https://www.scmp.com/rss/515040/feed Willa joined the SCMP in 2023 and she previously worked for China Daily Hong Kong, covering news related to Hong Kong-mainland affairs. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s newly elected lawmakers will discuss a government motion to strengthen support for affected Wang Fuk Court fire residents at their first chamber meeting next Wednesday, but will skip a regular question session for officials. The Legislative Council chamber meeting for legislators, who assumed their posts on January 1, will also debate a lawmaker’s motion that calls for a review of the city’s building maintenance system and a crackdown on bid rigging in renovation projects. Legco... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339447/hong-kongs-legco-discuss-post-tai-po-fire-support-question-session-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339447/hong-kongs-legco-discuss-post-tai-po-fire-support-question-session-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jan 2026 11:23:13 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s finance chief has confirmed that the city is set to achieve an early operating account surplus, driven by strong financial market performance and increased stock trading stamp duty revenue. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Saturday vowed to make the “utmost” effort to address older residents’ concerns over the high cost of living, as he responded to calls for additional welfare measures during the first public forum for the coming budget. He also stressed that the government... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3339436/hong-kongs-finance-chief-confirms-early-surplus-vows-more-elderly-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3339436/hong-kongs-finance-chief-confirms-early-surplus-vows-more-elderly-support?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jan 2026 07:54:07 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu The chairman of the Hong Kong Special Schools Council chairman has urged the public to strengthen their support for disabled students in the city at a charity golf event organised to raise awareness of the group. The tournament, held on Friday at Fanling Golf Club and organised by the council, drew 21 teams comprising 84 people, including one made up of players with disabilities. Competitors vied for prizes such as a BYD electric car and tickets to see Cantopop singer Jacky Cheung Hok-yau in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339363/ex-commerce-chief-frederick-ma-urges-support-hong-kong-special-needs-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339363/ex-commerce-chief-frederick-ma-urges-support-hong-kong-special-needs-education?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:34:27 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Willa Wu Connor Mycroft,Willa Wu Hearings to be conducted by an independent committee investigating Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades will begin within the first quarter, with Victor Dawes, former chairman of the city’s professional barristers’ group, appointed as lead counsel in the inquiry, the Post has learned. Six weeks after the conflagration claimed 161 lives in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, the health authorities said on Thursday that ten residents remained in hospital in stable condition, while a district council working... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339135/ex-bar-head-victor-dawes-named-lead-counsel-deadly-hong-kong-fire-inquiry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339135/ex-bar-head-victor-dawes-named-lead-counsel-deadly-hong-kong-fire-inquiry?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:30:40 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Two candidates vying to become the next president of Hong Kong’s legislature are locked in a tight race as major political parties have given their members a free vote. The newly sworn-in members of the Legislative Council will on Thursday elect either Starry Lee Wai-king of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) or finance sector representative Ronick Chan Chun-ying through a secret ballot. Before voting begins, both candidates will present their election... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3339081/tight-race-hong-kongs-legco-presidency-parties-allow-free-vote?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3339081/tight-race-hong-kongs-legco-presidency-parties-allow-free-vote?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:10:53 +0000 Willa Wu,Wynna Wong Willa Wu,Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) minister has cancelled a trip to the United States following a “dynamic assessment” by the government, just four hours after it announced his three-day itinerary for the visit. In a statement issued at 4.20pm on Tuesday, the government said that Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong had cancelled his visit to the US, without explaining the reason behind the decision. An insider told the Post that Sun had not yet boarded the flight... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338919/hong-kong-minister-cancels-trip-united-states-4-hours-after-schedule-unveiled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338919/hong-kong-minister-cancels-trip-united-states-4-hours-after-schedule-unveiled?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:00:44 +0000 Jess Ma,Willa Wu Jess Ma,Willa Wu Twice as many mainland Chinese visitors arrived in Hong Kong on New Year’s Day compared with the same day in 2025, with industry representatives on Friday attributing the surge to a three-day holiday across the border and travel warnings against Japan. A day earlier, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department registered 215,332 mainland visitors arriving in the city on New Year’s Day, more than double the 106,290 recorded on the same day last year. The number of overall visitors on Thursday stood at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338494/hong-kong-receives-twice-many-mainland-chinese-visitors-new-years-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338494/hong-kong-receives-twice-many-mainland-chinese-visitors-new-years-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:07:17 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu The new head of Hong Kong’s Legal Aid Department has pledged full support to residents affected by the deadly Tai Po fire, while vowing to answer society’s needs with “professional, efficient and empathetic” services. Chan Chak-ming, who assumed the post as director of legal aid on Thursday, also revealed that his department would launch a string of measures to help affected residents. “I will ensure that the Legal Aid Department makes every effort to provide all necessary legal assistance to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338492/hong-kongs-new-legal-aid-chief-pledges-full-support-tai-po-fire-victims?