https://www.scmp.com/rss/523505/feed Matthew joined SCMP in 2025 and covers Hong Kong politics. Prior to joining the Post, he was a reporter at Ming Pao Daily. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Matthew Cheng,Danny Mok Matthew Cheng,Danny Mok A 79-year-old mainland Chinese man who went missing while hiking on Hong Kong’s MacLehose Trail over the weekend was found on Monday afternoon. Rescuers found He Chengan conscious near Kwan Tai Temple in Tai Tong along Section 10 of the trail, where he had last been seen, police said. A government helicopter airlifted him to Tuen Mun Hospital. A team from the Fire Services Department, Government Flying Service, Civil Aid Service and police had been searching for the septuagenarian, who went... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349134/search-81-year-old-hiker-who-went-missing-tuen-mun-enters-third-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349134/search-81-year-old-hiker-who-went-missing-tuen-mun-enters-third-day?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:07:13 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Davies Christian Surya,Victor Sanjinez,Carlos Araujo,Rocio Marquez,Catherine Ma,Matthew Cheng,Joe Lo Jeffie Lam,Davies Christian Surya,Victor Sanjinez,Carlos Araujo,Rocio Marquez,Catherine Ma,Matthew Cheng,Joe Lo https://www.scmp.com/infographics/hong-kong/article/3349019/seeking-answers-tragedy-hong-kong-could-have-avoided?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/infographics/hong-kong/article/3349019/seeking-answers-tragedy-hong-kong-could-have-avoided?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 06:20:08 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Davies Christian Surya,Victor Sanjinez,Carlos Araujo,Rocio Marquez,Catherine Ma,Matthew Cheng,Joe Lo Jeffie Lam,Davies Christian Surya,Victor Sanjinez,Carlos Araujo,Rocio Marquez,Catherine Ma,Matthew Cheng,Joe Lo https://www.scmp.com/infographics/hong-kong/article/3347535/seeking-answers-tragedy-hong-kong-could-have-avoided?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/infographics/hong-kong/article/3347535/seeking-answers-tragedy-hong-kong-could-have-avoided?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 02:44:07 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s No 2 official has pledged to fast-track a new university town’s development following a visit to similar projects in mainland China, saying authorities will devise a strategy to attract top institutions from across the border and overseas to take part. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki and his working group on the university town’s planning and construction, which falls under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, concluded their three-day visit to the mainland... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3348906/university-town-be-fast-tracked-eric-chan-says-after-mainland-china-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3348906/university-town-be-fast-tracked-eric-chan-says-after-mainland-china-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 05:55:23 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Wynna Wong,Theodora Yu Matthew Cheng,Wynna Wong,Theodora Yu More than 685,000 residents left Hong Kong as the Easter break got under way on Friday, even as some said ongoing geopolitical tensions had made them more cautious about drawing up future travel plans. An industry leader noted that more Hongkongers had chosen to travel to mainland China, with the ongoing war in the Middle East disrupting air traffic and prompting local airlines to raise fuel surcharges. Immigration statistics for Friday showed that 685,149 residents had left Hong Kong as of 9pm,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348874/hongkongers-opt-mainland-chinese-tours-during-easter-amid-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348874/hongkongers-opt-mainland-chinese-tours-during-easter-amid-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:58:57 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng The head of Hong Kong’s Catholic diocese has urged the government to offer young offenders a “second chance to start anew” and to introduce legal provisions to help those with minor criminal records pursue their careers. In his Easter message on Thursday, Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan also encouraged authorities to reduce the use of key performance indicators (KPIs) so that educators could have more time and space to better support students, amid persistently high youth suicide rates. “I call on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348768/hong-kongs-top-catholic-priest-calls-young-offenders-get-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348768/hong-kongs-top-catholic-priest-calls-young-offenders-get-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:34:24 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s CLP Power is distributing HK$100 (US$13) consumption coupons to about 600,000 eligible customers, including elderly people receiving concessionary tariffs, using HK$60 million from the company’s Community Energy Saving Fund. The initiative follows the power company’s earlier announcement that it would raise its fuel cost adjustment (FCA) charge starting this month, citing a discrepancy between forecast and actual fuel prices amid the United States-Israel war against Iran, which has... