https://www.scmp.com/rss/503350/feed Latest news, analysis and opinion on politics in Hong Kong, covering the Legislative Council, John Lee, pro-establishment and opposition camps, protests, the national security law and the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com William Yiu William Yiu Nearly 10,000 Hongkongers have been granted permanent residence in the UK under a bespoke British immigration pathway launched in January 2021, making them eligible to apply for citizenship next year. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the British National (Overseas) visa pathway, which allows successful applicants and their dependants to live, work and study in the United Kingdom for up to five years. “Since the scheme began, there have been a total of 9,804 grants of settlement to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354629/nearly-10000-hongkongers-granted-permanent-uk-residence-under-bno-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354629/nearly-10000-hongkongers-granted-permanent-uk-residence-under-bno-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 May 2026 10:40:34 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in London can continue its “legitimate activity”, the UK government has said, despite political pressure after a British court found two men linked to the office guilty of spying on activists. But the UK government also said on Thursday that anyone in any organisation found to be helping a foreign state to undermine British security would be brought to justice. The government’s remarks came two weeks after Bill Yuen Chung-biu, the London office’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3354483/hong-kong-trade-office-can-continue-legitimate-activity-uk-official-tells-critical-mps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3354483/hong-kong-trade-office-can-continue-legitimate-activity-uk-official-tells-critical-mps?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 May 2026 06:18:03 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong All 90 Hong Kong lawmakers are set to head to Beijing for a historic “national affairs study visit” in July, attending seminars, visiting key authorities and inspecting the tech sector during their week-long trip. The visit to the capital from July 19 to 25, which will include seminars on national security and geopolitical issues, is expected to cost about HK$1.4 million (US$179,000) in total, according to a paper submitted to the Legislative Council on Thursday. The estimated cost for each... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3354425/historic-legco-trip-beijing-include-tech-sector-tours-seminars-and-visits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3354425/historic-legco-trip-beijing-include-tech-sector-tours-seminars-and-visits?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 May 2026 15:57:06 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin As many as two-thirds of 158 subdivided housing tenants supported by an NGO in Hong Kong have shown signs of anxiety or depression, highlighting calls for stronger counselling and social support. The Kwun Tong Methodist Social Service (KTMSS) said on Thursday that it had served 158 families living in subdivided flats in the district in 2024-25, about half of whom had at least one child with special educational needs. The households had an average monthly income of about HK$15,350 (US$1,960),... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354336/anxiety-depression-plague-two-thirds-subdivided-flat-tenants-ngo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354336/anxiety-depression-plague-two-thirds-subdivided-flat-tenants-ngo?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 May 2026 06:23:33 +0000 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam Hong Kong’s push into Central Asia aims to strengthen links between mainland China and the region while reinforcing the city’s role as a professional services hub for belt and road countries, although economic gains may take time, analysts have said. They added that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, given their strategic positions, were logical destinations for Hong Kong to pursue business opportunities amid geopolitical uncertainty and the war in the Middle East. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3354240/hong-kongs-central-asia-pivot-boost-belt-and-road-role-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3354240/hong-kongs-central-asia-pivot-boost-belt-and-road-role-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 May 2026 23:00:06 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Smoking will be banned at construction sites in Hong Kong from July 17 under a government proposal sent to the legislature following the deadly blaze at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court last November. The government introduced three amendments to existing ordinances to improve fire safety at the sites on Tuesday. “Since the tragic fire which occurred in Tai Po in November 2025, there has been strong community consensus for implementing a comprehensive smoking ban in construction sites to reduce fire risk... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354145/tai-po-blaze-hong-kong-ban-smoking-construction-sites-july-17?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354145/tai-po-blaze-hong-kong-ban-smoking-construction-sites-july-17?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 16:19:09 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation will largely complete the main structure of a new station on the Tung Chung line by the first half of 2027, using “community-friendly” construction measures to reduce noise. The rail giant said on Tuesday that it would finish boring a 1.3km (0.8-mile) tunnel in the next three months and complete most of the main structure of Tung Chung West station by the first half of next year. The new station is located west of Yat Tung Estate, a public housing estate in western... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3354124/mtr-corp-track-complete-new-tung-chung-west-station-first-half-2027?