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338492/hong-kongs-new-legal-aid-chief-pledges-full-support-tai-po-fire-victims?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:05:23 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Veteran Hong Kong actor and action choreographer Yuen Cheung-yan has died at the age of 69. Yuen, who was born in Hong Kong in 1957, died at noon on New Year’s Day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei, according to film director and actor Lee Lik-chi, who announced the news on his Weibo page on Thursday. “May Master Yuen rest in eternal peace,” Lee said. He added that a funeral would be held on February 1, but gave no further details about the cause of Yuen’s death. Yuen was the son of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338467/yuen-cheung-yan-veteran-hong-kong-actor-and-action-choreographer-dies-69?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338467/yuen-cheung-yan-veteran-hong-kong-actor-and-action-choreographer-dies-69?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 04:30:08 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Willa Wu Elizabeth Cheung,Willa Wu Concern groups have called for a more concrete timeline and clearer details in an updated action plan for Hong Kong’s biodiversity strategy, which for the first time lists assessing the capacity of ecotourism hotspots as a priority. The government on Wednesday unveiled its updated Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which covers four strategic areas – nature conservation, deepening mainstreaming, capacity building and collaborative partnering. It lists 30 priority actions and 81... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338339/groups-welcome-updated-hong-kong-biodiversity-plan-call-more-details?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338339/groups-welcome-updated-hong-kong-biodiversity-plan-call-more-details?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 01:30:17 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu A series of consequential political developments and controversies made 2025 a significant year for Hong Kong. Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s company CK Hutchison Holdings was caught in the crossfire of US-China tensions over a deal to sell its Panama Canal ports, which was eventually put on hold under pressure from Beijing. Locally, the city held its second Legislative Council election under Beijing’s “patriots-only” overhaul, with the voter turnout slightly surpassing the previous record... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3338338/jimmy-lai-verdict-and-panama-port-saga-what-shaped-hong-kongs-2025-political-scene?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3338338/jimmy-lai-verdict-and-panama-port-saga-what-shaped-hong-kongs-2025-political-scene?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:33:59 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Beijing has appointed a former executive of a state-owned shipping giant, which is eyeing a major stake in Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison’s stalled global ports sale, as a deputy director at its liaison office in the city. Zhang Yong, who previously served as executive vice-president of the Cosco Shipping Group, will replace Qi Bin, who was appointed in November 2024, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Wednesday. The liaison office’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3338252/cosco-executive-zhang-yong-appointed-deputy-beijings-liaison-office-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3338252/cosco-executive-zhang-yong-appointed-deputy-beijings-liaison-office-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Dec 2025 04:59:28 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong authorities are expected to announce next month the results of their investigation into a bottled water scandal that rocked the city and take disciplinary action against those officials involved after confirming that the probe has been completed. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, which set up a task force to probe the scandal that emerged in August, on Tuesday said both the review of the government’s procurement system and related disciplinary investigation had been... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338190/hong-kong-set-unveil-results-disciplinary-action-after-bottled-water-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338190/hong-kong-set-unveil-results-disciplinary-action-after-bottled-water-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:44:20 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s government will set up a dedicated company to run a huge industrial park in Hung Shui Kiu and launch a six-month tender for a pilot area within the zone, offering incentives to encourage bids as part of an initiative to accelerate development of the Northern Metropolis. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said on Monday that the newly formed Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company was expected to be financially self-sustaining despite the government’s initial capital... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338018/hong-kong-government-sets-non-statutory-company-run-northern-metropolis-site?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338018/hong-kong-government-sets-non-statutory-company-run-northern-metropolis-site?