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Jimmy Lai trial: Hong Kong activist considered creating government-in-exile as part of sanctions bid against city, court hears

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Prosecutors alleged Apple Daily founder Lai financed the “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong” (SWHK) lobbying group and gave instructions to Li through Chan on triggering economic sanctions and other hostile acts by foreign governments. Texts between Chan and the activist turned prosecution witness also touched on which local political personality they felt should … Read more

Will Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban recycle one problem for another? Green groups warn of dangerous substitute items

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Hong Kong will introduce the first stage in the two-part ban on April 22, which will cover styrofoam products and throwaway utensils such as cutlery and straws offered at takeaway spots. Single-use plastic cups and boxes will also no longer be available to patrons dining in. The launch date for the second phase, covering single-use … Read more

Beijing slams US plan to restrict Hong Kong officials’ visas over Article 23 law, says move belongs in ‘dustbin of history’

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The administrative agency also took aim at US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s remarks that America was considering travel curbs for Hong Kong officials deemed “responsible for the intensifying crackdown on rights and freedoms”. “The relevant acts and deeds have confused right and wrong, stigmatised Hong Kong’s national security law … smeared the rule of … Read more

Hong Kong housing estate gets butterfly theme after residents’ ideas for ‘happier environment’ taken on board

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The exterior walls of the estate’s six blocks are being painted with new colours and butterflies are turning up everywhere, as motifs on the wall and in two large new murals. More public spaces are being added, and improvements are under way at playgrounds and basketball courts. Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho and kindergarten pupils … Read more

Hong Kong CPPCC delegates must be ‘100%’ committed to supporting Article 23 security law, says top state leader on city affairs

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The sixth-ranked Politburo Standing Committee member was referring to security legislation that the city is required to pass under Article 23 of the Basic Law, its mini-constitution. “[Ding said] we must be 100 per cent [committed] in supporting the Article 23 legislation, [it’s] not acceptable with just 99 per cent,” So said, meaning there should … Read more

Hong Kong actor Gregory Wong jailed for 6 years, 2 months over Legco storming amid 2019 protests

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Hong Kong actor Gregory Wong Chung-yiu has been jailed for six years and two months for rioting in connection with the storming of the Legislative Council Complex at the height of the 2019 anti-government protests. Wong, 45, was among three political activists and 10 others appearing at West Kowloon Court on Saturday, with the prison … Read more

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024: Premier Li Qiang encourages Hong Kong to ‘play to its strengths’ as part of Greater Bay Area

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The session is part of the key annual meetings of the top legislature and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top advisory body, commonly known as the “two sessions”, or lianghui. Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers his work report at the opening session of the annual meeting for the National People’s Congress. Photo: … Read more

Beijing has conducted research to better integrate Hong Kong youths into nation’s development, CPPCC chairman Wang Huning says

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Beijing has conducted research into encouraging young Hongkongers to better integrate into the nation’s broader development, the chairman of the country’s top political advisory body has said, adding “systematic deficiencies” existed in comprehensive studies carried out at the national level. Wang Huning, a long-time aide of Chinese President Xi Jinping, was delivering his first work … Read more

Hong Kong’s public spending has grown 3 times faster than its revenue. Now experts are calling for authorities to rethink where the money goes

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Although the issuance of bonds in recent years added to income, the city still logged a deficit in every financial year since 2019-20, except for 2021-22. The shortfall is expected to balloon to more than HK$100 billion in 2023-24, far more than the initial estimate of HK$54 billion. The fiscal reserves, which peaked at HK$1.17 … Read more

9 men arrested in Hong Kong over illegal gambling during Lunar New Year break

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Hong Kong police have arrested nine men on suspicion of illegal gambling or operating unlawful betting booths during the Lunar New Year break. The suspects included one local and eight non-ethnic Chinese men aged 18 to 54, who were arrested at Fuk Wa Street in Sham Shui Po on Sunday evening, the force said on … Read more