https://www.scmp.com/rss/514311/feed Kahon joined the Post's Hong Kong Desk in 2022. He had previously covered politics and other current affairs topics in Hong Kong and Macau. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Two Hong Kong government buildings in Wan Chai heading for demolition have begun filling up again with temporary occupants, prompting calls for better long-term planning by authorities. While a lawmaker said it made sense to use the available premises before the 2027 deadline for all occupants to move out, a land use concern group’s founder questioned whether the administration was pessimistic over future demand for top-grade office buildings. Immigration Tower and Revenue Tower were earmarked... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3298380/why-are-hong-kong-government-buildings-slated-demolition-filling-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3298380/why-are-hong-kong-government-buildings-slated-demolition-filling-again?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan A member of Hong Kong’s Basic Law Committee has warned that Beijing could “in theory” take over national security trials in the city if the United States advances a bill to sanction judges, rendering such cases “beyond the capacity” of local courts to try. Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, also a lawmaker, on Monday maintained that it was the best option for cases to be handled by the city’s courts although it was difficult to determine how foreign sanctions might change the situation. The Basic Law... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3296507/us-sanctions-hong-kong-judges-may-result-beijing-taking-over-trials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3296507/us-sanctions-hong-kong-judges-may-result-beijing-taking-over-trials?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:30:12 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan A Hong Kong court order related to a fraud claim has been “successfully executed” with the assets involved “effectively suspended” after being sent to two cryptocurrency wallets using tokenisation technology, a novel approach that experts predict will set a precedent for other jurisdictions and boost the city’s appeal as a tech hub. The injunction order, which prohibits disposal of assets “worldwide and in Hong Kong”, was served to the unknown holders of two wallet addresses on the Tron... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3296250/hong-kong-court-order-sent-cryptocurrency-wallets-setting-new-precedent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3296250/hong-kong-court-order-sent-cryptocurrency-wallets-setting-new-precedent?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jan 2025 04:30:08 +0000 Beetroot salad served on two Cathay Pacific flights from Nepal could have been the cause of food poisoning that struck 43 passengers earlier this month, Hong Kong authorities revealed on Friday, although the carrier said all of the samples it had tested showed no sign of contamination. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) also said it had ordered the Hong Kong-based in-flight catering provider to stop supplying the salad as preparation involved processes that required direct hand contact and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3296219/beetroot-salad-risk-factor-cathay-food-poisoning-cases-hong-kong-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3296219/beetroot-salad-risk-factor-cathay-food-poisoning-cases-hong-kong-says?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:59:23 +0000 Jess Ma,Kahon Chan Jess Ma,Kahon Chan Hong Kong police have arrested two more people in connection with a knife attack in Yuen Long that left one man dead and another injured, bringing the total number of those apprehended to six. The force on Friday only identified the two men as a 23-year-old surnamed Cheuk and a 26-year-old surnamed Chiu. It added that another two of the suspects would appear in court the next day. The Post learned that the latest suspects were allegedly members of a triad group and had been employed as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3296105/hong-kong-police-arrest-2-more-suspects-over-yuen-long-knife-attack?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3296105/hong-kong-police-arrest-2-more-suspects-over-yuen-long-knife-attack?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:46:39 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan National security police have summoned two employees of a polling organisation, who used to work under a Hong Kong fugitive, to help with an investigation, after questioning members of his family and a leading pollster. A source said on Thursday that the two staff members at the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute had been asked to assist in the investigation linked to Chung Kim-wah, a former deputy executive director of the institute and an outspoken commentator. Stanley Chu, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3295908/hong-kong-police-question-2-polling-institute-workers-national-security-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3295908/hong-kong-police-question-2-polling-institute-workers-national-security-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jan 2025 04:20:28 +0000 Emily Hung,Kahon Chan Emily Hung,Kahon Chan Hong Kong e-payment service providers are handing out tens of millions of dollars worth of red packet money and perks during Lunar New Year, with Octopus leading the campaign to spur spending with a HK$68.8 million (US$8.8 million) giveaway. Alipay HK also rolled out spending perks for the festive period on Thursday, including a giveaway of virtual red packets valued at up to HK$880 between January 25 and February 3, discounts of up to HK$888 for spending over HK$3,000 at designated merchants,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3295858/hong-kongs-octopus-hand-out-hk688-million-lai-see-deals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3295858/hong-kongs-octopus-hand-out-hk688-million-lai-see-deals?