Former Economist correspondent and Daily Telegraph South East Asia Correspondent. Author of 'Kathmandu' - a social and political history of the city. ****

Why did Lionel Messi not play in Hong Kong? What contract said, when government was told, news on ticket refunds

05 Feb 2024  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Entertainment & Celebrity

Lionel Messi did not play in a match in Hong Kong, causing disappointment among nearly 40,000 fans who had purchased tickets to see him. Despite earlier statements from Tatler Asia's CEO Michel Lamuniere suggesting no guarantee of Messi's playtime, a government source claimed there were contract terms specifying Messi's participation barring illness or injury. Inter Miami later cited a hamstring injury for Messi's absence. The Hong Kong government, which had funded the event, was informed of Messi's non-participation shortly before the game ended. The incident led to boos and chants for refunds from the crowd, and Tatler Asia withdrew its application for event funds. The situation is under review by the Major Sports Events Committee, and the question of refunds remains unresolved.

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Hong Kong Government Tatler Asia Major Sports Events Committee

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Justin Bong-Kwan is a writer and commentator based in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit ****.

Hop Gains Popularity in Hong Kong Amid Pro

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Socioeconomic Issues

Hip-hop is gaining popularity in Hong Kong, particularly among the youth, as a form of expression amid ongoing pro-democracy protests. Artists like Txmiyama and JB use their music to address socio-economic issues and criticize government and police actions. The genre has become a unifying force for young Hongkongers, providing a platform for community-building and articulating shared frustrations. Despite the political turmoil, the hip-hop scene has thrived, offering a voice to the marginalized youth.

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Hong Kong Government Hong Kong Police

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Daniel Ceng is an award-winning Asian photojournalist, fixer and translator covering politics, social issues, spot news, war and more across the world, including Europe, the Middle-East, East Asia and Southeast Asia.
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His clients include wire news agencies, government entities and newspapers, ...

Not even free flights can lure people back to this once-bustling city

28 Oct 2023  |  The Sydney Morning Herald  |  English  |  Society

Hong Kong's local businesses and cultural identity are under threat as the government and property developers push for land redevelopment, displacing long-standing shops. The imposition of national security laws by Beijing and strict COVID-19 restrictions have led to a significant population decline and a shrinking labor force. Efforts to revive tourism, including giving away half a million airline tickets, have been met with limited interest from traditional markets. The city's character is changing, with a shift towards businesses catering to mainland Chinese tourists. Despite government optimism and investment initiatives, there is concern that Hong Kong's entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage are being permanently altered.

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Hong Kong Government Beijing

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Anne Chan is a Hong Kong-based reporter and fixer. She freelances for CNN, DW News, and Radio Sweden as a fixer, covering stories in Hong Kong, such as the democrats and Jimmy Lai court trials. She is also a freelance journalist to Fair Planet, RTHK, and Hong Kong Feature, focusing on news ...

Hong Kong tackles elderly loneliness amid aging crisis

09 May 2024  |  www.dw.com  |  English  |  Aging Crisis

Hong Kong is facing an aging crisis, with projections indicating it will have the world's oldest population by 2050. In response, the Hong Kong government has initiated a project aimed at keeping the elderly healthy, active, and mentally sharp, addressing the issue of loneliness among the aging population.

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Jacky Chan is a journalist based in Zhengzhou, China.

Hong Kong’s proposed company re-domiciliation regime

08 Nov 2023  |  law.asia  |  English  |  International Finance

The Hong Kong government, through its Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, has proposed a regime to allow non-Hong Kong incorporated companies to re-domicile in the city, aiming to enhance Hong Kong's status as an international finance and business hub. The new regime, expected to be legislated in 2023 and 2024, would enable companies to transfer their legal homes to Hong Kong while maintaining their corporate status, properties, rights, and obligations. The proposal eliminates the need for setting up new Hong Kong companies, thus reducing administrative complexity and costs. The regime does not impose economic substance tests and includes specific eligibility criteria. Once re-domiciled, companies must comply with the Companies Ordinance and provide evidence of de-registration in their original jurisdiction within 60 days, although this period may be extended. The initiative has been well-received by industries looking to leverage Hong Kong's geographic and economic advantages.

