https://www.scmp.com/rss/324683/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Hong Kong’s government and the city’s vested interest groups have betrayed citizens in a shameful way. The “one country, two systems” policy should have encouraged government officials to fight for the people they represent. Instead, they have increasingly proven to first support the “one country” policy (“Beijing is making it clear that my sort are no longer welcome in Hong Kong”, February 9). This is evident in their support for the national security law, the changing of education guidelines... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3121129/hong-kongs-governments-have-failed-fight-two-systems?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3121129/hong-kongs-governments-have-failed-fight-two-systems?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Feb 2021 22:40:13 +0000 Is there more than meets the eye to seemingly random photographs displayed in the office of a top official? If the answer is yes, there can be a special message, then President Xi Jinping’s choice of photos in his Zhongnanhai office makes for interesting reading into. State broadcaster CCTV did not want to miss that significance when Xi delivered his New Year address – as if worried that viewers might not have paid enough attention, it sent out an explainer through its WeChat social media... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/2127179/how-does-xi-jinping-feel-about-hong-kong-look-pictures-his-office?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/2127179/how-does-xi-jinping-feel-about-hong-kong-look-pictures-his-office?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Jan 2018 07:00:00 +0000 At least 10 senior police officers and two units involved in guarding President Xi Jinping during his visit to Hong Kong this summer will get a top honour for their efforts from the city’s police chief. Among them will be the force’s marine officers, who have been hailed as unsung heroes. Xi began his three-day trip on June 29. He visited to inaugurate the city’s new administration on the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover from British to Chinese sovereignty. The visit prompted an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2116976/hong-kong-police-get-awards-security-work-during-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2116976/hong-kong-police-get-awards-security-work-during-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Oct 2017 01:04:07 +0000 “I’m not complaining about Hong Kong’s traffic jams any more,” I jokingly told the New York taxi driver as we became stuck in a Manhattan snarl on the way back to my hotel after a meeting on Friday. The cabbie, who immigrated to the US 19 years ago from Bulgaria, started to ask me about Hong Kong, and was surprised when I told him the cost of living here was probably as high as in the Big Apple. “New York is the only place I can live in,” he said, telling me how much he loved his city. I know... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2102845/lesson-hong-kong-big-apple-conflict-evitable-just-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2102845/lesson-hong-kong-big-apple-conflict-evitable-just-move?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Jul 2017 09:41:46 +0000 On his recent visit to Hong Kong to mark the handover anniversary, President Xi Jinping ( 習近平 ) delivered a speech reviewing at length the history of Hong Kong and the mainland. He denounced colonialism, and lauded the rise of nationalism as just and fair. How China’s top leader viewed Hong Kong’s history since 1840 – on the occasion of this historic moment – will have a great bearing on various issues relating to “one country, two systems”. Xi’s stance and rationale are clear. And such clarity... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2102115/hongkongers-should-heed-xi-jinpings-words-and-re-educate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2102115/hongkongers-should-heed-xi-jinpings-words-and-re-educate?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Jul 2017 09:09:43 +0000 “One country” and “two systems” do not carry equal weight in the formula governing Hong Kong, according toBasic Law Committee chairman Li Fei. The Basic Law Committee is a body under the National People’s Congress Standing Committee comprising mainland Chinese and Hong Kong representatives who give advice on interpretations of the city’s mini-constitution. Li echoed President Xi Jinping’s speech last week at the inauguration of the new Hong Kong administration, when he said Hongkongers “must be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2101615/one-country-carries-more-weight-hong-kongs-two-systems-basic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2101615/one-country-carries-more-weight-hong-kongs-two-systems-basic?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Jul 2017 15:15:00 +0000 The organiser of the July 1 march will lodge complaints with police and their watchdog over alleged abuse of power and violence during the visit to Hong Kong by President Xi Jinping. The unprecedented security blanket safeguarded Xi at the expense of Hongkongers’ freedom of assembly and speech, the organiser said. Xi was in town for three days last week to mark the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover to China. “Our freedom of assembly has been gradually undermined ... with protesters’... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2101602/hong-kong-activists-lodge-complaint-watchdog-over-police?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2101602/hong-kong-activists-lodge-complaint-watchdog-over-police?