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:49:25 +0000 Igor Patrick,Kahon Chan Igor Patrick,Kahon Chan Panama’s audit of a Hong Kong company, which operates ports at both ends of the country’s canal, aims to provide a robust framework to counter US President Donald Trump’s claims that China controls the waterway, the Post has learned. “The [Panama government] needs concrete data to counter this ‘China is controlling the canal’ narrative,” a source said on Tuesday. The insider added that auditing Hutchison Port Holdings would also allow the administration to review a concession signed by Panama’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3295755/panamas-audit-hong-kongs-hutchison-aims-counter-us-canal-narrative?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3295755/panamas-audit-hong-kongs-hutchison-aims-counter-us-canal-narrative?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2025 04:40:09 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong must preserve its cultural advantage of having a “high tolerance” of differing views, the justice minister has said, citing press freedom and the free flow of information as critical to the financial hub’s global status. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok also said on Saturday that Hong Kong’s political predictability was a key attraction for outside investors, though he conceded it would be difficult to fix the city’s perception problem in the short term. President Xi Jinping... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3295334/hong-kongs-high-tolerance-diverse-views-key-citys-success-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3295334/hong-kongs-high-tolerance-diverse-views-key-citys-success-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2025 13:31:18 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has voiced his appreciation for scenic views on Hong Kong Island while touring a soon-to-open HK$1.7 billion (US$218.3 million) harbourfront boardwalk located underneath a major expressway. The city leader also rode a bicycle and jogged with youngsters on the boardwalk below the Island Eastern Corridor on Saturday morning, greeting residents at a waterfront park. The HK$1.7 billion boardwalk took more than three years to build. The western half of the walkway... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3295308/john-lee-appreciates-view-hong-kong-island-while-touring-new-walkway?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3295308/john-lee-appreciates-view-hong-kong-island-while-touring-new-walkway?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2025 06:45:29 +0000 Kahon Chan,Ambrose Li Kahon Chan,Ambrose Li Nobel-winning economist James Robinson has hailed Hong Kong for its “amazing” inclusive society, calling on the city to deepen such inclusion and stay true to how it became great to further its “incredible success story”. Robinson, a British-American professor at the University of Chicago, also told a seminar on Thursday that he was a believer in the important role a government played in supporting a dynamic capitalist economy, as other experts agreed the local administration could take a more... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3295088/nobel-winner-urges-amazing-hong-kong-keep-hold-what-made-it-great?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3295088/nobel-winner-urges-amazing-hong-kong-keep-hold-what-made-it-great?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:06:54 +0000 Hong Kong’s justice minister has defended his department’s failed legal attempts to challenge the rights of same-sex couples amid calls from a top government adviser for officials to be held accountable for pursuing cases that were expected to have a “low success rate”. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok also told the legislature on Wednesday that “the likelihood of success is not the only consideration” when determining litigation strategies, following questions over a landmark ruling by... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3294913/hong-kong-minister-defends-failed-legal-bids-challenging-lgbtq-rights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3294913/hong-kong-minister-defends-failed-legal-bids-challenging-lgbtq-rights?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:42:05 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan A Hong Kong party headed by a top government adviser has suggested increasing traffic fines, tunnel fees and property rates, as well as freezing civil service salaries, in a bid to reduce the city’s deficit. Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, chairwoman of the New People’s Party and convenor of key decision-making body the Executive Council, also proposed a 5 per cent cut in government recurrent spending, following a meeting with finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po on Wednesday. “The financial secretary has... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3294853/regina-ips-party-proposes-higher-traffic-fines-cut-hong-kong-deficit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3294853/regina-ips-party-proposes-higher-traffic-fines-cut-hong-kong-deficit?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:45:51 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said his administration will “go ahead as planned” to redevelop three towers in Wan Chai into a new wing of the Convention and Exhibition Centre despite moving a former leader’s office into one of the buildings to “save government money”. Lee on Tuesday also reaffirmed a pledge to spend an average of HK$90 billion (US$11.6 billion) per year on public works in the coming years, after finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po suggested setting out a priority list... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3294649/hong-kong-will-redevelop-3-towers-wan-chai-convention-centre-city-leader?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3294649/hong-kong-will-redevelop-3-towers-wan-chai-convention-centre-city-leader?