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Companies Registry of Hong Kong Hong Kong government Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau Registrar of Companies

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Kris Cheng is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom, freelancing for Voice of America. I previously covered politics, Greater China and diplomacy from Hong Kong, mostly with the Hong Kong Free Press.

See my Muck Rack profile: ****

Hong Kong cancels passports of six self-exiled democracy activists

13 Jun 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Exile

Hong Kong authorities have revoked the passports of six pro-democracy activists living in the UK, labeling them as threats to national security under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The activists, including Nathan Law and Simon Cheng, are accused of endangering national security through their activities. The move is seen as retaliation for the 'Hong Kong espionage case' and has minimal impact on the activists' daily lives, as they use alternative documents. The revocation is part of broader measures under Article 23, which expands on previous national security laws imposed by China.

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Hong Kong intelligence service Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Hong Kong Government Hongkongers in Britain London's Metropolitan Police

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Helen Davidson is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. Previously reporting on immigration, Indigenous affairs, and the Asia Pacific for Guardian Australia, she is now a correspondent covering China and the region for the Guardian.

From Egypt to India, five jailed men who feel abandoned by Britain

26 Nov 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  International Relations

The article highlights the plight of five British citizens imprisoned abroad, including Alaa Abd el-Fattah in Egypt, Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, Ryan Cornelius in the UAE, Mehran Raoof in Iran, and Jagtar Singh Johal in India. It criticizes the UK government for its perceived lack of support and action in securing their release, despite their British citizenship. The article underscores the human rights violations and political motivations behind their imprisonments, calling for more decisive intervention from the UK government.

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Indian Government Iranian Government Hong Kong Government Egyptian Government UK Foreign Office Dubai Islamic Bank

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Florence de Changy is a journalist based in Hong Kong since 2007 who works mostly in French and English.
She is the correspondent for French daily Le Monde and the French National Radio, Radio France, as well as RFI (Radio France International). She also does TV itws, with F24, TV5, Deutsche Welle....

The Progressive Erasure of the Rule of Law in Hong Kong

01 Jul 2024  |  www.lemonde.fr  |  French  |  China-Hong Kong Relations

The article discusses the gradual erosion of the rule of law in Hong Kong, highlighting the impact of China's imposition of new security laws since 2020. It contrasts Hong Kong's legal system, rooted in common law, with the mainland's judiciary, which is seen as serving the state. The piece underscores the significance of foreign judges in maintaining judicial independence and critiques the recent legal changes that have stifled dissent and targeted pro-democracy figures, including major trials like that of media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

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UK Government Chinese Government Hong Kong Judiciary

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Tom Grundy is the editor-in-chief and founder of local newspaper Hong Kong Free Press, *******.

Hong Kong leader says democratic reform 'settled,' 'not an issue' during his term

17 Oct 2024  |  hongkongfp.com  |  English  |  Hong Kong Politics

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee declared that democratic reform is not on his administration's agenda, asserting that the issue has been settled with recent electoral changes. These reforms, introduced by Beijing in 2021, have reduced democratic representation and tightened election controls, sparking international criticism. The League of Social Democrats continues to advocate for universal suffrage and the protection of constitutional rights. The changes have significantly reduced the number of democratically elected seats and increased government control over elections, drawing criticism for undermining democratic processes.

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Hong Kong Government Legislature Council League of Social Democrats

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Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

Why is China angry about a plan to sell two ports on the Panama Canal?

01 Apr 2025  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Panama Canal

CK Hutchison's plan to sell its stake in two Panama Canal ports to a US-led consortium, including BlackRock, has sparked significant backlash from China. The deal, part of a larger $22.8 billion transaction, has been criticized by Chinese state media and reportedly angered President Xi Jinping, who viewed the ports as strategic assets. The Chinese market regulator has launched an antitrust investigation, and Beijing may exert pressure through informal channels. The situation highlights tensions between CK Hutchison's global business strategy and China's strategic interests, amid the broader context of the China-US trade war.