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:00:45 +0000 While Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was being lauded for her striking cheongsam during her inauguration on Saturday, few will have been aware of the deeper meaning and blessing it conveyed. Designer Barney Cheng Siu-leung said the dusty pink outfit and long white coat, made of four layers of different fabric including lace and chiffon, signified multicultural Hong Kong and Lam’s desire to accommodate the interests of all sectors in the city. First lady lets new Hong Kong leader reign on day in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2101103/revealed-subtle-meaning-behind-carrie-lams-outfit-swearing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2101103/revealed-subtle-meaning-behind-carrie-lams-outfit-swearing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Jul 2017 00:33:52 +0000 President Xi Jinping warned Hong Kong on Saturday not to cross the “red line” of undermining Chinese sovereignty, urging consensus instead of conflict to solve major problems, as he mapped out his clearest, most comprehensive direction for the city. Wrapping up his landmark three-day visit by swearing in the city’s first female chief executive, ­Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, on the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, Xi struck a tough yet tempered tone in his 31-minute speech before a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100895/president-xi-jinping-marks-red-line-warning-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100895/president-xi-jinping-marks-red-line-warning-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 16:37:13 +0000 President Xi Jinping’s speech in Hong Kong on Saturday indicates that Beijing wants Hong Kong to provide more support for the country’s national security, which includes but is not limited to enacting national security legislation, mainland scholars say. In rare criticism amid compliments about the city’s success, Xi explicitly spelled out his unhappiness with the city’s role in providing support for national security. “Hong Kong needs to improve its systems to uphold national sovereignty,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100894/xi-jinping-speech-hong-kong-hints-need-action-national?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100894/xi-jinping-speech-hong-kong-hints-need-action-national?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 15:30:30 +0000 President Xi Jinping adopted a speak-softly-but-carry-a-big-stick approach yesterday, offering a chance for dissenters to be engaged but also warning that those who threatened national sovereignty would not be tolerated – and those who heard him took note. While he said the central government was ready to talk to anyone regardless of their political views, Xi spent a significant part of his 30-minute speech warning against challenges to sovereignty and urging the city to improve its system to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100890/xi-jinping-sends-warning-advocates-hong-kong-independence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100890/xi-jinping-sends-warning-advocates-hong-kong-independence?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 15:15:30 +0000 Innovation and technological developments in Hong Kong will be boosted under an agreement on the Greater Bay Area project signed by local and mainland officials on Saturday and witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The city will also continue to strengthen its role as the region’s financial and shipping hub, according to the framework agreement. It also provided clarity and assurance to counter uncertainties in recent months on what role Hong Kong will play under the plan and how it will be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100883/technology-boost-reinforce-hong-kongs-status-finance-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100883/technology-boost-reinforce-hong-kongs-status-finance-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 13:45:45 +0000 The principal officials of the new administration pledged to forge consensus and safeguard the political neutrality of civil servants on their first day in office. The cabinet of new Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor were sworn in on Saturday – the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong;s return to Chinese sovereignty. Hong Kong’s first female chief executive Carrie Lam sworn in by President Xi Jinping, as city marks 20 years since handover Mapping out their working plans in separate interviews... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100881/new-hong-kong-ministers-vow-seek-consensus-over-their-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100881/new-hong-kong-ministers-vow-seek-consensus-over-their-work?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 13:30:03 +0000 President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged Hong Kong’s new administrators to seize the opportunities before them or risk missing out on “an entire era” of economic development and global changes, as he delivered Beijing’s clearest message yet on their work ahead in the coming five years. He told them to come up with “a brilliant report card”, considering national interest, standing firm in the face of pressure and maintaining unity in fulfilling their duties. The president’s detailed speech... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100882/put-national-interests-first-xi-jinping-tells-hong-kongs-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100882/put-national-interests-first-xi-jinping-tells-hong-kongs-new?