https://www.scmp.com/rss/521478/feed Xia Baolong is a prominent Chinese politician with extensive experience in regional governance and national affairs. Currently, he serves as Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, a role he assumed in February 2020. Previously, he held significant positions including Vice Mayor of Tianjin and Governor and Party Secretary of Zhejiang province, where he worked closely with President Xi Jinping. Known for a firm approach, he has publicly emphasised national security and economic... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com 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 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 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 Alice Wu Alice Wu Hong Kong’s government is under mounting pressure to deliver the Northern Metropolis, announced in 2021, as it approaches the end of its term – less than 15 months and counting. The megaproject, to turn 30,000 hectares (74,132 acres) near the border with mainland China into a centre of international innovation and technology, is to be an engine to drive the city’s economic growth and housing – and the gem of its economic integration with the mainland. We are pressed for time. Beijing has long... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350491/why-northern-metropolis-needs-more-one-big-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350491/why-northern-metropolis-needs-more-one-big-push?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has met the city’s No 2 official and finance chief in the capital to discuss alignment with the national 15th five-year plan, as the government prepares to draw up its own inaugural blueprint by the end of the year. The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) said its director, Xia Baolong, held talks with Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po and the newly appointed Secretary for Constitutional and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350370/beijings-point-man-hong-kong-affairs-meets-citys-leaders-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350370/beijings-point-man-hong-kong-affairs-meets-citys-leaders-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:35:03 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The annual National Security Education Day has been observed across China since its inception in 2015. In Hong Kong, it carried additional significance this year as the city strives to build on the restored stability and prosperity for a new critical stage of development under the nation’s new five-year blueprint. Themed “Proactively Align with the 15th five-year plan: Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”, the message delivered at the official ceremony held in Wan Chai could... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350154/hong-kong-must-stay-watchful-protect-its-hard-won-prosperity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350154/hong-kong-must-stay-watchful-protect-its-hard-won-prosperity?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:15:11 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to enhance the city’s governance in public security and safety, and carry out systemic reform following the deadly Tai Po fire, describing it as a key task in safeguarding national security. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s remarks came after Xia Baolong, Beijing’s top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs, said people with “ulterior motives” had exploited the city’s deadliest blaze in decades to stir up social unrest and called for vigilance against national... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350192/hong-kong-leader-vows-reforms-boost-safety-national-security-after-tai-po-fire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350192/hong-kong-leader-vows-reforms-boost-safety-national-security-after-tai-po-fire?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:55 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Jeffie Lam Matthew Cheng,Jeffie Lam Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has urged businesspeople to serve as the “main force” driving the city’s economic development by investing in innovation and the Northern Metropolis megaproject, calling on them to demonstrate their patriotism through “concrete actions”. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, also reminded Hongkongers to remain vigilant for national security threats and be adequately prepared for risks arising from current geopolitical tensions,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350115/show-patriotism-through-concrete-actions-xia-baolong-tells-hong-kong-businesspeople?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350115/show-patriotism-through-concrete-actions-xia-baolong-tells-hong-kong-businesspeople?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:34:57 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Beijing’s top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs has concluded his second visit to the Greater Bay Area in three weeks, a trip that analysts view as a push from the central government to speed up the city’s integration with national development. Xia Baolong, director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, was in Guangdong province earlier this week, visiting Shenzhen, Dongguan and Huizhou. State-run media said his four-day “research tour” focused on supporting Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349755/beijings-point-man-hong-kong-affairs-wraps-second-bay-area-visit-3-weeks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349755/beijings-point-man-hong-kong-affairs-wraps-second-bay-area-visit-3-weeks?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:12:08 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Beijing’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macau affairs has concluded a five-day fact-finding trip to three mainland Chinese cities in the Greater Bay Area to explore ways of deepening the international financial hub’s integration into the national blueprint. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said its director, Xia Baolong, had visited Guangzhou, Zhaoqing and Foshan on the trip from Monday to Friday, accompanied by officials from the mainland and Hong Kong. “[The trip] focused on how... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3348201/beijing-official-visits-greater-bay-area-cities-explore-integrating-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3348201/beijing-official-visits-greater-bay-area-cities-explore-integrating-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:47:50 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Danny Mok Matthew Cheng,Danny Mok Beijing has selected Zhang Dongmei, a former vice-president of the All-China Women’s Federation, as a new deputy director of the top office overseeing Hong Kong affairs, making her the first woman to take on the role since the body’s status was elevated in 2023. Zhang’s appointment as the new deputy head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) fills the vacancy left by the departure of Xiang Bin, a Communist Party of China group member of the office, earlier this year. The State... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3347890/zhang-dongmei-named-new-deputy-director-office-overseeing-hong-kong-affairs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3347890/zhang-dongmei-named-new-deputy-director-office-overseeing-hong-kong-affairs?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:17:34 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong will step up efforts to bolster its global standing and strengthen links between mainland China and the West, enabling the city to better serve as a “superconnector” and “super value-adder” for the nation amid growing geopolitical complexities, the financial chief has said. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po wrote in his weekly blog on Sunday that the international community was seeking to foster bilateral and regional cooperation to ensure flexibility in trade and resilience in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347464/finance-chief-urges-hong-kong-enhance-global-standing-amid-shifting-geopolitics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347464/finance-chief-urges-hong-kong-enhance-global-standing-amid-shifting-geopolitics?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 06:22:39 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong is ready to discuss land, tax incentives and financial support for businesses setting up in the Northern Metropolis, the finance chief has told a trade seminar in Beijing, stressing a “flexible and innovative” approach will be taken with developing the megaproject. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Thursday also met Xia Baolong, Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs, who underscored the central government’s support for the city’s efforts to bolster its competitiveness through... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347210/hong-kong-finance-chief-stresses-flexibility-pitch-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347210/hong-kong-finance-chief-stresses-flexibility-pitch-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:31:30 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu The annual “two sessions” in Beijing are under way, and this year the annual ritual of reading tea leaves in this city has been made easier for politics watchers. That is because Beijing has been blunt about the problems it thinks our city faces. There is the usual praise for the Hong Kong government and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s leadership. One striking difference is that Premier Li Qiang included in his annual work report, delivered at the opening session of the National People’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s executive-led governance model has long been a cornerstone of the constitutional design. Its relevance was again highlighted when China’s state leader in charge of the city’s affairs stressed the “shared responsibility” across government branches and society as a whole to uphold the principle and prepare for the next stage of development under the new five-year national plan. Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang is the most senior official yet to shed light on the city’s governance. He said... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3345749/vital-consolidate-executive-led-system-hong-kongs-development?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3345749/vital-consolidate-executive-led-system-hong-kongs-development?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:15:12 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Edith Lin Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Edith Lin Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has acknowledged it is no “easy task” to truly implement Hong Kong’s executive-led governance system, stressing that it must be a “shared responsibility” of the legislative and judicial branches and society as a whole. The state leader also urged the city to “grasp” the opportunities of China’s 15th five-year plan as he highlighted key areas such as quantum technology, aerospace and the low-altitude economy, while calling on local entrepreneurs to proactively... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345644/chinese-vice-premier-stresses-shared-duty-hong-kongs-executive-led-governance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345644/chinese-vice-premier-stresses-shared-duty-hong-kongs-executive-led-governance?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:21:09 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Emily Hung Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Emily Hung Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has urged the city to focus on development amid heightening geopolitical tensions and to cherish its hard-earned stability, according to local delegates visiting the capital for the annual “two sessions” political gatherings. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), also said on Tuesday that the city enjoyed “favourable timing, advantageous location and unity of the people” in pursuing development, while calling for work on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345243/starry-lee-propose-boosting-hong-kongs-role-offshore-yuan-hub-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345243/starry-lee-propose-boosting-hong-kongs-role-offshore-yuan-hub-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:41:24 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hundreds of Hong Kong politicians and business leaders head to Beijing on Tuesday for the nation’s annual “two sessions”, with observers expecting discussions to focus on the city’s role as an international financial centre and the Northern Metropolis megaproject. The annual session of the country’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), will commence on Wednesday, followed by the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s legislature,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345179/two-sessions-focus-hong-kongs-financial-role-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345179/two-sessions-focus-hong-kongs-financial-role-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:30:13 +0000 Jane Lee Jane Lee When Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong recently described Hong Kong’s executive-led system as a distinct governance model, he elevated it from an administrative arrangement to constitutional doctrine. A doctrine is not merely about structure. It is about how governance power is exercised. In Hong Kong’s executive-led system, that exercise begins with engaging the governed. The national security white paper unveiled earlier this month highlights the need to achieve both... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3344060/executive-led-governance-hong-kong-must-start-listening-people?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3344060/executive-led-governance-hong-kong-must-start-listening-people?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu We are ready to head into the Year of the Horse. But, before we do, let’s take stock of what the Year of the Snake brought Hong Kong. Some say the Year of the Snake is all about change and not meant to be comfortable. For Hong Kong, the past year has been a difficult one of shedding skin, baring our vulnerabilities for all to see. Just weeks into the Year of the Snake, Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong and Macau affairs, Xia Baolong, made inspection visits, reinforcing the central government’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3343484/government-must-reflect-its-failures-we-enter-year-horse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3343484/government-must-reflect-its-failures-we-enter-year-horse?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow A Hong Kong district councillor who illegally parked his car and blocked access to a fire exit lane has been “sternly reminded” to watch his conduct, a minister has said, following a similar offence by a colleague within a week. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen revealed on Friday that the Kwai Tsing district officer had already “sternly reminded” Poon Chi-shing in writing to act in accordance with the public’s expectations. “The government attaches great importance to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343492/hong-kong-councillor-warned-over-parking-offence-misconduct-scrutiny-widens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343492/hong-kong-councillor-warned-over-parking-offence-misconduct-scrutiny-widens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:24:08 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong Hong Kong’s U-turn on its seat belt rule for buses is a sobering reminder to lawmakers that they must meet higher standards even under the “executive-led” governance model recently underlined by Beijing, according to several policy experts. They said some lawmakers had been complacent, prioritising speed over efficacy in policymaking in a “patriots-only” legislature with no opposition presence, and would have to share the responsibility for administrative missteps. Xia Baolong, director of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3342829/are-hong-kongs-lawmakers-also-blame-over-seat-belt-law-blunder?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3342829/are-hong-kongs-lawmakers-also-blame-over-seat-belt-law-blunder?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 09:55:44 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng The head of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong has called on the city to focus on economic progress, proactively align with national development and strengthen the executive-led governance model. Office director Zhou Ji made the remarks on Wednesday at a reception to celebrate the coming Lunar New Year, highlighting Beijing’s expectations for Hong Kong in keeping with the country’s 15th five-year plan. He also urged Hongkongers to overcome adversity by embracing the “Lion Rock Spirit” and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3342414/hong-kong-must-be-reformer-not-complacent-idler-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3342414/hong-kong-must-be-reformer-not-complacent-idler-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:52:56 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s political order is being reshaped after the national security law and all-patriots electoral revamp. The latest emphasis by Beijing on the importance of the executive-led governance system underlines the need for the city to better understand the spirit of this reform and strengthen cooperation among the executive, legislative and judicial branches under the Basic Law and “one country, two systems”. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office chief highlighted the task ahead in an address... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3341272/executive-led-model-key-hong-kongs-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3341272/executive-led-model-key-hong-kongs-success?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:15:11 +0000 Leopold Chen,Jeffie Lam Leopold Chen,Jeffie Lam Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has called on the city to improve its executive-led governance model, arguing that the legislative and judicial branches should support the government rather than undermine each other, as they all perform “on the same stage”. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, on Monday warned against any attempts by foreign and disruptive forces to promote the idea of a separation of powers, arguing such views undermined the authority of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341241/legislators-judiciary-must-support-hong-kongs-executive-led-government-xia-baolong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341241/legislators-judiciary-must-support-hong-kongs-executive-led-government-xia-baolong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:47:26 +0000 Danny Mok,Vivian Au Danny Mok,Vivian Au Lower land prices and the anticipation of a market recovery are among the reasons for a recent deal between a large Hong Kong developer and the government, which will set up one of the biggest housing projects in the Northern Metropolis, experts have said. Their analysis followed an announcement by Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) that it had entered into a land deal worth around HK$1.4 billion (US$179.5 million) with the government for a site in Kwu Tung South. The company said that the site... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3339708/hong-kongs-shkp-secures-hk14-billion-land-deal-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3339708/hong-kongs-shkp-secures-hk14-billion-land-deal-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:48:27 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Just before the new year, Hong Kong’s government unveiled details for a more agile, corporate-led strategy to accelerate development of the Northern Metropolis. It could be a game changer for a project that the city needs to ensure its future prosperity. Officials are setting up a dedicated firm to run an industrial estate in the area. The non-statutory Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company would be a departure from typical public-private partnerships. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3338389/new-strategy-northern-metropolis-may-be-game-changer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3338389/new-strategy-northern-metropolis-may-be-game-changer?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:15:17 +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 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has met a delegation led by HSBC Group CEO Georges Elhedery, marking his second meeting with the bank’s leadership in eight months. But the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office did not reveal what was discussed in the meeting between its director, Xia Baolong, and Elhedery in Beijing on Thursday. Xu Qifang, the executive deputy director of the office and veteran HSBC banker Peter Wong Tung-shun also attended the meeting. During his meeting with group... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3333621/beijings-point-man-hong-kong-affairs-meets-hsbc-ceo-georges-elhedery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3333621/beijings-point-man-hong-kong-affairs-meets-hsbc-ceo-georges-elhedery?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Nov 2025 02:41:18 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu With less than three weeks left of the current Legislative Council term, speculation is high about who’s in and who’s out for the next Legco. Elections are due to take place on December 7. However, before voters head to the polls, candidates must first clinch their nominations from the Election Committee. To run for either the Election Committee, functional or geographical constituencies, a person must get nominated by at least two Election Committee members from each of the committee’s five... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3327903/hong-kong-must-look-beyond-age-selecting-capable-lawmakers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3327903/hong-kong-must-look-beyond-age-selecting-capable-lawmakers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Students and political heavyweights have gathered to pay tribute to Hong Kong veteran educator Henry Hu Hung-lick, with alumni recalling fond memories and lessons learned from the co-founder of Shue Yan University who died last month at the age of 105. The Tuesday evening vigil was organised by the university, a tertiary institution founded in 1971 by Hu and his late wife, Chung Chi-yung. Hu’s funeral will take place on Wednesday. Among those attending the service were the city’s No 2 official,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3323241/alumni-politicians-gather-hong-kong-vigil-father-shue-yan-henry-hu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3323241/alumni-politicians-gather-hong-kong-vigil-father-shue-yan-henry-hu?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:32:24 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A recent visit to Hong Kong by the new executive deputy director of the central government’s top office for the city’s affairs was likely to have been to check on the progress of the Northern Metropolis megadevelopment, political analysts have said. Xu Qifang, the executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), made his first official visit to the city last week following his appointment earlier this month. According to a statement from the office, Xu led a team to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3319747/hong-kong-visit-deputy-director-beijing-office-linked-megaproject-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3319747/hong-kong-visit-deputy-director-beijing-office-linked-megaproject-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:03:51 +0000 Edith Lin,Vivian Au Edith Lin,Vivian Au Hong Kong authorities have withdrawn tenders for two sites in the New Territories initially earmarked for multi-storey buildings for modern industries to speed up development in the Northern Metropolis, with the government taking a bigger role. The Development Bureau said on Monday that a three-hectare site in Yuen Long would be passed to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to build a microelectronics ecosystem to promote high-value-added new industrialisation. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3319048/hong-kong-withdraws-tenders-2-sites-speed-northern-metropolis-development?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3319048/hong-kong-withdraws-tenders-2-sites-speed-northern-metropolis-development?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:05:53 +0000 Alex Lo Alex Lo We have all sworn to uphold “one country, two systems”. But when it comes to building new railways, “one country, one system” may save us a lot of money. Hopefully, London and Washington won’t cite the Joint Declaration to criticise Hong Kong for breaching our treaty obligations. The construction costs of the mass transit links in the Northern Metropolis can be reduced by up to 30 per cent if Hong Kong adopts mainland Chinese standards for railway lines. I say, what’s the argument? Go for... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3317752/building-railways-one-country-one-system-may-save-hong-kong-lot-money?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3317752/building-railways-one-country-one-system-may-save-hong-kong-lot-money?