Latest from Christine Loh
Neither economic sweeteners nor aggressive patriotic education will allay Hongkongers’ deep-seated fears about the system on the mainland. Bejing needs a new approach.
Neither economic sweeteners nor aggressive patriotic education will allay Hongkongers’ deep-seated fears about the system on the mainland. Bejing needs a new approach.
Hong Kong youth would find Beijing more open to a dialogue on how the country can enhance its global leadership in the fight against climate change. They could play a role in bringing the US and China together on the issue.
Hong Kong youth would find Beijing more open to a dialogue on how the country can enhance its global leadership in the fight against climate change. They could play a role in bringing the US and China together on the issue.
Hongkongers have won an opportunity to bring the change the city’s dysfunctional political system needs. Next, they must deal with their fear of the mainland system through non-violent means, like discussions on ‘one country, two systems’.
Hongkongers have won an opportunity to bring the change the city’s dysfunctional political system needs. Next, they must deal with their fear of the mainland system through non-violent means, like discussions on ‘one country, two systems’.
Sensible, moderate voices in Hong Kong can press for peace at the ballot box next month – by voting in politicians who promise to remake the city in a spirit of moderation and cooperation.
Sensible, moderate voices in Hong Kong can press for peace at the ballot box next month – by voting in politicians who promise to remake the city in a spirit of moderation and cooperation.
The political middle should accept Carrie Lam’s olive branch and open up space for reconciliation. Moderates who sympathise with the protest movement should remember that the ability to talk across the divide is a democratic virtue.
The political middle should accept Carrie Lam’s olive branch and open up space for reconciliation. Moderates who sympathise with the protest movement should remember that the ability to talk across the divide is a democratic virtue.
Challenging Beijing’s sovereignty and authority must stop, as it will only make addressing Hong Kong’s desire for greater autonomy more difficult. A coalition of a wide cross-section of influential members of society needs to ask protesters to stand down and start a dialogue.
Challenging Beijing’s sovereignty and authority must stop, as it will only make addressing Hong Kong’s desire for greater autonomy more difficult. A coalition of a wide cross-section of influential members of society needs to ask protesters to stand down and start a dialogue.
Reconciliation efforts elsewhere show the power of honest dialogue where people can speak up and be heard, leading to a deeper understanding and ultimately resolution. But the process requires courage, and a willingness to transcend long-held positions.
Reconciliation efforts elsewhere show the power of honest dialogue where people can speak up and be heard, leading to a deeper understanding and ultimately resolution. But the process requires courage, and a willingness to transcend long-held positions.
China is waging war on waste by banning imports of trash and starting a zero-waste programme for cities. In Hong Kong, the authorities should consider passing a waste separation law if an economic deterrent is not enough to increase recycling rates.
China is waging war on waste by banning imports of trash and starting a zero-waste programme for cities. In Hong Kong, the authorities should consider passing a waste separation law if an economic deterrent is not enough to increase recycling rates.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan will soon launch a roadshow for green bonds while the Monetary Authority has promised to prioritise green investments in the latest moves of a financial sector going green.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan will soon launch a roadshow for green bonds while the Monetary Authority has promised to prioritise green investments in the latest moves of a financial sector going green.
For Hong Kong’s shipping industry to keep pace with evolving international emissions standards will require more coordination, both among its bureaus and with the mainland.
For Hong Kong’s shipping industry to keep pace with evolving international emissions standards will require more coordination, both among its bureaus and with the mainland.
The Greater Bay Area is a push for Hong Kong and Macau to be more closely involved in the country’s overall development. They and Guangdong province are the front runners, which other parts of China must try to catch up with.
The Greater Bay Area is a push for Hong Kong and Macau to be more closely involved in the country’s overall development. They and Guangdong province are the front runners, which other parts of China must try to catch up with.
If Hong Kong is to capitalise on China’s development plan for the Pearl River Delta, the government must engage with sectors in which the city excels, such as universities and the maritime industry, to boost areas of specialisation.
If Hong Kong is to capitalise on China’s development plan for the Pearl River Delta, the government must engage with sectors in which the city excels, such as universities and the maritime industry, to boost areas of specialisation.
Having seen results from its crackdown on shadow banking, China is taking steps to address the private sector’s need for financing. Meanwhile, more funds are also expected to be allocated to infrastructure.