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:13:10 +0000 Willa Wu,Lo Hoi-ying Willa Wu,Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong authorities have vowed to investigate a mainland Chinese driver under the southbound travel vehicle scheme and may suspend his eligibility after he posted a video of himself using automatic cruising illegally in the city on social media. The Transport Department said on Friday that it had issued a warning to the driver and had notified mainland authorities about the case. It also urged Guangdong motorists under the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into Urban Area)”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3337775/hong-kong-probes-mainland-chinese-driver-using-banned-autopilot-mode-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3337775/hong-kong-probes-mainland-chinese-driver-using-banned-autopilot-mode-city?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Dec 2025 05:13:36 +0000 Emily Hung,Willa Wu Emily Hung,Willa Wu Hong Kong’s incoming social welfare lawmaker has vowed to actively engage young people in policy discussions and strengthen communications with frontline workers to plug a “knowledge gap” in professional conduct. Grace Chan Man-yee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, a statutory body representing local welfare groups, also expressed confidence that there would be critical voices in the legislature although not always in front of the cameras. Chan won the social welfare... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3337654/young-peoples-input-needed-pressing-hong-kong-issues-incoming-lawmaker-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3337654/young-peoples-input-needed-pressing-hong-kong-issues-incoming-lawmaker-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:29:34 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong police have arrested 20 people in connection with a series of fraud cases in which a 19-year-old college student allegedly led a gang posing as mainland Chinese secret agents to swindle victims out of more than HK$2 million (US$257,000). Chief Inspector Cheung Wai-shan said on Wednesday that the group – 16 male and four female suspects, aged between 11 and 84 – were arrested during a two-day operation earlier this week for various offences, including money laundering, fraud and wasting... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337598/teen-mastermind-among-20-held-hong-kong-police-over-hk2-million-phone-fraud?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337598/teen-mastermind-among-20-held-hong-kong-police-over-hk2-million-phone-fraud?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Dec 2025 07:10:25 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu A new scheme that allows private cars from Guangdong province to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas has brought business opportunities for some, with users of a popular online platform selling courses on how to drive in the city or one-stop application services for mainland Chinese motorists. Local businesses are also offering perks to drivers using the scheme, ranging from parking discounts to accommodation packages. Under the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into Urban Area)”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337548/hong-kong-firms-hoping-new-southbound-travel-scheme-will-drive-more-business?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337548/hong-kong-firms-hoping-new-southbound-travel-scheme-will-drive-more-business?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:30:12 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Members of an independent committee created to investigate Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades inspected the scene of the blaze on Tuesday morning to get a better understanding of the environment and conditions at Wang Fuk Court. Committee chairman Justice David Lok Kai-hong was joined by Executive Council member Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen, who are both on the panel. The committee members were spotted wearing full protective gowns as they arrived at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337527/committee-probing-hong-kong-fire-visits-wang-fuk-court-inspect-conditions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337527/committee-probing-hong-kong-fire-visits-wang-fuk-court-inspect-conditions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:40:54 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s development chief has vowed to tighten building safety laws to punish those exploiting loopholes, warning that authorities will show no leniency towards the construction sector that has come under public scrutiny after the deadly Tai Po fire. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho also said on Saturday that the government would take over incomplete building renovations posing safety risks, following delays caused by new inspection requirements implemented after the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337166/no-leniency-hong-kong-minister-vows-tougher-building-safety-laws-after-tai-po-fire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337166/no-leniency-hong-kong-minister-vows-tougher-building-safety-laws-after-tai-po-fire?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Dec 2025 06:23:15 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu A group of Labour Party MPs have urged the British government to ensure changes to permanent residency requirements do not undermine support for Hongkongers on a bespoke visa pathway or others admitted on humanitarian grounds. They have asked the Home Office to consider exempting the BN(O) routes from the government’s proposed overhaul of the wider settlement system as part of four requests to extend support for Hongkongers under the scheme. James Naish and 33 of his Labour colleagues sent a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3337096/labour-mps-urge-uk-protect-hong-kong-bno-migrants-residency-reforms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3337096/labour-mps-urge-uk-protect-hong-kong-bno-migrants-residency-reforms?