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Hong Kong Government Chinese Communist Party Ta Kung Pao Chinese Market Regulator South China Morning Post

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Adam Hancock is a freelance journalist based in Singapore covering the wider Asia-Pacific region and Australia. 

I work for a variety of clients including; BBC News, Al Jazeera, The Independent, TRT World and Reuters. My interests include foreign affairs and sport.

Singapore Invokes Controversial Foreign Interference Law for the First Time

10 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  China Relations

Singapore has designated Chan Man Ping Philip as the first 'politically significant person' under its foreign interference laws, requiring him to disclose political donations and foreign affiliations. The Home Affairs Ministry cited Chan's susceptibility to foreign influence, particularly from China, as the reason for the designation. Critics argue the law could suppress dissent, while supporters claim it is necessary for national security. Chan, a naturalized Singapore citizen with strong ties to China, has previously attracted attention for his pro-China activities. The Chinese Embassy and other organizations have not commented on the designation.

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Hong Kong Singapore Business Association Singapore Government Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Amnesty International Kowloon Club Chinese Embassy in Singapore

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Justin Heifetz is a freelance journalist in France with more than a decade of experience in reporting, writing and editing.

Based out of Marseille, he covers news and social affairs with a focus on immigration, crime and human rights.

His work can be found in VICE, CNN, Anthony Bourdain: ...

This Hong Kong Tech Startup Is Hustling Haunted Apartments to Millennial Expats

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Technology Startups

In Hong Kong, the tech startup spacious.hk is capitalizing on the cultural fear of haunted apartments to offer lower rental prices to expatriates and younger locals who are less superstitious. Founded by Asif Ghafoor, the company tracks tragic events in properties and provides a 'haunted' filter on their website, which is used around 5,000 times a month. The service is free, and while it helps lower rental prices, it also faces challenges from real estate agents who may spread ghost rumors to manipulate property values. The company plans to expand its services to Shanghai and Taipei, following the same data collection process.

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Hong Kong Government spacious.hk OKAY.com

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Mike Ives is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a regular contributor to The Economist and The New York Times.

Hong Kong’s New Security Legislation Took Decades to Pass. Here’s What to Know.

19 Mar 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Legislation

Hong Kong passed national security legislation on Tuesday, enhancing officials' power to curb dissent and imposing penalties up to life imprisonment for political offenses. This marks a significant erosion of freedoms in the territory, which has seen its civil society and political opposition weaken over the past four years. The legislation, known as Article 23, faced massive protests in 2003 but passed without major resistance in 2024, reflecting the changed political landscape after a four-year crackdown on dissent. The ease of its passage through a pro-Beijing legislature contrasts with the lack of public support and the shutdown of independent news outlets and polling.

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Beijing Central Government Hong Kong Government

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Robert Kelly is a filmmaking professional based in Belfast, United Kingdom.

China’s new reality

05 Oct 2023  |  www.lowyinstitute.org  |  English  |  Entertainment Industry

China's entertainment industry, particularly reality TV, is becoming a powerful tool for soft power and cultural diplomacy. Shows like 'Call Me by Fire' are not only popular but also serve to integrate Taiwanese and Hong Kong entertainers into the mainland's cultural sphere, often requiring them to show support for the Chinese government. Despite controversies and increased scrutiny on celebrities, the potential for career success in China remains high. The article highlights the economic and political dynamics influencing the entertainment industry in the Mandarin-speaking world.

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Hong Kong Police Beijing Government

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Violet Law is a tri-lingual American journalist currently based in Hong Kong and southern China. She has filed for The Associated Press, The Economist, the Los Angeles Times, the Christian Science Monitor, USA Today, etc.

