Hong Kong student delegation pulls out of Japan exchange programme amid tensions
Education Bureau cites safety concerns for withdrawal from this year’s Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Programme
A Hong Kong student delegation has pulled out of a regional exchange programme in Japan next month amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.
The Education Bureau confirmed on Saturday that Hong Kong would withdraw from this year’s Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Programme, citing safety concerns.
“In light of the recent increase in attacks on Chinese citizens in Japan and to ensure the safety of teachers and students, the Hong Kong delegation has, after careful consideration, withdrawn from this year’s [exchange programme],” the bureau said.
Eighteen students and teachers from Hong Kong were reportedly supposed to fly to Japan for the event, scheduled to start on December 7.
The Japanese government announced the programme in 2007 to promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and various countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with the aim of establishing solidarity in Asia through youth exchange.
Hong Kong has been invited to join the programme since 2008.