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:34:03 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Beijing and Hong Kong have slammed the G7 for “trampling the city’s rule of law” after the group criticised the guilty verdict handed down at former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s national security trial and demanded his immediate release. The strongly worded statements on Thursday were in response to a joint call from the foreign ministers of the G7 and the European Union’s high representative, who condemned Lai’s prosecution while expressing ongoing concerns about “deteriorating rights,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336950/beijing-hong-kong-slam-g7-over-criticism-jimmy-lai-trial-verdict?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336950/beijing-hong-kong-slam-g7-over-criticism-jimmy-lai-trial-verdict?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:42:49 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s lawmakers-elect have called for more exchanges with senior officials before policy formulation as they welcomed the first sharing session on Thursday, saying it signalled the government valued ties with the legislature. About 70 of the 90 newly elected lawmakers joined the 1½-hour exchange with top government officials, including three secretaries and other bureau chiefs, focusing on two topics: the executive-legislature relationship and Hong Kong’s economic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336874/hong-kong-lawmakers-elect-call-more-exchanges-government-policymaking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336874/hong-kong-lawmakers-elect-call-more-exchanges-government-policymaking?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:09:51 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu An open court and a detailed ruling in former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s closely watched national security trial have demonstrated the strength of Hong Kong’s rule of law, legal experts have said. Lawyers, including the Hong Kong Bar Association, on Tuesday urged members of the public to respect the city’s judicial process and study the High Court’s judgment carefully before drawing conclusions after several Western countries criticised Lai’s guilty verdict, prompting a strong rebuke from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336679/open-court-detailed-ruling-jimmy-lai-trial-prove-hong-kong-rule-law-strong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336679/open-court-detailed-ruling-jimmy-lai-trial-prove-hong-kong-rule-law-strong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong police have arrested a man for allegedly trying to open a plane cabin door during a Cathay Pacific Airways flight from Boston. The force said it received a report from the city’s flagship carrier at around 4.45am on Thursday about the incident. The plane landed at Hong Kong airport at around 5am, with police officers boarding the aircraft to arrest the suspect, a 20-year-old mainland Chinese man, for allegedly violating the Aviation Security Ordinance. The case has been classified as a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336102/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-over-trying-open-plane-door-cathay-flight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336102/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-over-trying-open-plane-door-cathay-flight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:58:05 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu The Hong Kong Bar Association will travel to Beijing next week to meet mainland Chinese officials, becoming the first delegation to visit the capital since the city’s deadliest fire in decades and its recent Legislative Council election. Chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet told the Post on Wednesday that the delegation would be happy to discuss possible legal reforms brought by the deadly Tai Po fire with central government authorities, including the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO),... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335946/bar-association-first-hong-kong-delegation-beijing-after-fire-legco-election?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335946/bar-association-first-hong-kong-delegation-beijing-after-fire-legco-election?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:30:10 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Having all seats contested in Sunday’s Legislative Council election and the resulting strong performance by independent candidates signal emerging political diversity within Hong Kong’s reformed electoral system, political analysts have said. However, a record number of invalid ballots cast suggested continued resistance to the “patriots-only” framework, they noted, urging the government to also take heed and ensure this would not be used to pile pressure on it in future. Observers also pointed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335661/high-quality-democracy-what-does-beijings-new-phrase-hong-kong-really-mean?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335661/high-quality-democracy-what-does-beijings-new-phrase-hong-kong-really-mean?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:30:21 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Three incumbent lawmakers seeking another term by running in Hong Kong Island West made desperate appeals just hours into Sunday’s Legislative Council election, with the race for directly elected seats heating up compared with four years ago. Hong Kong Island West is the only geographical constituency among the 10 where three serving legislators – Judy Chan Kapui, Chan Hok-fung and Kwok Wai-keung – are competing with two newcomers for two seats, essentially meaning at least one of them will be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335530/3-serving-lawmakers-make-urgent-appeals-hong-kong-island-west?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335530/3-serving-lawmakers-make-urgent-appeals-hong-kong-island-west?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:44:28 +0000 Willa Wu,William Zheng Willa Wu,William Zheng Hong Kong authorities have made a last-ditch appeal for residents to refocus on the city’s reform and their future by voting in Sunday’s Legislative Council election, as political analysts said public sentiment after the deadly fire in Tai Po would play a decisive role in voter turnout rates. The appeal came as Beijing’s national security office in Hong Kong met with foreign media representatives on Saturday. In a statement, the office said some reports had attacked the election and smeared the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335473/last-ditch-effort-get-hongkongers-vote-legco-poll-turnout-uncertain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335473/last-ditch-effort-get-hongkongers-vote-legco-poll-turnout-uncertain?