.”
Chan’s statements come in a context where the Chinese government has increased its control over Hong Kong, especially after the approval of the National Security Law in June 2020. Unlike his participation in pro-democracy events in 1989, Chan now advocates for an authoritarian approach, indicating that “we should have rules dictating which issues people can protest about and which they cannot”. His desire to join the Chinese Communist Party has generated controversy and revisited his public image.
This political evolution of the actor raises questions about freedom of expression and the limits of protest in a country with a history of censorship. Chan’s trajectory, which once symbolized a voice for freedom, has transformed into a symbol of the complexity of the political context in China and Hong Kong today.
