Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor deflected criticism of a population policy consultation paper, saying the government would do its best to assess the manpower needs of the local economy.

The government has given mixed messages over whether a leaked document - stating there was no justification for denying any of the three applicants free-to-air television licences - was a genuine paper discussed in the Executive Council.

Protesters fear there could be chaos during Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying’s next meet-the-people session on Sunday. Their increased concern comes amid accusations by the Civic Party and others that Leung has links to triad groups – an allegation his office strenuously denies.

Police warned protesters before July 1 that "resolute action" would be taken against anyone trying to join the democracy march in Causeway Bay, according to the police watchdog.

As the Hong Kong government asks the US to clarify Edward Snowden's claims of hacking in the city, an internet security expert says it's tough to trace when hackers attack, where they operate from and what information they steal.

Several advanced academic and research facilities at the Chinese University of Hong Kong may have been targeted by foreign intelligence agencies for cyber attacks.

Wang Guangya told Beijing-loyalist lawmakers last week that the central government had consistently upheld, and continued to uphold, the principle that "'one country' is the premise and foundation for 'two systems'" - a reference to the "one country, two systems" formula guiding Hong Kong affairs under Chinese sovereignty.

A former health secretary was yesterday named head of the Equal Opportunities Commission. Critics were quick to protest about Dr York Chow Yat-ngok's appointment, saying his long service in government made him an inappropriate choice for what should be an impartial role.