New York museum ‘keeps memories alive’ 35 years after Tiananmen crackdown

03 Jun 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

The June 4th Memorial Museum in New York, established by Tiananmen Square protest veterans, preserves the memory of the 1989 pro-democracy movement. The museum, which opened after the closure of a similar institution in Hong Kong, houses artifacts and exhibits related to the protests. Despite financial challenges and limited operating hours, the museum continues to receive support and contributions. The article highlights the personal stories of those involved, including Zhou Fengsuo and other activists, while also addressing internal conflicts and external pressures.

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Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China Chinese Government People’s Liberation Army

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Chermaine Lee is a multimedia journalist based in Hong Kong. She covers political, human rights, environmental and social issues locally and internationally. Her bylines appear on the Washington Post, BBC, CNN, Thomson Reuters, BuzzFeed, South China Morning Post, Deutsche Welle, Hong Kong Free ...

How is China's Textile and Fashion Industry Reducing Emissions?

30 Oct 2023  |  www.fairplanet.org  |  Chinese  |  Recycling

China's textile and fashion industry is making strides towards reducing emissions through sustainable practices and recycling initiatives. The government has set ambitious goals to increase textile waste recycling rates and promote low-carbon production processes. Despite challenges, experts believe that significant emission reductions are achievable. Consumer behavior and industry practices are evolving, with increased awareness and efforts towards sustainability. Initiatives like JD.com's charitable clothing collection and local zero-waste stores exemplify the growing movement towards eco-friendly fashion.

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Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Chinese Government Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

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Adela Lin is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan.

Hong Kong Becoming ‘Criminal Paradise’: Taiwan Lashes Out at Lam

04 Oct 2023  |  NDTV Profit  |  English  |  Extradition

The release of Chan Tong-kai, a murder suspect, has intensified tensions between Hong Kong and Taiwan. Chan, who admitted to killing his girlfriend in Taiwan, was released from a Hong Kong jail after serving time for a related money-laundering charge. His case sparked violent protests in Hong Kong and led to the introduction of controversial extradition legislation by Chief Executive Carrie Lam. Taiwan's authorities criticize Hong Kong's handling of the case, fearing it could turn the city into a 'criminal paradise.' The dispute highlights ongoing jurisdictional and sovereignty issues between Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China.

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Taiwan Government Hong Kong Government Mainland Affairs Council Chinese Foreign Ministry

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Perry Link is a journalist based in Riverside, United States of America.

Their Control Cannot Be Flawless

01 Aug 2024  |  Journal of Democracy  |  English  |  Hong Kong Protests

Hu Ping, a prominent Chinese dissident, reflects on the lessons from the 1989 Tiananmen Square prodemocracy movement and the 2019 Hong Kong protests, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent resistance and strategic planning. He argues that both movements failed to capitalize on their successes by not knowing when to declare victory and retreat. The article discusses the role of international support in influencing government concessions and critiques the shift towards violence in Hong Kong, which undermined the movement's achievements. Hu advocates for unity, planning, and discipline in future nonviolent movements, warning against the dangers of decentralization and symbolic occupations without exit strategies.

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Hong Kong Government Chinese Communist Party U.S. State Department International Center on Nonviolent Conflict

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I’m a freelance journalist, based in Hong Kong, and have covered a range of topics, from political unrest to public health. My work has appeared in several publications, including South China Morning Post,
Forbes.com, Hong Kong Free Press, France 24 among others.
Last year, I spent the bulk of ...

Hong Kong extradition law: Carrie Lam speaks, number of injured revealed, and protests continue into the night

01 Oct 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Hong Kong Politics

Carrie Lam compared the ongoing protests to a child's tantrum, suggesting that yielding to demands could lead to future regret. The Central Government Offices (CGO) were shut down due to clashes, and the reading of the extradition bill was postponed. The Hong Kong Teachers’ Union announced a strike, opposed by the Education Bureau. By 10pm, 72 people had been treated for injuries. Protests continued into the night, with more people joining in support. Admiralty MTR station remained closed, affecting transportation. Some schools, including the German Swiss International School, canceled classes.