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:17:31 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Candidates started campaigning again this week for Hong Kong’s coming Legislative Council election, but opted for a more subdued approach, including fewer street booths and volunteers, in the aftermath of last week’s deadly fire in Tai Po. Some Legco hopefuls also unveiled new policy platforms in the run-up to Sunday’s poll, such as calling for a thorough investigation into the fire and enhanced building safety oversight. As of Friday, two major political parties also said they were facing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335413/legco-election-hopefuls-scale-back-campaigning-hong-kong-fire-aftermath?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335413/legco-election-hopefuls-scale-back-campaigning-hong-kong-fire-aftermath?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:12:00 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s insurers should make it easier for residents affected by the deadly Tai Po fire to file claims and consider incorporating fire safety inspection results into underwriting, according to sector representatives contesting a seat in the legislature. Insurance sector candidates Chan Pui-leung and Simon Lam Yat-tung made the appeals on Wednesday during a government-led forum, the first held since last week’s blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which claimed at least 159 lives. Chan, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335073/rivals-push-insurance-reforms-easier-fire-claims-hong-kong-poll-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335073/rivals-push-insurance-reforms-easier-fire-claims-hong-kong-poll-race?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:44:11 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu The Hong Kong government has exercised its power under the city’s domestic national security law for the first time to ban two organisations deemed subversive. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung on Tuesday prohibited the operation of the Canada-based “Hong Kong Parliament” and the Taiwan-based “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” in the city. The ban was made with the power granted to Tang under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The ordinance was enacted in 2024 as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334881/hong-kong-invokes-security-law-first-time-ban-canada-taiwan-based-groups?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334881/hong-kong-invokes-security-law-first-time-ban-canada-taiwan-based-groups?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:25:51 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong will hold the Legislative Council election as scheduled on Sunday, the chief executive has announced, arguing that it is important to elect new lawmakers who will be his key partners in launching reforms as the city reels from the deadly fire in Tai Po. The government-led election forums, which were halted last Thursday, would resume on Wednesday this week, but all related recreational events, including an outdoor gala show, would be cancelled, authorities announced on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334835/hong-kongs-john-lee-stresses-need-lawmakers-after-tai-po-fire-poll-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334835/hong-kongs-john-lee-stresses-need-lawmakers-after-tai-po-fire-poll-go?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Dec 2025 02:28:29 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu A district councillor facing public scrutiny amid Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades has said she will personally file reports with both police and the corruption watchdog to request an investigation. Peggy Wong Pik-kiu, a directly elected district councillor from the Tai Po South constituency, announced her decision via social media on Monday, saying the Wang Fuk Court blaze was a man-made tragedy, not a natural disaster, resulting from years of safety neglect. “The victims, both deceased... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334765/hong-kong-politician-peggy-wong-files-police-report-amid-tai-po-fire-scrutiny?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334765/hong-kong-politician-peggy-wong-files-police-report-amid-tai-po-fire-scrutiny?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:11:14 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s Legislative Council election will be held as scheduled on December 7, as recovery and rebuilding work from the city’s deadliest blaze in decades is proceeding largely smoothly, a source has told the Post. The insider said the decision to proceed with the poll as planned was also based on legal considerations, as postponing it could risk creating a constitutional crisis after December 31, when the current council’s term ends. “A lot of legislative work also needs to be done. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334712/hong-kong-legco-poll-go-ahead-planned-fire-recovery-track?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334712/hong-kong-legco-poll-go-ahead-planned-fire-recovery-track?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 03:42:00 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Watching his young children’s faces light up with excitement, William Li felt relief, but the deep ache in his chest was overwhelming. His son and daughter were happy he had saved their most treasured possessions – a mobile phone and an iPad – from the inferno that had just devoured their home in Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday. Thankfully, they had been at school and their mother at work at the time. “Daddy is so great! You saved my phone!” his 10-year-old son exclaimed, cheering with... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334627/hong-kong-dad-saved-burning-building-asks-how-start-over-nothing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334627/hong-kong-dad-saved-burning-building-asks-how-start-over-nothing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Nov 2025 13:00:16 +0000 Wynna Wong,Ambrose Li,Willa Wu,Mike Chan,Natalie Wong,Fiona Sun,Jess Ma Wynna Wong,Ambrose Li,Willa Wu,Mike Chan,Natalie Wong,Fiona Sun,Jess Ma The death toll from Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in seven decades climbed to more than 100 on Friday as the government announced a three-day official mourning period from Saturday for victims of the blaze. National and Hong Kong flags at all its buildings and facilities will fly at half-mast until Monday, with officials cancelling all non-essential public engagements, and government-endorsed celebratory events delayed or cancelled. Residents can also pen their condolences in books placed across... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334587/death-toll-hong-kong-fire-climbs-128-city-prepares-mourning-period?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334587/death-toll-hong-kong-fire-climbs-128-city-prepares-mourning-period?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:19:03 +0000 Willa Wu,Fiona Chow Willa Wu,Fiona Chow Families of residents still missing after a blaze engulfed an estate complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday face an agonising wait for news of their loved ones as the government needs more time to identify many of the bodies. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday that among the 89 unidentified bodies so far recovered from the charred buildings of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, about half would soon be identified as they were found inside their flats. But authorities needed additional... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334572/anxious-wait-relatives-people-still-missing-deadly-hong-kong-fire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334572/anxious-wait-relatives-people-still-missing-deadly-hong-kong-fire?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:48:56 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong should focus on developing hi-tech industries that meet the country’s needs, while stepping up efforts to attract global talent and strengthening collaboration with top universities to become an innovation and technology (I&T) hub, a Beijing official has said. Hou Jianguo, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, also said at a high-level seminar in Hong Kong on Tuesday that the city’s Northern Metropolis megaproject had a “bright future”. Zhou Ji, Beijing’s top representative in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334042/real-investments-reflect-global-communitys-confidence-hong-kong-zhou-ji?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334042/real-investments-reflect-global-communitys-confidence-hong-kong-zhou-ji?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:09:18 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong authorities should offer more incentives to attract foreign filmmakers to shoot in the city and create fresh job opportunities for the local industry, the incumbent lawmaker of the sector has said as he seeks another term. Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, who represents the sports, performing arts, culture and publication sector in the legislature, on Monday also called on the government task force that helps mainland Chinese enterprises go abroad to extend its support to local performing arts... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333930/hong-kong-should-attract-foreign-filmmakers-shoot-city-election-candidate-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333930/hong-kong-should-attract-foreign-filmmakers-shoot-city-election-candidate-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:24:44 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong authorities have ramped up efforts to drive voter turnout for the coming Legislative Council election, releasing a video featuring a bomb disposal chief urging members of ethnic minority groups to cast their ballots. Raymond Suryanto Chin-chiu, head of the explosive ordnance disposal bureau, made the appeal in Indonesian in the video released on Sunday via Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan’s social media account. “Dear Indonesian friends in Hong Kong, if you are a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333839/bomb-disposal-chief-urges-indonesian-residents-vote-hong-kong-legco-poll?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333839/bomb-disposal-chief-urges-indonesian-residents-vote-hong-kong-legco-poll?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:01:35 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Democracy is a precious gift that Beijing has given to Hong Kong, veteran politician Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee has said in an open letter appealing to residents to vote in the coming Legislative Council election. In the letter shared on social media by Ip on Tuesday, the Executive Council convenor also stressed that forms of “so-called democracy” contrary to the country’s Constitution or Hong Kong’s Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, would not survive. A day earlier, the Hong Kong and Macau... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333295/hong-kong-democracy-precious-gift-beijing-regina-ip-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333295/hong-kong-democracy-precious-gift-beijing-regina-ip-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:37:29 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu The United States should pass a law to impose tougher scrutiny of Hong Kong’s American dollar-backed international transactions and exports, a US advisory panel on China policy has recommended to Congress in a sweeping annual report. The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which released the report on Tuesday, also suggested turning an existing Hong Kong-focused executive order – which includes suspending the city’s special trade status – into law, to address “Beijing’s dismantling... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333202/advisory-panel-urges-us-congress-put-hong-kong-tighter-sanctions-leash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333202/advisory-panel-urges-us-congress-put-hong-kong-tighter-sanctions-leash?