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 13:30:00 +0000 Chinese President Xi Jinping tied Hong Kong’s future under “one country, two systems” to his vision of a rejuvenated China in a speech on Saturday marking the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover to Beijing. On the last morning of his three-day visit – his first as president – Xi told Hongkongers that the city had “joined the remarkable journey towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” since its return to China. Xi opened his speech by making historical reference to the fall of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/2100874/hong-kong-under-one-country-two-systems-key-part-chinese-dream-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/2100874/hong-kong-under-one-country-two-systems-key-part-chinese-dream-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 11:15:32 +0000 China’s glamorous first lady Peng Liyuan let Hong Kong’s new leader, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, steal the show as Lam pulled out all the stops to dress to impress on her first day on the job. Peng, clad in a long-sleeved, charcoal grey cheongsam, stayed out of the limelight as she wrapped up her first official visit to Hong Kong with her husband, President Xi Jinping, on Saturday. Lam, in contrast, had four outfit changes in the span of six hours to match each event that marked her first day as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100869/new-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-dresses-impress-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100869/new-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-dresses-impress-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 09:45:45 +0000 President Xi Jinping has urged Hong Kong’s new administration to seize the opportunities before them or risk missing out on economic development and changes, in Beijing’s clearest message yet on what the city’s officials must do in the next five years. Xi also told the officials to “produce a brilliant report card” in the years to come by considering national interest, standing firm in the face of pressure and maintaining unity in fulfilling their duties. The president’s detailed speech... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100866/dont-miss-opportunities-xi-jinping-tells-hong-kongs-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100866/dont-miss-opportunities-xi-jinping-tells-hong-kongs-new?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 08:53:31 +0000 Hong Kong’s opposition lawmakers remain sceptical over the possibility of building a healthy relationship with Beijing after President Xi Jinping said the central government was ready to talk to anyone regardless of their political views. While upholding his firm stance over national security, Xi adopted a softer approach at the end of his speech in Hong Kong after swearing in Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and her cabinet. He hinted a dialogue with pan-democrats was possible as long... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100863/hong-kong-pan-democrats-cast-doubt-xis-softer-approach-talks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100863/hong-kong-pan-democrats-cast-doubt-xis-softer-approach-talks?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 08:15:08 +0000 Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered his clearest message yet on how “one country, two systems” should be understood and what lies ahead for Hong Kong after operating under the unprecedented political model for 20 years since its handover from Britain to China. Full text of President Xi Jinping’s speech on ‘one country, two systems’ and how China rules Hong Kong Noting that new challenges had arisen from the application of the principle, such as the need to nurture national identity in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100859/president-xi-jinpings-four-key-points-moving-forward-under?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100859/president-xi-jinpings-four-key-points-moving-forward-under?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 07:14:05 +0000 President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on Saturday July 1, after he inaugurated the new Hong Kong administration led by Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the first woman to lead the city. He issued the clearest warning yet against challenges to China’s sovereignty by forces in Hong Kong, calling it a “red line”. He also asked the new administration to focus its energies on development, which he said would be the key to resolving Hong Kong’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100856/full-text-president-xi-jinpings-speech-one-country-two?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100856/full-text-president-xi-jinpings-speech-one-country-two?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 07:13:14 +0000 President Xi Jinping inspected the construction of the controversial Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridgebefore wrapping up his three-day visit to the city. Xi arrived on Lantau Island on Saturday morning to see work on a section of the structure, which has so far cost Hong Kong HK$117 billion after repeated cost overruns. Earlier, he attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new ­government, headed by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng ­Yuet-ngor. Accompanied by Lam, Xi also inspected other... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100832/chinese-president-xi-jinping-inspects-troubled-hk117-billion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100832/chinese-president-xi-jinping-inspects-troubled-hk117-billion?