A student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Shenzhen set a world speed record for a palm‑sized drone. While an impressive academic feat, the innovation raises concerns due to the dual‑use nature of microdrone technology, which can be repurposed for surveillance and potentially repressive applications.

Amid intense debates over proposed legislative changes that would restructure its governing council, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) reaffirmed its support for an internally developed taskforce proposal. This move comes as a response to a private members’ bill initiated by certain lawmakers on its council, which critics argue could compromise university autonomy and academic freedom.

Chinese University of Hong Kong severed ties with its newly elected student union, citing national security concerns over alleged breaches related to undisclosed claims about the institution. The move, which included imposing tough measures on the union, sparked outrage among students, alumni, and staff, with thousands signing a petition against the decision.

In early 2021, the Chinese University of Hong Kong implemented a series of measures that curtailed academic freedom on campus. The university issued a strongly worded statement warning against any actions that could ‘endanger national security’ and moved to dismantle traditional spaces such as the Democracy Wall, as well as taking steps that effectively marginalized the student union and critical academic voices. These actions reflect a broader trend of aligning university policies with authoritarian pressures and significantly restricting free expression.

An investigation by Human Rights Watch details how the Chinese University of Hong Kong has systematically restricted academic freedom by disbanding its student union, removing Democracy Walls, and censoring student publications in response to governmental pressure following the imposition of the National Security Law. These measures have chilled free expression and marginalized pro-democracy voices on campus.