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:01:08 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong has recorded a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals for the first 10 months of 2025, with around 41 million people visiting the city between January and October, according to the Tourism Board. The city welcomed 9.62 million foreign tourists in that period, marking a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in non-mainland Chinese visitors, the board revealed on Monday. The 31.44 million mainland tourists, accounting for 76.6 per cent of total visitors, marked an 11 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3333059/hong-kong-receives-41-million-visitors-first-10-months-2025-12-year-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3333059/hong-kong-receives-41-million-visitors-first-10-months-2025-12-year-year?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:48:02 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong may have silent transmission chains of chikungunya fever in the community, a leading infectious disease expert has warned, as authorities are still unable to identify the source of the city’s fourth local case recorded last week. Dr Joseph Tsang Kay-yan, co-chairman of the Hong Kong Medical Association’s advisory committee on communicable diseases, said on Monday that authorities should step up mosquito control, noting that cooler weather and declining cases in neighbouring Guangdong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3333037/chikungunya-may-be-spreading-silently-hong-kong-experts-say-after-fourth-case?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3333037/chikungunya-may-be-spreading-silently-hong-kong-experts-say-after-fourth-case?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 04:08:21 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Willa Wu,Jeffie Lam Matthew Cheng,Willa Wu,Jeffie Lam Hong Kong will introduce four new types of designated polling stations to make it easier for civil servants, medical workers, ethnic minority groups and elderly and disabled residents to vote in the Legislative Council election, while voting will be extended by two hours to 11.30pm. Beijing’s national security arm in Hong Kong on Friday said it fully supported local authorities’ efforts to combat any moves to disrupt the December 7 election, as the city’s anti-corruption watchdog arrested two... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332797/hong-kong-open-4-new-types-polling-stations-boost-legco-election-turnout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332797/hong-kong-open-4-new-types-polling-stations-boost-legco-election-turnout?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 07:39:52 +0000 Willa Wu,Leopold Chen Willa Wu,Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s No 2 official has said that debate is welcome at government-run Legislative Council election forums, defending the events as he encouraged candidates to express opposing views without resorting to smears against one another. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki made the remarks as the two government-organised forums held on Friday matched the tone of events from earlier this week, with only minor clashes being seen among candidates. He was defending the administration’s “peaceful”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332754/debates-welcomed-legco-election-forums-no-mudslinging-back-stabbing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332754/debates-welcomed-legco-election-forums-no-mudslinging-back-stabbing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 04:52:29 +0000 Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Hong Kong is ramping up momentum for the coming Legislative Council election, with the government set to host a gala show ahead of polling day and a major developer pledging to promote voting across its residential estates and shopping centres. The government-run election forums also entered their third day for the Kowloon East and Kowloon West constituencies on Thursday, with a senior official arguing there should not be a “single approach” to enhancing voter engagement and awareness of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332597/tensions-flare-over-kowloon-transport-issues-hong-kong-legco-election-forum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332597/tensions-flare-over-kowloon-transport-issues-hong-kong-legco-election-forum?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:16:28 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu China remains a secure investment destination despite recent geopolitical tensions, Beijing’s foreign ministry arm in Hong Kong has told diplomats and business chambers at a high-profile meeting, while highlighting the city’s strategic role in building international ties. Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the foreign ministry’s office in Hong Kong, on Wednesday met about 60 envoys, commerce chamber representatives and members of the global media for a one-hour sharing session on the Communist... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332452/china-solid-investment-option-despite-global-rifts-beijing-official-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332452/china-solid-investment-option-despite-global-rifts-beijing-official-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:55:36 +0000 Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng Candidates in Hong Kong’s coming Legislative Council poll sparred over livelihood issues on the second day of government-led election forums, upping the ante after a sedate first day as a newcomer also challenged an incumbent to account for his record. In a shift of tempo, the host at the two forums on Wednesday, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon for constituencies in the northern New Territories, also reminded candidates that they could express different opinions during the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3332438/northern-metropolis-employment-take-centre-stage-third-hong-kong-legco-poll-forum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3332438/northern-metropolis-employment-take-centre-stage-third-hong-kong-legco-poll-forum?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:56:45 +0000