One of five missing Hong Kong publishers who sold books critical of Beijing has appeared on Chinese state television, seemingly confessing to a drink-driving offence from 12 years ago and warning against those “engaging in malicious speculation”.
In the latest twist in a case that has shaken Hong Kong, Gui Minhai, a Swedish citizen, was also reported by state news agency Xinhua to have said he did not want the Swedish government to intervene because “deep down I still think of myself as a Chinese”.
Confessions by high-profile people have become more common on Chinese state television. Human rights campaigners say they are propaganda tools that deprive people of a fair trial.