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Hong Kong Teachers’ Union Hong Kong Government Education Bureau RTHK

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Kelvin Ng is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

APAC: key insurance and prudential updates (Nov 2023)

09 Nov 2023  |  Lexology  |  English  |  Governance

Australia imposes penalties on an insurer and pension fund for non-compliance and governance weaknesses. Hong Kong initiates anti-corruption measures. Singapore and Indonesia unveil development plans for their insurance sectors, alongside other significant updates in the APAC region.

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Indonesian Government Singapore Government Hong Kong Government Australian Government

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Arpan Rachman is a journalist based in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. I am working freely for international outlets as the winner of the Indonesia Stock Exchange writing contest and the Southeast Asian Press Alliance's fellow. My works appear publishing at Ant Daily (Kualalumpur), Prachatai (Bangkok), ...

Hong Kong Residents Reject 'Patriots-Only' Election, Voter Turnout Plummets to 27.5%

10 Dec 2023  |  www.alinea.id  |  Indonesian  |  Civil Rights

Hong Kong's district council elections on Sunday saw a sharp decline in voter turnout to 27.54%, a significant drop from the 71.23% in 2019. This follows Beijing's imposition of a national security law and electoral system changes ensuring only 'patriots' could participate, effectively barring pro-democracy candidates. The government's efforts to boost voter participation were unsuccessful, with many residents expressing apathy and dissatisfaction. Arrests were made for alleged election offenses, and prominent companies sponsored ads urging voter participation. The low turnout is seen as indicative of political apathy and discontent with the government.

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Hong Kong Police Hong Kong Election Affairs Commission Chinese Government Hong Kong District Council Democratic Social League Independent Commission Against Corruption

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Liam Scott is an independent journalist based in Washington, D.C. He focuses on human rights and mass atrocities, China, press freedom, and disinformation.

Pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai tells court overthrowing CCP 'impossible'

30 Nov 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Chinese Government

Jimmy Lai, a jailed pro-democracy publisher, testified in a Hong Kong national security trial, dismissing the idea of overthrowing the Chinese Communist Party as impossible. Accused of collusion and sedition, Lai faces life imprisonment under a Beijing-imposed law. His trial, criticized as politically motivated, has drawn international condemnation, with the European Parliament and rights groups calling for his release. Lai maintains he never lobbied for sanctions but sought international support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. The trial highlights the erosion of democracy in Hong Kong, with Lai's legal team and family advocating for his freedom amid concerns over his detention conditions.

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Hong Kong Government Chinese Communist Party European Parliament United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

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Richard Spencer is Middle East Correspondent for The Times of London, based in Beirut, Lebanon.

China brands judge who quit over Hong Kong security laws ‘a disgrace’

14 Jun 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  International Relations

The article discusses the backlash from the Chinese and Hong Kong governments against international criticism of new national security laws. These laws, seen as measures to suppress dissent, have been condemned by former judge Sumption and the European Union. The Hong Kong and Macau affairs office criticized Sumption's comments as baseless, while Hong Kong authorities accused the EU of interfering in internal affairs. The article highlights the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and the diminishing principle of 'one country, two systems'.

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Hong Kong and Macau affairs office Beijing government European Union

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Dr. Jianli (Doc) Yang, a world renown human rights activist and scholar, is a major architect and leader for China’s democracy. He was a Tiananmen student leader and a political prisoner of China (2002-2007). Dr. Yang helped found and lead several important organizations including Citizen Power ...

Hong Kong’s Deteriorating Academic Freedom

09 Nov 2023  |  www.city-journal.org  |  English  |  Hong Kong

Hong Kong's academic freedom is under severe threat as Beijing tightens its control over the city's autonomy. The dismissal of Rowena He from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the persecution of other academics like Benny Tai exemplify the growing restrictions. The enactment of Article 23 of Hong Kong's Basic Law, which mirrors the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, further erodes freedoms. The international academic community is urged to condemn these actions and support scholars at risk, emphasizing the global implications for academic freedom and democratic values.

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Beijing Government Hong Kong Government University of Hong Kong Chinese University of Hong Kong

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