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:42:48 +0000 Cannix Yau,Willa Wu,Kahon Chan Cannix Yau,Willa Wu,Kahon Chan President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to retake the Panama Canal to safeguard US national security has raised questions about the possible impact on Hong Kong and mainland Chinese companies operating there. CK Hutchison Holdings, founded by Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, is a major player as its subsidiary, Hutchison Ports PPC, has operated two ports at either end of the canal since 1997. Like other Chinese firms with projects there, it would be severely affected if Trump went ahead with his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3294457/trump-wants-panama-canal-just-empty-talk-or-real-threat-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3294457/trump-wants-panama-canal-just-empty-talk-or-real-threat-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:30:16 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong’s customs chief has revealed that an officer arrested after trying to stop a motorcycle rider who later crashed and died has been placed on leave, stressing personnel should be responsible for their actions on or off-duty. Chan Tsz-tat, commissioner of customs and excise, also said on Saturday that all his officers had been given “very clear instructions” and “very comprehensive training” to carry out their duties. “As part of the disciplined services, a customs officer ought to do his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3294355/hong-kong-customs-officer-involved-fatal-motorbike-crash-placed-leave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3294355/hong-kong-customs-officer-involved-fatal-motorbike-crash-placed-leave?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jan 2025 06:06:33 +0000 Hong Kong lawmakers and experts have called for “smarter” spending after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognised the government’s gradual financial consolidation path was appropriate for sustaining an economic recovery. Experts also expressed scepticism on Saturday that the government would heed the UN body’s advice on broadening the tax base to sustainably pay for the rising expense of the city’s rapidly ageing society and invest in initiatives to boost economic growth. The IMF said... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3294350/hong-kong-urged-make-smarter-spending-after-imf-backs-saving-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3294350/hong-kong-urged-make-smarter-spending-after-imf-backs-saving-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jan 2025 04:35:29 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong’s home and youth affairs minister has defended the competency of the city’s community care teams amid doubts about their conduct, maintaining that all team members are unpaid volunteers and every penny of taxpayers’ money goes directly to community service. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen also said on Friday that it was premature to report on the performance of the 452 care teams across the city’s 18 districts when they were only halfway through their two-year... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3294296/hong-kong-minister-backs-citys-care-teams-despite-critical-viral-video?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3294296/hong-kong-minister-backs-citys-care-teams-despite-critical-viral-video?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jan 2025 10:58:02 +0000 Kahon Chan,Olga Wong Kahon Chan,Olga Wong Former Hong Kong opposition lawmaker Shiu Ka-chun has died at the age of 55 after a battle with stomach cancer. The career social worker died at 12.41am on Friday surrounded by family and friends, according to a post on his Instagram account. “[Shiu] suffered from complications after gastric cancer surgery,” his wife Kelly said. “Although he experienced hardships on the hospital bed, he always persevered and felt the guidance and care of the Heavenly Father, which enabled him to maintain inner... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3294142/ex-hong-kong-opposition-lawmaker-shiu-ka-chun-dies-55-after-cancer-battle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3294142/ex-hong-kong-opposition-lawmaker-shiu-ka-chun-dies-55-after-cancer-battle?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jan 2025 01:07:28 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong and Macau affairs has called on the two cities to fully unleash the benefits of the “one country, two systems” governing principle, lauding it as China’s wisdom and a solution for the world to promote harmony and inclusion. Xia Baolong also said on Thursday that seven expectations Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out for Macau last month served as a reference for Hong Kong, and that the business community should act as a key driving force through the testing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3294113/xis-orders-macau-serve-reference-hong-kong-beijing-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3294113/xis-orders-macau-serve-reference-hong-kong-beijing-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:44:57 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong lawmakers have accused authorities of inaction against ticket touts and expressed concern over their impact on mega-event tourism after learning that no one had been convicted under a decades-old law over a 2½-year period since 2022. The government also told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that it “has been studying” options to outlaw ticket scalping at the Hong Kong Coliseum and its other venues, reiterating a pledge made more than six years ago. Under the Public Entertainment... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293971/hong-kong-ticket-tout-crackdown-urged-after-lack-convictions-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293971/hong-kong-ticket-tout-crackdown-urged-after-lack-convictions-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:30:07 +0000 Kahon Chan,Amy Sood Kahon Chan,Amy Sood Hong Kong’s finance chief has arrived in Indonesia with a business delegation to promote the city’s advantages to local companies, with members noting the technology and manufacturing sectors are keen to tap into the vast potential of the world’s fourth-most populous nation. Indonesia’s growing middle class, expansive territory and rising demand for professional services would put Hong Kong firms in an advantageous position, analysts said on Tuesday. The delegation led by Financial Secretary... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293804/hong-kongs-paul-chan-indonesia-mission-citys-firms-eye-huge-market?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293804/hong-kongs-paul-chan-indonesia-mission-citys-firms-eye-huge-market?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:19:04 +0000 Hong Kong’s finance chief has cautioned against asking transport operators to cover the cost of the city’s HK$2 (26 US cents) concessionary fare scheme for elderly and disabled residents, saying it may lead to higher ticket prices for other commuters. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said authorities were still reviewing the scheme, which cost taxpayers nearly HK$4 billion in the last financial year. In his budget speech last February, the minister had announced a review of the scheme... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3293443/hong-kong-transport-firms-will-not-foot-bill-hk2-subsidy-scheme-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3293443/hong-kong-transport-firms-will-not-foot-bill-hk2-subsidy-scheme-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jan 2025 13:36:20 +0000 Hong Kong’s financial secretary has pledged to focus on curbing growth in recurring expenses and prioritising public works to rebalance the budget in the next three to five years, with the government deficit forecast to reach nearly HK$100 billion. Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Saturday he “absolutely disagrees” that home prices would definitely fall and reiterated his opposition to resuming land sales via an application list system to ensure the government retained full control over supply. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293419/hong-kong-cut-costs-deficit-expected-hit-nearly-hk100-billion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293419/hong-kong-cut-costs-deficit-expected-hit-nearly-hk100-billion?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jan 2025 09:14:10 +0000 Hong Kong’s first premium taxi fleet is set to launch in March, one of the five licensed operators has told the Post, with lawmakers urging the government to ensure a smooth roll-out of the service aimed at improving standards in an industry beset with complaints. Tai Wo Management confirmed its roll-out plan on Friday while pointing to “numerous challenges” it had overcome in the five months since receiving its license allowing it to charge higher fares than regular cabs. But a trade... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3293266/can-hong-kongs-premium-taxi-fleet-be-launched-soon-march?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3293266/can-hong-kongs-premium-taxi-fleet-be-launched-soon-march?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jan 2025 06:06:49 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong’s retail sales dropped for a ninth consecutive month in November, falling by 7.3 per cent, year on year. Provisional estimates from the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday put the total value of retail sales at HK$31.7 billion (US$4 billion) for the month. A government spokesman said the value of retail sales continued to decline “alongside the change in consumption patterns and the relatively strong Hong Kong dollar” – factors that would continue to weigh on the performance... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293174/hong-kong-retail-sales-fall-9-straight-months-73-year-year-drop-november?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293174/hong-kong-retail-sales-fall-9-straight-months-73-year-year-drop-november?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2025 09:09:10 +0000 Hong Kong recorded a 7.5 per cent increase in visitor numbers over the Christmas and New Year period, immigration data shows, while local businesses grappled with lacklustre sales amid a 10.1 per cent rise in outbound trips by residents. According to official figures, the city recorded 12.41 million trips between December 21 and January 1, a 15 per cent increase over the number from the same 12-day period the year before, but still 5 per cent below the Immigration Department’s forecast. There... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293138/hong-kong-visitor-numbers-over-holidays-75-offset-departures?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293138/hong-kong-visitor-numbers-over-holidays-75-offset-departures?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2025 07:20:38 +0000 A Hong Kong police officer has been injured after being dragged 250 metres while grabbing onto a “suspicious” van in Kowloon that sped away from him. The force said the uniformed officer approached the van, which was parked near the intersection of Lai Po Road and Lin Cheung Road in Cheung Sha Wan, after deeming it “suspicious” during a patrol at around 10am on Wednesday. The Post learned that the officer, through an open side window of the van, spotted the driver holding what looked like a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3293055/hong-kong-policeman-hurt-after-being-dragged-250-metres-suspicious-van?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3293055/hong-kong-policeman-hurt-after-being-dragged-250-metres-suspicious-van?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:26:53 +0000 Hong Kong’s new customs chief has pledged to bolster efforts to crack down on the smuggling of the increasingly popular narcotic “space oil” and illicit cigarettes, while also ensuring the smooth clearance of goods to support the city’s status as a global trading hub. Chan Tsz-tat, 54, took the reins of the 7,500-strong Customs and Excise Department on Tuesday after Beijing approved his appointment to succeed chief Louise Ho Pui-shan, who turned 57, the retirement age for members of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3292832/hong-kong-names-new-customs-chief-current-head-retires?