Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang stars in Douyin video, draws 171,000 likes in 2 days
- In short parody video, Tang gives mascot bear ‘extraordinary task’ of setting up Security Bureau’s account on social media platform
A serious-looking security minister strides the halls of the Hong Kong government’s headquarters and assigns an “extraordinary mission” to an improbably furry colleague – a bear clad in a blue windbreaker adorned with the city’s emblem.
Tang and two of his aides – undersecretary Michael Cheuk Hau-yip and Permanent Secretary for Security Patrick Li Pak-chuen – showcased their acting skills in the one-minute video titled “Battle of Douyin” on the popular platform known for its comedic content.
The Douyin account, under the Chinese name of Hong Kong Security Bureau, quickly attracted more than 127,000 fans and 262,000 likes between its official launch and 2pm on Tuesday. The video drew about 171,000 likes over the same period.
In the parody video, Tang tells his aides: “Use extraordinary methods in extraordinary times.”
“I see,” Li replies. The camera then pans to Cheuk, who says: “In order to do this well, we must have at least four people.”
Tang gestures to a still-unseen fourth member, soon revealed to be the Security Bear, whose “extraordinary task” is to open the bureau’s official Douyin account.
Douyin was the bureau’s eighth social media account, Tang said. The security minister himself has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Xiaohongshu – a Chinese social media platform similar to Instagram – and Weibo, among others.
The bureau said on Tuesday that it hoped the launch of its Douyin account would help reach different people across various channels and tell good stories about Hong Kong.
It also aimed to promote the bureau’s work and tourism to Sha Tau Kok, as well as share immigration information and anti-fraud tips, through popular platforms.
“The relevant posts, images and videos are all produced in-house by the production team at the communication unit under the bureau. This involves no additional expenses,” a spokesman said.
The communication unit was also responsible for overseeing the bureau’s mobile apps and formulating communication strategies, among other areas, he added.