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 04:15:15 +0000 President Xi Jinping has issued the clearest warning yet against challenges to China’s sovereignty by forces in Hong Kong, calling it a “red line”, as he presided over the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover from British to Chinese rule. Speaking before the elite of Hong Kong after the inauguration of the city’s next leader, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Xi called on young people to have a “full understanding” of China’s constitution, which he said forms the basis for Hong Kong as well as the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100843/xi-jinping-challenging-chinese-sovereignty-hong-kong-crosses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100843/xi-jinping-challenging-chinese-sovereignty-hong-kong-crosses?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 03:30:15 +0000 China’s President Xi Jinping has inaugurated the new Hong Kong administration led by Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the first woman to lead the city. Lam, clad in a pink cheongsam and a long white coat, pledged to uphold the Basic Law and also pledged allegiance to the country. In her inaugural speech, Lam vowed to repay the trust and support of the people and the central government’s support with “with diligence and achievements”. “It is with a humble heart that I accept this greatest honour of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100831/live-president-xi-jinping-leads-inauguration-ceremony-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100831/live-president-xi-jinping-leads-inauguration-ceremony-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 01:03:25 +0000 President Xi Jinping has appealed to Hongkongers to believe in themselves, their city and their country, acknowledging many problems but promising support to overcome them and unwavering determination to uphold the “one country, two systems” policy. Xi conceded yesterday that “problems” had arisen from the unique political model that has governed Hong Kong since its handover to Chinese sovereign in 1997, but he urged people to analyse and resolve them “rationally”. Xi Jinping paints bright... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100817/xi-jinpings-rallying-cry-hong-kong-believe-yourselves-your?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100817/xi-jinpings-rallying-cry-hong-kong-believe-yourselves-your?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:00:15 +0000 Two Hong Kong opposition lawmakers held a brief meeting with a Beijing official on Friday on the sidelines of the banquet for visiting President Xi Jinping in which they voiced their concerns at the “distorted” implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy. Dennis Kwok of the Civic Party described the 15-minute chat with Huang Liuquan, deputy director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, as a “start” but “far from enough”. “I hope they will interpret us going to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100811/two-hong-kong-pan-democrats-pass-protest-letters-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100811/two-hong-kong-pan-democrats-pass-protest-letters-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 16:41:49 +0000 It was a day of frustration for activists calling for greater democracy in Hong Kong and the release of prominent mainland dissident Liu Xiaobo as they were unable to catch visiting President Xi Jinping’s eye or make their voices heard by him. They ended up complaining that the unprecedented security blanket had turned Hong Kong into a “police state”. A separatist group planning a public rally to “mourn the fall of Hong Kong” was forced to call off its plans. On Friday night, about 20 activists... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100807/frustration-hong-kong-protesters-trying-catch-xis-eye?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100807/frustration-hong-kong-protesters-trying-catch-xis-eye?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 16:12:03 +0000 After a rousing show of songs and dances marking 20 years since Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule, visiting President Xi Jinping joined performers on stage to sing a patriotic song as a fitting end to the evening on Friday. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his successor Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also went up on stage to lend their voices to the chorus. The three greeted performers before stretching their vocal chords for the song Sing for Our Motherland. Ten years ago at the same venue,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100806/leon-lai-joey-yung-among-hong-kong-stars-show-marking-eve?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100806/leon-lai-joey-yung-among-hong-kong-stars-show-marking-eve?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:45:45 +0000 Chinese state leaders have a reputation for solemnity in the spotlight and careful use of words and phrases, so President Xi Jinping both delighted and raised eyebrows among his audience when he used Chinese slang and quoted lyrics from a Canto-pop song in his speech at Friday night’s banquet in his honour. The president started his speech by lauding Hong Kong’s achievements over the last 20 years. Xi Jinping urges Hong Kong’s elite to unite in supporting new chief executive “While such... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100796/chinese-slang-and-famous-canto-pop-song-feature-xi-jinpings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100796/chinese-slang-and-famous-canto-pop-song-feature-xi-jinpings?