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3292832/hong-kong-names-new-customs-chief-current-head-retires?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2024 02:18:08 +0000 Premium taxis may be eligible to receive a stamp of approval under a quality service scheme, the head of a Hong Kong body that promotes better standards in the tourist sector has said, adding that Halal-friendly restaurants may also be included next year in a bid to improve the city’s appeal to Muslim visitors. Simon Wong Kit-lung, chairman of the Quality Tourism Services Association, also suggested that a further increase in mainland Chinese tourists was unlikely to drive a sharp rise in local... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3292590/hong-kongs-premium-taxi-fleets-could-be-line-quality-service-logo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3292590/hong-kongs-premium-taxi-fleets-could-be-line-quality-service-logo?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Dec 2024 09:23:19 +0000 Sammy Heung,Kahon Chan Sammy Heung,Kahon Chan The holiday crowds showed no signs of dying down in Hong Kong on Saturday, with tens of thousands turning out for the city’s first pyrotechnics drone show, even as figures showed 50 per cent more residents left the city on December 25 and 26 than during the corresponding period last year. Immigration Department data showed that 905,035 local residents left Hong Kong on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, a 50.7 per cent increase from the 599,083 who departed over the same period in 2023. But the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3292582/number-hongkongers-leaving-city-over-christmas-holiday-rose-50?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3292582/number-hongkongers-leaving-city-over-christmas-holiday-rose-50?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Dec 2024 07:34:55 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong opposition politician and Senior Counsel Martin Lee Chu-ming has been stripped of his justice of the peace (JP) title. A notice published in the Government Gazette said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had revoked the civic honour of the Democratic Party’s founding chairman on Friday. While the notice did not state the reason, the Justices of the Peace Ordinance stipulates that the city leader may revoke a JP appointment if the person has been given a prison sentence – whether... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3292436/hong-kong-opposition-politician-martin-lee-stripped-jp-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3292436/hong-kong-opposition-politician-martin-lee-stripped-jp-title?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Dec 2024 06:01:26 +0000 Kahon Chan,Natalie Wong Kahon Chan,Natalie Wong Beijing has urged the United States to stop supporting “anti-China and destabilising forces” after Washington condemned Hong Kong for placing bounties on six more activists as “a form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty”. The Hong Kong government on Friday also criticised Washington’s remarks as “purely politically motivated”, saying the US had imposed similar measures on wanted criminals. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing “firmly opposed” the US’ latest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3292423/us-says-hong-kong-bounties-6-activists-threaten-its-sovereignty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3292423/us-says-hong-kong-bounties-6-activists-threaten-its-sovereignty?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:02:11 +0000 Hong Kong police have placed bounties of HK$1 million (US$128,690) on six more activists, including a former convenor of a now disbanded group calling for the city’s independence, accused of contravening the national security law. Nineteen opposition figures are now on the list of people wanted for allegedly violating the Beijing-imposed law. The six newly added activists include political commentator Chung Kim-wah, 64, and Joseph Tay, a 62-year-old former actor and founder of Canada-based NGO... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3292092/hong-kong-cancels-passports-activist-ted-hui-and-6-other-fugitives?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3292092/hong-kong-cancels-passports-activist-ted-hui-and-6-other-fugitives?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:08:53 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Chinese President Xi Jinping said projects in the Hengqin cooperation zone in Zhuhai must not be inconsistent with Beijing’s policy goals in an unusual warning made during his speech at the inauguration of Macau’s new leader on Friday. In his speech conveying his hopes for the incoming Sam Hou-fai administration on Friday, Xi urged Macau to “pinpoint its focus” on creating a more diversified economy, improve industrial development planning, increase policy support and capital investment, while... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3291792/xi-jinping-stresses-projects-hengqin-zone-must-align-beijing-policies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3291792/xi-jinping-stresses-projects-hengqin-zone-must-align-beijing-policies?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:36:57 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Get faster notifications on the latest updates by downloading our app. Macau is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese administration on Friday, with President Xi Jinping inaugurating the sixth-term government in the former Portuguese-run city. Xi has officiated at the swearing-in of former top judge Sam Hou-fai as the city’s new leader and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3291613/xi-jinping-set-swear-new-macau-leader-25th-anniversary-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3291613/xi-jinping-set-swear-new-macau-leader-25th-anniversary-return?