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3354124/mtr-corp-track-complete-new-tung-chung-west-station-first-half-2027?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 11:23:11 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft China will actively participate in settling international conflicts and improve mechanisms to resolve them, a Chinese diplomat has said, stressing that the recently established mediation body in Hong Kong will help bolster the international rule of law. Speaking separately at the Global Prosperity Summit in Hong Kong on Tuesday, local political heavyweight Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee proposed establishing an Apec think tank council to foster collaboration ahead of a meeting of the bloc’s economic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3354081/china-will-actively-help-resolve-international-conflicts-ex-diplomat-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3354081/china-will-actively-help-resolve-international-conflicts-ex-diplomat-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 07:44:11 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s economy and trade with the United States will benefit from greater stability and certainty brought by the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump, the city’s leader has said. “Hong Kong is an externally oriented economy, susceptible to the influence of the main market,” Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday. “More certainty and stability in the market will greatly reduce the impact of external turbulence on Hong Kong.” Last week’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3354047/hong-kong-set-benefit-xi-trump-summit-signals-more-stability-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3354047/hong-kong-set-benefit-xi-trump-summit-signals-more-stability-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 04:23:40 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong authorities have allocated HK$5 billion (US$638 million) in funding for efforts to safeguard national security, bringing the total amount earmarked for this purpose to HK$18 billion over the past five years, an official document has revealed. The South China Morning Post’s check on the government’s general revenue expenditure accounts for the financial year ending in March 2026 showed a non-recurrent expenditure of HK$5 billion set aside for a “special fund to meet the expenditure for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3353972/hong-kong-earmarks-additional-hk5-billion-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3353972/hong-kong-earmarks-additional-hk5-billion-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2026 09:15:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu Hong Kong’s government will launch a consultation exercise on the city’s first five-year plan next month. The plan is set to be released before the end of the year. It’s a monumental task. Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to the semi-official Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies think tank and former head of the government’s now-defunct Central Policy Unit, has warned as much, saying: “It took years for local governments on the mainland to master the research and strategic thinking... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353760/my-way-or-highway-no-way-make-informed-policy-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353760/my-way-or-highway-no-way-make-informed-policy-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2026 01:30:05 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The launch of a legal body to resolve international disputes through mediation in Hong Kong last year was a landmark. The institution, led by Beijing, is the first of its kind in the world. Now, the organisation has resolved a dispute for the first time. It has been quick to get down to business. The settlement will be the first of many. Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, secretary general of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), revealed that a maritime case involving parties from mainland... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3353679/hong-kong-mediation-bodys-successful-case-resolution-will-be-first-many?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3353679/hong-kong-mediation-bodys-successful-case-resolution-will-be-first-many?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 May 2026 22:45:09 +0000 Mike Rowse Mike Rowse Hong Kong should not limit the number of vehicles licensed to provide ride-hailing services. In particular, every owner of an electric vehicle that complies with the regulations should, in principle, be able to obtain one on demand by paying the required fee. Normal market forces, together with fees and other licensing requirements, will be sufficient to strike the right balance. I have used ride-hailing services a lot recently. Knee replacement surgery has restricted my mobility, and I have a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353552/why-set-limit-hong-kongs-ride-hailing-services?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353552/why-set-limit-hong-kongs-ride-hailing-services?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 May 2026 21:30:05 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng US President Donald Trump has said he is not optimistic about the release of former Hong Kong media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, who was jailed for 20 years for violating the national security law, after raising the issue with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during their summit in Beijing. “[Xi] said Jimmy Lai is a tough one for him to do; he went through a lot, right or wrong, they went through a lot,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One during his return flight to the United States. When asked... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3353789/trump-not-optimistic-jimmy-lais-release-after-raising-case-xi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3353789/trump-not-optimistic-jimmy-lais-release-after-raising-case-xi?