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 14:08:20 +0000 President Xi Jinping urged Hong Kong’s business and political leaders to unite in supporting incoming chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and fostering social harmony. He also urged them to take a leading role in caring for the young generation and enhancing cooperation with mainland China. Addressing an audience on Friday that included a former, current and incoming chief executive – Tung Chee-hwa, Leung Chun-ying and Lam – Xi reiterated that the “one country, two systems” governing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100789/xi-jinping-urges-hong-kongs-elite-unite-supporting-new-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100789/xi-jinping-urges-hong-kongs-elite-unite-supporting-new-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 13:06:44 +0000 At the biggest military parade in Hong Kong since the city’s handover to China in 1997, President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected 20 squads formed by more than 3,100 soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong garrison at the Shek Gong barracks. Why 20 squads? The formation was designed to mark the 20th anniversary of the PLA being stationed in Hong Kong after British troops left town, ending a 150-year presence. Was it the biggest parade in terms of personnel? The total number involved... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100785/all-you-need-know-about-hong-kongs-biggest-military-display?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100785/all-you-need-know-about-hong-kongs-biggest-military-display?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 13:06:24 +0000 More than a dozen pro-democracy activists and their supporters held a rally in Hong Kong on Friday afternoon to condemn their 30-hour long detainment while President Xi Jinping toured the city, calling it a further sign of a descent into a “police state”. The 26 protesters were not released on bail until 5am on Friday, nearly 30 hours after their arrest for “occupying” a symbolic statue at Golden Bauhinia Square on Wednesday night and 31/ 2 hours before a court hearing on the activists’... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100780/detained-activists-including-joshua-wong-slam-hong-kongs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100780/detained-activists-including-joshua-wong-slam-hong-kongs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:45:00 +0000 The Chinese Foreign Ministry has declared the Sino-British Joint Declaration, that laid the groundwork for Hong Kong’s handover, a “historical document that no longer has any realistic meaning”, after Britain and the United States spoke of the binding effect of the 1984 treaty on China and the city. Ministry spokesman Lu Kang hit back at remarks from the two countries on Friday, hours after they issued statements on the political condition of the city, as it marks 20 years since that handover,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100779/sino-british-joint-declaration-hong-kong-no-longer-has-any?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100779/sino-british-joint-declaration-hong-kong-no-longer-has-any?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:43:12 +0000 President Xi Jinping has called on Hongkongers to “believe in themselves, in Hong Kong, and in the country”, as he painted a bright outlook for a city that was occasionally left in confusion and uncertainty. “The road ahead is not always smooth, but our original intent is unchanged, our determination unwavering,” Xi said in a keynote speech in a banquet the night before the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover from British to Chinese sovereignty. While noting the country’s “strong backing”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100766/watch-all-eyes-chinese-president-xi-jinping-he-addresses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100766/watch-all-eyes-chinese-president-xi-jinping-he-addresses?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 10:00:30 +0000 During his visit to Hong Kong, Chinese President Xi Jinping will be ferried around in a car that not only looks fit for a head of state, but one which can repel bullets, has a reinforced body, and is the luxury brand of choice for the city’s super-rich. The BMW 7 Series is the prestige offering from the German car maker. Other buyers in the four-wheeled fortress market include Hong Kong’s richest man Li Ka-shing and the Kwok brothers of Sun Hung Kai Properties, all of whom also favour... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100752/shields-wheels-luxury-and-bombproof-cars-will-carry-xi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100752/shields-wheels-luxury-and-bombproof-cars-will-carry-xi?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 09:12:42 +0000 Two members of a radical pro-democracy party have claimed they were tailed by strangers after being released from police custody on Thursday morning. The pair were among 26 protesters arrested on Wednesday night, less than a day before President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong for his three-day visit to mark 20 years since the city was handed from British rule to Chinese. They had protested at the symbolic bauhinia statue in Wan Chai – a gift from the central government to mark the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100710/two-hong-kong-pro-democracy-campaigners-claim-they-were?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100710/two-hong-kong-pro-democracy-campaigners-claim-they-were?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 06:07:53 +0000 A group of activists has sent outgoing Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying a parting gift in the form of a protest banner prominently displayed on his final day as chief executive. In a move timed to coincide with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to the city, members of the Civil Human Rights Front unfurled a black banner – about six metres long – from the 13th floor of Kwan Yick Building in Sai Ying Pun that read: “Investigate the UGL” and “Send ‘Wolf Leung’ on a journey”. ​ The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100706/hong-kong-activists-try-catch-xi-jinpings-eye-wolf-leung?