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2024 02:04:13 +0000 Kahon Chan,Willa Wu Kahon Chan,Willa Wu Chinese President Xi Jinping has laid down his expectations for Macau during a visit to the city to swear in its next leader, calling on it to avoid complacency, strive to attract a broad range of talent and play a bigger role on the international stage. At the same time, Xi praised the city for the orderly development of its gaming industry, the biggest in the world, as well as its efforts to diversify its economic base. The president outlined his vision for Macau in a speech at a gala dinner... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3291608/xi-jinping-lays-out-3-expectations-macau-new-leader-set-take-reins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3291608/xi-jinping-lays-out-3-expectations-macau-new-leader-set-take-reins?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:46:09 +0000 Kahon Chan,Willa Wu,Natalie Wong Kahon Chan,Willa Wu,Natalie Wong Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Macau to avoid complacency, strive to attract a broad range of talent and play a bigger role on the international stage, as he visited the casino hub to mark the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule and swear in its new leader. In his keynote speech at a gala dinner on Thursday, Xi praised Macau for strengthening the foundations of its economic development and enhancing its international influence, which he said was proof of the city government’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3291464/chinese-president-xi-jinping-tours-macau-university-second-day-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3291464/chinese-president-xi-jinping-tours-macau-university-second-day-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2024 03:12:56 +0000 Kahon Chan,Willa Wu Kahon Chan,Willa Wu President Xi Jinping has said Macau is “gradually unleashing deep potential accumulated over time” and can create a better future through diligence and innovation, as he arrived for a three-day visit to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese administration. Xi said he would “go around, take a look and deliberate” on development plans in Macau, which he described as the “cherished pearl of the motherland” and a source of pride for both the city’s residents and the entire... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3291318/xi-jinping-his-way-macau-25th-anniversary-return-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3291318/xi-jinping-his-way-macau-25th-anniversary-return-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:59:58 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong’s chief executive will lead a delegation to Macau on Thursday to join celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese administration, while the gaming hub is preparing for President Xi Jinping’s coming three-day visit. Macau stepped up security measures on Tuesday, including implementing a ban on drones, and will suspend certain light rail services ahead of the president’s arrival on Wednesday afternoon. Xi is expected to attend a variety show on Thursday and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3291238/hong-kongs-john-lee-lead-delegation-macau-anniversary-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3291238/hong-kongs-john-lee-lead-delegation-macau-anniversary-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:00:17 +0000 Macau’s business community is pinning its hopes on a nearby island three times its size to help diversify the city’s economy and move away from relying mainly on casinos. The island of Hengqin, in neighbouring Zhuhai, packs the potential to help the city expand its meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry, experts have said. Beijing has long set Macau the mission to “appropriately” diversify its economy and reduce the gambling industry’s overwhelming presence. This was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3290865/can-macau-cash-out-casino-industry-nearby-hengqin-island-offers-hope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3290865/can-macau-cash-out-casino-industry-nearby-hengqin-island-offers-hope?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:30:26 +0000 Willa Wu,Kahon Chan Willa Wu,Kahon Chan Hong Kong’s leader has three pressing challenges following his duty visit to Beijing, observers have said – fostering social unity, promoting innovative decision-making and balancing the government budget. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu ended his trip to the capital on Saturday after meeting President Xi Jinping the previous day to report on Hong Kong developments. Xi affirmed support for the chief executive to “unite all sectors in society to seek reforms” and promote economic prosperity... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3290831/innovation-fostering-unity-among-tasks-hong-kongs-john-lee-observers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3290831/innovation-fostering-unity-among-tasks-hong-kongs-john-lee-observers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Dec 2024 15:33:00 +0000 Kahon Chan,Edith Lin Kahon Chan,Edith Lin Hong Kong’s new tourism chief has floated using the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to host art performances when no ships dock, as the schedule shows the facility will not receive vessels for about five months next summer. But lawmakers expressed doubts about the idea which was suggested to the official during a radio interview, pointing to a lack of catering facilities and previous transport chaos at the terminal, although a tourism sector leader said hosting mini-concerts and exhibitions there could... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3290797/hong-kongs-kai-tak-terminal-may-host-art-performances-peak-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3290797/hong-kongs-kai-tak-terminal-may-host-art-performances-peak-season?