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:43:31 +0000 Oscar Liu,Vivian Au,Edith Lin Oscar Liu,Vivian Au,Edith Lin The Hong Kong government’s plan to speed up the construction of the rail backbone of the Northern Metropolis near the border with mainland China will make the megaproject more appealing to developers, but whether they will be persuaded to invest is another matter, experts have said. Amid a depressed property market, developers have voiced concerns over their profit margins if they commit to building in the hub, which Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong urged the city to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3317611/will-speeding-rail-line-northern-metropolis-entice-hong-kong-developers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3317611/will-speeding-rail-line-northern-metropolis-entice-hong-kong-developers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:15:13 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Speed is vital when it comes to rail transport. The MTR Corporation has pledged to fast-track the completion of a major rail link near the border by at least two years, accelerating the momentum of the much-touted Northern Metropolis development project. The first of a two-part deal signed with the Hong Kong government on Tuesday involves HK$39.05 billion in financing from land premiums for the construction of three stations along the Northern Link main line, the design of the spur line, tunnels... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3317573/northern-metropolis-rail-links-must-be-completed-time-pledged?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3317573/northern-metropolis-rail-links-must-be-completed-time-pledged?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:15:13 +0000 Edith Lin,Vivian Au Edith Lin,Vivian Au Hong Kong must instil investor confidence by eliminating uncertainties over the Northern Metropolis, a megadevelopment near the border viewed by Beijing as a test of the administration’s governance capability, analysts have said. The megaproject, featuring the city’s new innovation hub located in the northern New Territories, grabbed headlines again last month after a five-day visit by Beijing’s top official on Hong Kong affairs and subtle bargaining by the city’s major developers. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3317452/why-investor-confidence-key-acing-hong-kongs-northern-metropolis-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3317452/why-investor-confidence-key-acing-hong-kongs-northern-metropolis-test?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:30:11 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng Beijing has appointed Xu Qifang, a former Communist Party personnel official, to the second-most senior position in the top body managing Hong Kong and Macau affairs. Xu, 60, the former deputy chief of the party’s Organisation Department has become the executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, according to several sources. The sources said Xu would be promoted from deputy ministerial to full ministerial rank. As the office’s executive director, Xu reports to director... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3316942/beijing-taps-personnel-veteran-xu-qifang-hong-kong-and-macau-post?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3316942/beijing-taps-personnel-veteran-xu-qifang-hong-kong-and-macau-post?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:00:32 +0000 Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong,Joshua Kwok Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong,Joshua Kwok In this two-part series we take a look at Hong Kong’s efforts to boost its tourism industry. Part one examines the government’s moves to reinvent tourism with nine hotspot attractions and whether they will make a difference. Tourist Jessie Wu was enthralled and swept up in nostalgia as she made her way through an exhibition that transported her to Hong Kong’s past. Featuring a canopy of criss-crossing electricity cables, the visitor from mainland China paused at a shop that was both a hair salon... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3316870/hong-kong-tourism-hotspots-show-promise-now-ensure-visitors-come-and-stay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3316870/hong-kong-tourism-hotspots-show-promise-now-ensure-visitors-come-and-stay?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:37:02 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s justice minister has said that “soft resistance” is a political term instead of a legal one and should not be used randomly, while offering his definition for actions that officials have said continue to pose a threat to national security. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok also said the promotion of national security should be proportionate and strike a balance with the city’s development, echoing a call from Beijing’s top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs earlier this... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3316268/hong-kong-justice-minister-says-soft-resistance-political-term-not-legal-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3316268/hong-kong-justice-minister-says-soft-resistance-political-term-not-legal-one?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:30:18 +0000 Willa Wu,Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong Willa Wu,Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong In the second of a two-part series on the national security law, we look at how the city has had to battle a negative narrative over the past five years. Read part 1 here. Soon after Hong Kong reopened in early 2023 as harsh pandemic restrictions were finally lifted, veteran lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee embarked on a solo mission to the West. Visiting Brussels to meet European Union officials in September 2023, she sought to explain fundamental political and legal changes in the city and how... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315996/5-years-after-national-security-law-has-hong-kong-bounced-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315996/5-years-after-national-security-law-has-hong-kong-bounced-back?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:21 +0000 Natalie Wong,Jeffie Lam Natalie Wong,Jeffie Lam In this first of a two-part series, we look at the workings of the law and how ‘soft resistance’ signals a next phase, and more importantly, as the focus shifts squarely to the economy. A year after being arrested under Hong Kong’s domestic security law, former district councillor and theatre personality Katrina Chan Kim-kam has not been charged but feels society has already punished her. Two theatre companies she worked with dropped her. An academic institution acted on an anonymous complaint... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315835/hong-kong-turns-corner-after-5-years-national-security-law-whats-next?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315835/hong-kong-turns-corner-after-5-years-national-security-law-whats-next?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:30:13 +0000