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100706/hong-kong-activists-try-catch-xi-jinpings-eye-wolf-leung?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 06:00:00 +0000 Soldiers at Hong Kong People’s Liberation Army garrison broke with a tradition dating back more than 30 years to offer a more personalised welcome to President Xi Jinping during his inspection on Friday. Instead of shouting “hello, commander”, as would be the usual case at official inspections, PLA troops instead shouted “hello, chairman” – a welcome that has never been heard at such an event. Analysts believed the new greeting was a gesture by the PLA to assert its sovereignty in the city, as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100703/hello-chairman-hong-kong-pla-troops-break-tradition-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100703/hello-chairman-hong-kong-pla-troops-break-tradition-new?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 05:30:30 +0000 In his first interaction with ordinary Hongkongers since arriving on Thursday, President Xi Jinping visited a training centre for a police youth group on Friday morning. He arrived at a newly established training camp for the city’s Junior Police Call (JPC) shortly after 11am after visiting the PLA’s Hong Kong garrison at nearby Shek Kong Barracks. He was briefed by JPC members on the aims of the scheme, its facilities and training efforts. Xi then watched leadership and physical training... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100696/president-xi-jinping-tours-hong-kong-junior-police-training?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100696/president-xi-jinping-tours-hong-kong-junior-police-training?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 04:35:27 +0000 President Xi Jinping today inspected 20 squads of the People’s Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong at the biggest military parade since the city’s handover to China – marking 20 years since the army was first stationed here in 1997. Xi – who is also chairman of the PLA’s top brass, the Central Military Commission – further inspected a newly established unit, the logistical support troops from the garrison’s Shenzhen base. During the previous parade, which was held in 2012 for the 15th... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100671/chinese-president-xi-jinping-inspects-pla-troops-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100671/chinese-president-xi-jinping-inspects-pla-troops-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2017 01:45:45 +0000 With Hong Kong today in festive lockdown to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and celebrate 20 years of Chinese sovereignty, it may be important to remember that this is not the weekend’s only 20th anniversary of consequence. And no, I am not just talking about the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter novel, The Philosopher’s Stone, on June 26, 1997, which must provide one of the 20th century’s epic literary landmarks. Even more important for us in Hong Kong – though... https://www.scmp.com/business/global-economy/article/2100635/crash-97-taught-us-we-wont-see-next-one-coming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/global-economy/article/2100635/crash-97-taught-us-we-wont-see-next-one-coming?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 23:45:43 +0000 President Xi Jinping (習近平) yesterday began his three-day visit to Hong Kong, the first time he has been here since he became the head of state. On his arrival at the airport, Xi spelled out the three purposes of his trip – to express good wishes; to show support; and to help Hong Kong plan its future. It has always been Beijing’s policy to firmly support the special administrative region. That is why as we mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty, the state leader... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2100645/xi-jinpings-visit-will-help-cement-our-ties-nation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2100645/xi-jinpings-visit-will-help-cement-our-ties-nation?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 17:15:45 +0000 Parts of Hong Kong ground to a standstill on Thursday as police threw an unprecedented ring of security around President Xi Jinping and his entourage to shield them from all, including protesters – who were nowhere in sight after more than two dozen were detained the previous night. Workers in their office blocks had to wait as Xi’s motorcade passed by, while pedestrians were steered away from pavements and drivers from several roads ­before Xi and wife Peng Liyuan ­arrived in the city at noon... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100644/hong-kong-police-leave-nothing-chance-xi-jinping-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100644/hong-kong-police-leave-nothing-chance-xi-jinping-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 16:57:27 +0000 President Xi Jinping “fully endorsed” Hong Kong’s outgoing leader for his work in his five-year term, saying his time had “not been easy”, especially in safeguarding national sovereignty and security. As Xi encouraged Leung Chun-ying to keep contributing to the development of the country and Hong Kong in his new capacity as a vice-chairman of the nation’s top advisory body, he gave him and his team a positive appraisal for their efforts in social and economic developments. Shortly after... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100642/hong-kong-leader-fully-endorsed-chinese-president-xi-jinping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100642/hong-kong-leader-fully-endorsed-chinese-president-xi-jinping?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 16:20:24 +0000 As President Xi Jinping landed in Hong Kong for the first time as the country’s top leader on Thursday, he and his wife were accompanied by a pool of officials in charge of Beijing’s policies for the city. The handful of officials, most of them Xi’s trusted aides, include party big shots involved in top-level policymaking, government and foreign affairs. They include companions rarely seen in Xi’s domestic and overseas trips, such as the PLA’s top general, and those who run the nerve hubs of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100616/all-presidents-men-key-players-xi-jinpings-side-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100616/all-presidents-men-key-players-xi-jinpings-side-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 13:00:45 +0000 President Xi Jinping praised the Hong Kong government for its “sense of commitment” in effectively tackling pro-independence forces since last year. Xi, who arrived in Hong Kong for a three-day visit on Thursday, was speaking in a meeting with outgoing Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, his ministers and top civil servants, executive councillors and heads of the city’s judiciary and legislature. In a short speech, Xi said he would like to talk about the success of “one country, two systems” –... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100625/xi-jinping-praises-hong-kong-government-curbing-citys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100625/xi-jinping-praises-hong-kong-government-curbing-citys?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 12:22:44 +0000 President Xi Jinping oversaw the seal of approval between Beijing and Hong Kong for a controversial museum deal on the first day of his landmark visit to the city. The collaborative agreement for building Hong Kong’s version of Beijing’s famous Palace Museum was signed as Xi visited the West Kowloon Cultural District arts hub for about half an hour on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his incoming successor, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who takes over on July... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100615/xi-jinping-witnesses-beijings-seal-approval-hong-kongs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100615/xi-jinping-witnesses-beijings-seal-approval-hong-kongs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 10:57:00 +0000 Children at a kindergarten in an upscale neighbourhood in Hong Kong went back to class on their day off on Thursday, as China’s first lady was expected to visit the preschool. Yau Yat Chuen School in Kowloon Tong is one of the stops during President Xi Jinping and wife Peng Liyuan’s three-day visit in Hong Kong. The first couple arrived in the city on Thursday. Ken Auyeung, whose six-year-old daughter attends the kindergarten, said the girl had been practising how to say “welcome” in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100558/hong-kong-kindergarten-gears-visit-xis-wife-peng-liyuan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100558/hong-kong-kindergarten-gears-visit-xis-wife-peng-liyuan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 06:44:37 +0000 Hello, friends in the media. I feel the weather in Hong Kong today is rather hot. You’ve had a hard job waiting here. Thanks everyone. Please convey my sincere greetings and well wishes to Hong Kong people. I’m pleased to have set foot in Hong Kong once again after nine years. Hong Kong has always been in my heart. In two days, it will be the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. This is a significant event and a happy occasion for the country as well as for Hong Kong. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100557/full-transcript-president-xi-jinpings-address-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100557/full-transcript-president-xi-jinpings-address-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 06:41:21 +0000 Parents of children at a kindergarten in Hong Kong’s upscale Kowloon Tong neighbourhood were in for a surprise when China’s first lady dropped by on Thursday – though some of the young ones were not quite sure who she was. Yau Yat Chuen School in Kowloon Tong was one of the stops Peng Liyuan made as she joined President Xi Jinping on his three-day visit to the city. She chatted with the children, and praised and kissed them; they entertained her with a performance, conversing with her in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100550/chinas-first-lady-steps-out-style-first-official-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100550/chinas-first-lady-steps-out-style-first-official-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 06:18:16 +0000 Chinese President Xi Jinping has been steadfast in his commitment to the “one country, two systems” principle in the governing of Hong Kong, according to two articles from People’s Daily – the Communist Party’s top mouthpiece – hours ahead of Xi’s arrival to the city for a landmark three-day visit. One of the reports in the newspaper set out about 20 things Xi had said or done to support the city since he became the party’s supreme leader in 2012. Among the highlights were Xi’s various meetings... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100535/chinese-newspaper-peoples-daily-lauds-xis-commitment-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2100535/chinese-newspaper-peoples-daily-lauds-xis-commitment-one?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jun 2017 05:00:15 +0000