Hong Kong journalist who challenged WHO official quits RTHK - sources

Journalist Yvonne Tong has resigned from public broadcaster RTHK, two sources familiar with the matter confirmed with HKFP on Monday.

The award-winning TV producer came under fire last year after she interviewed Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) for The Pulse. Aylward appeared to evade her questions about the the status of Taiwan at the WHO, prompting Chinese state-run media outlets to attack her.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Lau later claimed that the show had violated the “One China” principle and broadcaster’s charter. Beijing considers the island to be part of China.

Tong again came under attack from state-controlled outlet Dot Dot News in February over a stay at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. She denied claims that she had breached bribery laws by accepting free services and said she had paid for her stay.

Tong has also been a victim of online abuse and doxxing, with her personal information publicised on pro-Beijing websites.

Yvonne Tong. Photo: Yvonne Tong Instagram.

Tweets from Tong and The Pulse all appear to have been deleted.

There are fears that RTHK‘s editorial independence, which is mandated in its charter, is being eroded following criticism from pro-Beijing forces and the government, which says the station needs major reforms.

A University of Hong Kong journalism graduate, Tong had worked for RTHK since 2014, according to her public LinkedIn page.

A spokesperson for RTHK told HKFP they “will not comment on the resignation of individual staff member.”

Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team