Having seen results from its crackdown on shadow banking, China is taking steps to address the private sector’s need for financing. Meanwhile, more funds are also expected to be allocated to infrastructure.
The US is provoking China in several areas, from the trade war and the Huawei case to Taiwan and Tibet. And Beijing is fighting back, but it may well make a trade deal with Washington to stimulate the Chinese economy.
The US is provoking China in several areas, from the trade war and the Huawei case to Taiwan and Tibet. And Beijing is fighting back, but it may well make a trade deal with Washington to stimulate the Chinese economy.
All Hongkongers must get behind the new waste charging bill and commit to reducing the amount of rubbish they produce if they want a cleaner future.
All Hongkongers must get behind the new waste charging bill and commit to reducing the amount of rubbish they produce if they want a cleaner future.
Hong Kong firms with mainland operations will be seriously hit by further US tariffs and the city has nothing to gain from demonising China. Instead, the city should use its unique position to explain the history of China’s development and the progress it has made in opening up to the world.
Hong Kong firms with mainland operations will be seriously hit by further US tariffs and the city has nothing to gain from demonising China. Instead, the city should use its unique position to explain the history of China’s development and the progress it has made in opening up to the world.
Hong Kong people should acknowledge the considerable success of ‘one country, two systems’, and engage with Beijing on the basis of the shared goal of working towards the betterment of the nation.
Hong Kong people should acknowledge the considerable success of ‘one country, two systems’, and engage with Beijing on the basis of the shared goal of working towards the betterment of the nation.
The US’ rise as an energy exporter is encouraging it to discard environmental regulations and become more confrontational on the global stage, particularly with Beijing.
The US’ rise as an energy exporter is encouraging it to discard environmental regulations and become more confrontational on the global stage, particularly with Beijing.
The trade war is taking attention away from the new opportunities opening up in the BRICS economies, and China’s own belt and road and Greater Bay Area plans. Hong Kong should not miss out.
The trade war is taking attention away from the new opportunities opening up in the BRICS economies, and China’s own belt and road and Greater Bay Area plans. Hong Kong should not miss out.
The new trade war is just the opening salvo in a realignment of the US-led global order. As China eyes a larger role, Hong Kong – with its special privileges under the Basic Law – should use its freedom of travel and trade to open opportunities other Chinese cities cannot.
The new trade war is just the opening salvo in a realignment of the US-led global order. As China eyes a larger role, Hong Kong – with its special privileges under the Basic Law – should use its freedom of travel and trade to open opportunities other Chinese cities cannot.
Hong Kong should not dismiss out of hand Marx’s observations about the failings of capitalism simply because of its own sensitivity to mainland influence, but see it as an opportunity to reflect on the role of government in poverty alleviation.
Hong Kong should not dismiss out of hand Marx’s observations about the failings of capitalism simply because of its own sensitivity to mainland influence, but see it as an opportunity to reflect on the role of government in poverty alleviation.
Once Beijing has unveiled its plans to link the Greater Bay Area, city officials should seek ways to coordinate environmental planning, something that has been lacking with previous administrations.
Once Beijing has unveiled its plans to link the Greater Bay Area, city officials should seek ways to coordinate environmental planning, something that has been lacking with previous administrations.
Hong Kong is uniquely placed to play a diplomatic role as a mediator between China and the West.
Hong Kong is uniquely placed to play a diplomatic role as a mediator between China and the West.
As a part of China with a unique history, Hong Kong must now reflect on how its role as part of the nation can evolve.
As a part of China with a unique history, Hong Kong must now reflect on how its role as part of the nation can evolve.
The agreement between China and the Vatican is a good first step, but unifying the official and underground church will be more challenging.
The agreement between China and the Vatican is a good first step, but unifying the official and underground church will be more challenging.
Industries that struggle to attract fresh recruits must adopt smart technology rather than looking abroad to source manpower.
Industries that struggle to attract fresh recruits must adopt smart technology rather than looking abroad to source manpower.
Data transparency across government departments and access to information from private companies providing public services are needed to create a smart, sustainable city.
Data transparency across government departments and access to information from private companies providing public services are needed to create a smart, sustainable city.
All organisations, including the government, should expect the unexpected and frequently reassess their plans, keeping in mind how many events from the past century weren’t predictable
All organisations, including the government, should expect the unexpected and frequently reassess their plans, keeping in mind how many events from the past century weren’t predictable