In 6 years & dozens of student talks & conferences, I've never been asked to avoid a subject. Let alone by a UK university, my alma mater @LeedsUniMedia. Tough to tip-toe around a topic that directly impacted everything we do, so I'm withdrawing.
I sympathise w/the pressure mainland students-studying-abroad may be under, but don't think western institutions should bend to it. I've often done talks w/mainland students - they ask great Q's, never a problem.
1/ Had many media enquiries, so want to add this was a class Zoom lecture, not a big speech. The lecturer acted in good faith, trying to prevent harm (some students tuning in from China.)

I spoke to @LeedsUniMedia, trust it was misunderstanding, & they assure I can speak freely.
2/ I know there IS a cancerous trend of self-censorship at UK unis b/c of China & was surprised by the email.
But I understand it's difficult & nuanced.
At HKFP, we were forced to cancel an art show out of safety fears for @Badiucao. The road ahead for us in 2021 will be tougher.
3/ Let the focus be on Beijing's censorship & pressure on students:

In China, a tweet about HK can land you in jail: https://twitter.com/yaqiu/status/1355251220370386945?s=24

Students abroad fear HK security law: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-54718434

Pro-Beijing protesters intimidate Leeds students: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/oct/18/hong-kong-protesters-uk-pro-beijing-intimidation
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