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2026 02:38:14 +0000 Ronny Tong Ronny Tong The death of Ted Turner, who founded CNN in 1980 as the world’s first 24-hour television news channel, is a poignant reminder of the glory days of the fourth estate. CNN made day-and-night news coverage, including at the front line of battlefields, an everyday experience for many people. The rise of the internet and ever more channels of news delivery has enabled a global audience of news consumers, attuned to reports delivered from all around the world. This has turned the most successful news... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353284/jimmy-lai-case-shows-press-freedom-not-get-out-jail-free-ticket?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353284/jimmy-lai-case-shows-press-freedom-not-get-out-jail-free-ticket?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 May 2026 01:30:06 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong is expected to launch a public consultation in early June for its inaugural five-year plan to align with the national blueprint, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu set to present a preliminary framework and gather feedback from various industries through face-to-face sessions, according to sources. The South China Morning Post learned that the government was also planning a large-scale publicity campaign to promote the consultation exercise, including television advertisements,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3353266/hong-kong-launch-public-consultation-5-year-blueprint-early-june?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3353266/hong-kong-launch-public-consultation-5-year-blueprint-early-june?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 00:30:05 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s domestic helpers have easy access to unsecured loans from licensed money lenders. But they are often in no position to repay them. Many end up being sucked into a damaging spiral of debt. There is a need for tighter regulation. The government’s measures to strengthen rules for the sector to combat “excessive borrowing” among low-income workers will help tackle the problem. They are a step in the right direction. Monthly repayments for unsecured personal loans to such borrowers will... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3353243/tightened-rules-hong-kongs-money-lenders-will-protect-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3353243/tightened-rules-hong-kongs-money-lenders-will-protect-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2026 23:15:12 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its “firm support” for Hong Kong’s judicial authorities when asked whether Beijing would consider releasing jailed former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying ahead of US President Donald Trump’s three-day state visit starting Wednesday. “[Jimmy] Lai Chee-ying is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the riots that shook Hong Kong,” ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing, when asked whether Beijing would consider Lai’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3353308/china-backs-hong-kong-courts-spurns-calls-free-jimmy-lai-ahead-trump-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3353308/china-backs-hong-kong-courts-spurns-calls-free-jimmy-lai-ahead-trump-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2026 13:06:51 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu You can’t buy happiness, they say. But we “buy” dopamine fixes all the time. Just whip out the smartphone and we easily go down that rabbit hole of endless doom scrolling, falling into the addictive trap of instant gratification, chasing likes, shares, comments and followers as rewards. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in our experience of pleasure, focus, reward and motivation. It propels us to put in effort, devote time and feel good about our achievements. Before the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3352904/hong-kong-right-move-extend-long-arm-law-claw-machines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3352904/hong-kong-right-move-extend-long-arm-law-claw-machines?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Cigarette butts will be considered “strong evidence” of a possible breach under a proposed construction site smoking ban, Hong Kong’s labour chief has said, even as he sought to reassure contractors that preventive measures could shield them from the maximum HK$400,000 (US$51,070) fine. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-Han revealed further details about the ban in an interview with the South China Morning Post held amid an inquiry into the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze, which heard... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353066/cigarette-butts-strong-evidence-smoking-ban-breach-work-sites-chris-sun?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353066/cigarette-butts-strong-evidence-smoking-ban-breach-work-sites-chris-sun?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2026 01:00:23 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s Legislative Council will visit Beijing in July as a full body for the first time since the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. The announcement by Legco president Starry Lee Wai-king is historically significant. Until a few years ago, the presence of pan-democrats in the legislature made such a visit impossible. With the legislature composed entirely of “patriots” following electoral reforms in 2021, it is now part of the establishment, alongside the executive government... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3352860/beijing-trip-will-help-legco-sharpen-hong-kongs-development-blueprint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3352860/beijing-trip-will-help-legco-sharpen-hong-kongs-development-blueprint?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 May 2026 23:15:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse Siu-wa has emerged as the biggest landlord among Hong Kong ministers after declaring that she has 25 properties in her name in the city, mainland China and the UK. The 61-year-old constitutional affairs chief also revealed that she or her family held shareholdings of more than 1 per cent in eight private companies, including two food-ingredient firms, more than any other principal official has declared. Tse’s portfolio comprises 23... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352943/janice-tse-property-queen-hong-kong-ministers-heres-what-she-owns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352943/janice-tse-property-queen-hong-kong-ministers-heres-what-she-owns?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 May 2026 12:30:09 +0000 Connor Mycroft,William Yiu Connor Mycroft,William Yiu The operations of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in London will remain unaffected by a UK spying verdict, observers have said, arguing that the British government is unlikely to seek its closure so as to maintain relations with Beijing. A British court on Thursday found Bill Yuen Chung-biu, the London HKETO’s manager, and Peter Wai Chi-leung, a retired Hong Kong police superintendent, guilty of spying on activists from Hong Kong on behalf of Chinese authorities. The Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3352937/why-uk-unlikely-shut-hong-kongs-london-trade-office-despite-spying-verdict?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3352937/why-uk-unlikely-shut-hong-kongs-london-trade-office-despite-spying-verdict?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 May 2026 12:04:42 +0000 Jane Lee Jane Lee For decades, Hong Kong thrived as the world’s freest economy without five-year plans, while mainland China rose to become the world’s second largest economy through them. Now Hong Kong has the rare advantage of both: market dynamism and strategic direction. Harnessed through the collective wisdom of the people, this combination can deliver more than what the market or planning alone can achieve. Hong Kong is preparing its first five-year plan to dovetail with the national 15th five-year plan,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3352402/hong-kong-needs-peoples-wisdom-its-5-year-plan-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3352402/hong-kong-needs-peoples-wisdom-its-5-year-plan-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 May 2026 01:30:04 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Theodora Yu,Connor Mycroft Jeffie Lam,Theodora Yu,Connor Mycroft China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the UK for “abusing the law and judicial process” after a British court found two men linked to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London guilty of spying on activists. Bill Yuen Chung-biu, the London office’s manager, and Peter Wai Chi-leung, who ran a security firm, were found guilty on Thursday of assisting a foreign intelligence service, two years after their arrests thrust Hong Kong’s overseas promotion offices into the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3352809/uk-court-convicts-2-men-linked-hong-kong-trade-office-spying?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3352809/uk-court-convicts-2-men-linked-hong-kong-trade-office-spying?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 May 2026 16:18:00 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s legislature is set to visit Beijing as a full body for the first time since the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, with the planned delegation of all 90 lawmakers aiming to learn how to better support alignment with the national 15th five-year plan. Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king announced on Wednesday that the trip would take place in July. Lawmakers were informed that the visit to the capital would run from July 19 to 25, during the legislature’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352595/all-90-hong-kong-lawmakers-visit-beijing-first-time-1997-handover?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352595/all-90-hong-kong-lawmakers-visit-beijing-first-time-1997-handover?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2026 08:12:26 +0000 Natalie Wong,Matthew Cheng Natalie Wong,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s legislature has issued a written warning to lawmaker Judy Chan Kapui for driving on the wrong side of the road earlier this year, urging her to be mindful of her conduct and meet the public’s expectations. “I humbly accept the decision. I committed reckless driving out of convenience … I am deeply sorry for disappointing the public with my behaviour,” Chan told the press. The official warning was issued by the Legislative Council’s Supervisory Committee on Wednesday, four months... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3352564/hong-kong-legco-issues-warning-lawmaker-judy-chan-over-traffic-offence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3352564/hong-kong-legco-issues-warning-lawmaker-judy-chan-over-traffic-offence?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2026 04:11:58 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Energy resilience is being tested on a global scale as the Middle East conflict drives up fuel and electricity costs. Hong Kong’s government has stepped in with subsidies and the mainland Chinese authorities have pledged support to ensure electricity supply. But plans are needed for a potentially long-term disruption and other future crises. Hong Kong is introducing a subsidy for the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used by taxis, minibuses and school buses. A 50 HK cents per litre subsidy has been... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3352479/beijings-backing-hong-kong-can-plan-future-energy-crises?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3352479/beijings-backing-hong-kong-can-plan-future-energy-crises?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 May 2026 23:15:07 +0000 Ruiwang Yu Ruiwang Yu As Hong Kong prepares for another major push in public works, one question deserves far more attention than it has received: are we buying infrastructure in a way that is sustainable for the construction industry and the public as a whole? In his February budget, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced that HK$150 billion (US$19.1 billion) will be transferred from the Exchange Fund to support the Northern Metropolis and other infrastructure projects in the coming two years. This major... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3351996/hong-kong-should-study-how-singapore-awards-infrastructure-contracts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3351996/hong-kong-should-study-how-singapore-awards-infrastructure-contracts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 May 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu Congratulations to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po for getting the city’s budget to sail through the Legislative Council. It wasn’t always such smooth sailing and Chan would do well to acknowledge as much. When Chan was first given the keys to the city’s coffers, they were full. Successive financial secretaries faced political pressure of a very different kind. There weren’t many issues that opposing parties saw eye to eye on. However, accusing the government of hoarding cash and not giving... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3352150/paul-chan-should-welcome-lawmakers-budget-scrutiny-not-dismiss-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3352150/paul-chan-should-welcome-lawmakers-budget-scrutiny-not-dismiss-it?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 May 2026 01:30:07 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong A Hong Kong police chief superintendent turned public relations adviser will lead the government’s Information Services Department, becoming the first non-administrative officer to take up the post. John Tse Chun-chung, who has served as the government’s information coordinator since 2024, is expected to take up the post on a three-year contract on Tuesday. Tse, 49, joined the force in 1999. He became a well-known face during the 2019 anti-government protests, when he led the police’s daily... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352301/police-turned-pr-adviser-john-tse-set-top-government-media-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352301/police-turned-pr-adviser-john-tse-set-top-government-media-role?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 May 2026 01:02:37 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au A proposed accountability framework will hold government department heads personally liable for systemic loopholes that they fail to flag to superiors, Hong Kong’s civil service chief has said. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan also said that public perception could play a role in decisions on pay adjustments for government employees, after being questioned about the potential impact of an inquiry into the city’s deadliest fire in decades. In a television appearance on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3352275/top-civil-servants-liable-if-they-dont-flag-systemic-loopholes-under-proposal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3352275/top-civil-servants-liable-if-they-dont-flag-systemic-loopholes-under-proposal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 May 2026 11:08:55 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs and a senior national energy official have held meetings with CLP Holdings chairman Michael Kadoorie, with observers saying it signalled the firm was expected to help minimise livelihood disruptions amid the ongoing global fuel crisis and support the Northern Metropolis megaproject. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said its director, Xia Baolong, spoke with Kadoorie, his son Philip Kadoorie and the senior management of energy firm CLP Power in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352171/beijings-xia-baolong-top-energy-official-hold-talks-clps-michael-kadoorie?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352171/beijings-xia-baolong-top-energy-official-hold-talks-clps-michael-kadoorie?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 May 2026 11:40:39 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong authorities have condemned attempts by anti-China forces and foreign media to sugarcoat the criminal acts of jailed former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, while defending the city’s press freedom after the release of a global index. The government issued a strongly worded statement in the early hours of Friday, slamming the attempts to slander, smear and attack the city “by releasing a so-called press freedom index”, saying that “such despicable behaviours totally disregarded the rule... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352096/hong-kong-slams-attempts-sugarcoat-jimmy-lais-criminal-acts-press-freedom-index?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352096/hong-kong-slams-attempts-sugarcoat-jimmy-lais-criminal-acts-press-freedom-index?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 May 2026 02:55:09 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Note: This story has been updated to clarify former transport minister Anthony Cheung Bing-leung’s remarks about his readiness to step down following the 2012 Lamma ferry tragedy. Where exactly does the buck stop? Senior Hong Kong civil servants are asking themselves that question after the unveiling of a new accountability system targeting department heads. They point to the deadly Tai Po fire last year as an example. An independent committee investigating the tragedy heard evidence officials... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3351906/will-top-hong-kong-civil-servants-pay-price-blunders-under-new-system?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3351906/will-top-hong-kong-civil-servants-pay-price-blunders-under-new-system?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:30:11 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s finance chief has revised the city’s fiscal surplus for the previous year to HK$11 billion (US$1.91 billion), nearly four times the original estimate, saying the ongoing Middle East conflict had a limited impact on the economy with gross domestic product (GDP) growth remaining strong in the first quarter. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also dismissed concerns that increased bond issuance to fund the Northern Metropolis megaproject would burden future generations as “overly... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3351838/hong-kong-surplus-hits-hk11-billion-finance-chief-monitors-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3351838/hong-kong-surplus-hits-hk11-billion-finance-chief-monitors-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:54:24 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong’s railway operator has deployed augmented reality (AR) technology to speed up construction of a station on a new link serving the Northern Metropolis megaproject to ensure it opens on time next year. The MTR Corporation said on Tuesday that the power supply had been connected at Kwu Tung station and AR technology had been adopted to hasten progress. “Applying the AR inspection system will allow us to simulate future scenarios and help workers carry out the assembly work accurately and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3351747/mtr-corporation-using-ar-technology-fast-track-work-northern-link-station?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3351747/mtr-corporation-using-ar-technology-fast-track-work-northern-link-station?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:10:39 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Fiona Sun Jeffie Lam,Fiona Sun Nearly 80 per cent of homeowners of the only block spared in the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze in Hong Kong have expressed an initial willingness to sell their flats to the government, exceeding the three-quarters threshold set by authorities to extend a resettlement plan to them. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun said on Tuesday that buying back the 248 flats at Wang Chi House would cost the government about HK$1 billion (US$127.6 million), on top of the roughly HK$6.8 billion... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351658/hong-kong-adds-spared-wang-fuk-court-block-resettlement-plan-most-opt-sell?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351658/hong-kong-adds-spared-wang-fuk-court-block-resettlement-plan-most-opt-sell?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:45:27 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has defended its decision to appoint singer Hins Cheung as a mentor in a “rehabilitation project” for youngsters arrested during the 2019 protests, saying it welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to share positive life experiences following criticism from internet users in mainland China. The project, which has been running for two years, aims to support the rehabilitation of about 7,000 people arrested during the social unrest but not prosecuted. “[Activities]... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3351603/bureau-defends-hins-cheung-mentor-role-after-mainland-china-online-backlash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3351603/bureau-defends-hins-cheung-mentor-role-after-mainland-china-online-backlash?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:40:26 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu Kudos to the Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan for introducing a two-tier civil service accountability system. This will include giving an independent statutory body, the Public Service Commission, powers to investigate “widespread, repetitive and systemic” management problems, while department heads can investigate problems involving rank-and-file officers. To many, the revamp of the civil service accountability system is long overdue. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3351331/hong-kongs-civil-service-accountability-system-will-end-buck-passing-mentality?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3351331/hong-kongs-civil-service-accountability-system-will-end-buck-passing-mentality?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:30:21 +0000 Jinghan (Michael) Zeng Jinghan (Michael) Zeng A year ago, after more than a decade in the United Kingdom and several years in the United States – including time working for the United Nations in New York City – I returned to Asia and arrived in Hong Kong expecting it to also be a leading hub for international relations. Hong Kong is often described as a “superconnector” between China and the world. Yet in one crucial domain – the study and practice of international relations – the city remains a paradox: globally connected, intellectually... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350702/how-hong-kong-can-actively-shape-foreign-policy-debate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350702/how-hong-kong-can-actively-shape-foreign-policy-debate?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The Hong Kong authorities are pushing ahead with the city’s first five-year development plan, with the launch of a public consultation in this quarter. This is a welcome step to ensure directions are not imposed in a top-down approach. It is important that all sectors contribute to the process so that the city can develop policies and measures that align with the national goals and strategies under “one country, two systems”. Announcing a key timeline for the initiative, Chief Executive John Lee... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350841/public-input-key-setting-out-hong-kongs-first-five-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350841/public-input-key-setting-out-hong-kongs-first-five-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:45:07 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Edith Lin Matthew Cheng,Edith Lin A former director of Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) in Jakarta and Bangkok is standing in the United Kingdom local elections for the right-wing Reform UK party. Lee Sheung-yuen, who left government in 2023 after serving as the first director of the Bangkok ETO and concurrently served as director general of its Jakarta office, is now contesting a seat on Ealing Council in London. He also previously served as the government’s assistant commissioner for tourism and as administrative... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350924/former-hong-kong-trade-office-chief-contesting-uk-local-elections-reform?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350924/former-hong-kong-trade-office-chief-contesting-uk-local-elections-reform?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:05:40 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong The Hong Kong government is seeking to confiscate HK$56.5 million (US$7.2 million) from former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s bank accounts and all of the shares in his 17 companies after he was jailed for 20 years under the national security law, court documents show. The secretary for justice applied to the High Court earlier this month to seize Lai’s assets linked to three conspiracies to instigate foreign sanctions and incite public hatred towards the authorities in 2019 and 2020. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3350893/hong-kong-seeks-seize-hk565-million-17-companies-jailed-jimmy-lai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3350893/hong-kong-seeks-seize-hk565-million-17-companies-jailed-jimmy-lai?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:35:16 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s top-ranking civil servants will be held accountable if they fail to provide adequate support in policy formulation, the city’s leader has said, despite a new investigation mechanism that primarily targets department heads. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the proposed “Heads of Department Accountability System” was intended to promote self-improvement within departments rather than “picking on” individuals. Under the new mechanism, the chief executive, department... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350842/new-accountability-system-aims-improve-not-blame-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350842/new-accountability-system-aims-improve-not-blame-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:32:17 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin The Hong Kong government plans to launch a public consultation this quarter on its first five-year blueprint aligned with national development, aiming to gather views on which policies to focus on in the coming years. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the five-year plan would cover areas such as the economy, investment, industry development, land, housing, transport and infrastructure, employment, healthcare, education and welfare, bringing numerous benefits including... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350803/hong-kong-launch-public-consultation-first-5-year-plan-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350803/hong-kong-launch-public-consultation-first-5-year-plan-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:08:30 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s civil service is by and large clean and efficient, making it one of the world’s best. While the 188,000-strong bureaucracy is managed by a plethora of well-established rules, expectation gaps in performance and accountability arise from time to time. The problems were highlighted in the recent setbacks over bottled water procurement and the bus seat belt law, with critics asking how such glaring blunders could escape layers of scrutiny. The former case saw the former director of... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350412/hong-kongs-civil-service-accountability-push-long-overdue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350412/hong-kongs-civil-service-accountability-push-long-overdue?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:45:09 +0000 Mike Rowse Mike Rowse Many Hongkongers would have been surprised last week that the government was postponing the introduction of basketball betting. It was only months ago that the bill had been enacted by the Legislative Council. So clearly it was a matter that fell within our high degree of autonomy. And the Hong Kong Jockey Club was known to be hard at work preparing for implementation. But listeners to RTHK’s Backchat programme in early February may have come away with an inkling that all might not be well.... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350322/why-hong-kong-hitting-pause-basketball-betting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350322/why-hong-kong-hitting-pause-basketball-betting?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:30:09 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong should take a more proactive approach to removing barriers hindering the cross-border flow of people, capital, goods and data with neighbouring Shenzhen, analysts have said, as the new leadership of the mainland China tech hub signals a fresh push for deeper integration. The calls for action followed the appointment of Jin Lei, an economist and former official in Sichuan province, as Shenzhen’s Communist Party chief last month, succeeding Meng Fanli, who has since been named the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350627/hong-kong-urged-be-more-proactive-removing-barriers-shenzhen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350627/hong-kong-urged-be-more-proactive-removing-barriers-shenzhen?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:13:39 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen The Hong Kong government should use its proposed accountability system prudently to investigate department heads and avoid undermining morale among civil servants, a top adviser to the city’s leader has said. But Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, convenor of the city’s top decision-making Executive Council, stressed on Sunday that the system would serve as a reminder for leaders to actively spot deficiencies in their departments and “do better in handling residents’ complaints”. In a televised interview,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350612/government-should-probe-department-heads-cautiously-under-new-system-regina-ip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350612/government-should-probe-department-heads-cautiously-under-new-system-regina-ip?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:09:38 +0000