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Dec 2024 06:07:31 +0000 Willa Wu,Kahon Chan,Natalie Wong Willa Wu,Kahon Chan,Natalie Wong Chinese President Xi Jinping has told Hong Kong’s leader that Beijing will fully support him in uniting society, carrying out reforms and creating new momentum for economic development, while praising him for enhancing the city’s international influence. The president also told John Lee Ka-chiu in Beijing on Friday that he “fully recognised” the work of the chief executive and his administration for completing the legislation of the city’s domestic national security law and addressing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3290690/xi-jinping-pledges-full-support-hong-kongs-john-lee-reform-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3290690/xi-jinping-pledges-full-support-hong-kongs-john-lee-reform-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:07:37 +0000 Beijing will impose visa restrictions on “US personnel who have behaved poorly on Hong Kong-related issues” in response to Washington’s threats to sanction officials responsible for implementing the national security law, China’s foreign ministry has said. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning revealed the move on Tuesday when responding to a reporter’s question on Beijing’s countermeasures to planned sanctions by the US State Department. She said Beijing had stated its position to the US. “The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3290148/beijing-impose-visa-curbs-us-officials-counter-sanctions-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3290148/beijing-impose-visa-curbs-us-officials-counter-sanctions-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:54:25 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader will conduct his annual duty visit to Beijing to meet state leaders on Wednesday, a week after replacing his transport and tourism ministers and pledging to do more during the second half of his five-year tenure. Analysts said efforts to stimulate Hong Kong’s stagnant economy and counter geopolitical risks were likely to be priorities in the meeting, while local political issues would remain on the back seat. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will make a four-day duty visit to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3290128/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-conduct-duty-visit-beijing-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3290128/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-conduct-duty-visit-beijing-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:48:03 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Actor and comedian Dayo Wong Tze-wah’s drama, The Last Dance, has broken box office records as the highest-grossing Chinese-language film ever in Hong Kong after opening in cinemas four weeks ago. Featuring Wong, veteran actor Michael Hui Koon-man and actress Michelle Wai, it had raked in more than HK$122 million as of Saturday morning, the film’s distributor said. The figure beat the previous record holder, 2023 court drama A Guilty Conscience, which grossed HK$121.79 million locally and also... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289817/last-dance-takes-first-place-record-hk122-million-hong-kong-box-office?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289817/last-dance-takes-first-place-record-hk122-million-hong-kong-box-office?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Dec 2024 09:04:59 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan A construction worker survived a plunge from the seventh floor of a multi-storey car park in Hong Kong’s Kowloon on Saturday morning after landing on a truck filled with bamboo poles. Police received a report at 11.33am that a man had fallen onto a truck stacked with bamboo used for scaffolding outside the car park building at Choi Wan (I) Estate in Ngau Chi Wan. A police spokeswoman said the man, 39 and surnamed Chan, was believed to have been working on scaffolding 30 metres above the truck... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289814/construction-worker-falls-seventh-floor-hong-kong-found-semi-conscious-state?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289814/construction-worker-falls-seventh-floor-hong-kong-found-semi-conscious-state?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Dec 2024 08:17:46 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan A Hong Kong teenager was taken to hospital on Saturday morning after having one of his toes bitten by a wild boar during a camping trip at a beach in the New Territories. The boy, 14, contacted police at 5.05am and told them the animal had charged him while he was staying at the Sai Wan Campsite along Tai Long Wan bay in Sai Kung district. The teenager was conscious as he was taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital. His four other friends who joined him on the camping trip were unharmed. A police... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289801/hong-kong-teenager-sent-hospital-after-boar-bites-his-toe-beach-camping-trip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289801/hong-kong-teenager-sent-hospital-after-boar-bites-his-toe-beach-camping-trip?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Dec 2024 04:02:32 +0000 Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s firing of two ministers and replacing them with new faces is part of a gambit to minimise any damage to his government’s standing and even secure decisive short-term wins on the tourism and aviation fronts as emphasised by Beijing, analysts said. They also said his move on Thursday to remove tourism and transport ministers, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and Lam Sai-hung, right in the middle of his term aligned with his “result-oriented” governing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3289571/unpacking-john-lees-firing-two-ministers-hong-kong-needs-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3289571/unpacking-john-lees-firing-two-ministers-hong-kong-needs-win?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:30:09 +0000