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348760/hong-kongs-clp-power-give-out-hk100-shopping-coupons-600000-customers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348760/hong-kongs-clp-power-give-out-hk100-shopping-coupons-600000-customers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:43:24 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen A property management worker at the housing estate ravaged by Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades was unaware that fire alarms had been deactivated after the hose reel system was shut down for water tank repairs, an evidentiary hearing has been told. On the sixth day of hearings by an independent committee investigating the November 26 blaze in Tai Po that claimed 168 lives, questions also arose about why fire services water tanks on building roofs were being repaired – a move that prompted... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348578/tai-po-blaze-hearing-property-management-worker-unaware-fire-alarms-deactivated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348578/tai-po-blaze-hearing-property-management-worker-unaware-fire-alarms-deactivated?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:46:35 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Fire alarm and firefighting pump systems at the housing estate engulfed in Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades were found to have been switched off a week before the tragedy struck, with no action taken to reactivate them, an evidential hearing has been told. An independent committee investigating the Tai Po blaze, which broke out on November 26 last year and killed 168 people, on Monday also called on the public to provide information on whether systemic problems – such as collusion – had... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348444/fire-alarm-pump-systems-switched-tragedy-tai-po-blaze-panel-told?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348444/fire-alarm-pump-systems-switched-tragedy-tai-po-blaze-panel-told?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:32:19 +0000 Leopold Chen,Matthew Cheng Leopold Chen,Matthew Cheng Survivors of Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades have mourned a woman who heroically knocked on neighbours’ doors to alert them to the flames but died in the tragedy, after fire alarms at Wang Fuk Court failed to go off. Pak Shui-lin’s husband, Sdanni Yip Ka-kui, and neighbour Lam Yin-ming, both Wang Tai House residents, praised the heroine for her kindness, but said that “she did not deserve to suffer such a fate”. They made the remarks on Monday as they testified at the fifth session of an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348431/tai-po-fire-survivors-mourn-heroine-who-alerted-neighbours-flames?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348431/tai-po-fire-survivors-mourn-heroine-who-alerted-neighbours-flames?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:17:00 +0000 Leopold Chen,Matthew Cheng Leopold Chen,Matthew Cheng This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The hearings by an independent committee investigating the catastrophic Tai Po blaze that killed 168 people in Hong Kong entered their fifth day on Monday, with the company responsible for the fire safety systems at Wang Fuk Court estate testifying. Another seven residents testified on Monday at the City Gallery building in Central, including Yip Ka-kui,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348331/suspicious-voting-procedures-hong-kongs-wang-fuk-court-estate-resident-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348331/suspicious-voting-procedures-hong-kongs-wang-fuk-court-estate-resident-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:00:54 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Air passengers departing from Hong Kong have said they were unaware of a new rule limiting the number of power banks they can carry to two, with few reminder signs visible at the airport on the first day of its enforcement on Sunday. The concerns were raised after Hong Kong International Airport announced on Saturday night that departing passengers were restricted to carrying no more than two power banks each on flights. Citing new regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348275/hong-kong-passengers-caught-guard-new-airport-limit-2-power-banks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348275/hong-kong-passengers-caught-guard-new-airport-limit-2-power-banks?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:24:51 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng The official transcript of a public hearing into Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades has wrongly recorded several key details, the South China Morning Post has found, prompting an academic to urge that future proceedings be live-streamed to strengthen transparency and public trust. The errors included incorrect figures for the number of residents who escaped using lifts and the percentage of flats suffering severe damage, according to the SCMP’s review of the committee hearing investigating... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3348259/errors-hong-kong-tai-po-blaze-hearing-transcript-raise-transparency-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3348259/errors-hong-kong-tai-po-blaze-hearing-transcript-raise-transparency-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:00:18 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Members of Hong Kong’s ethnic minority groups enjoy near-universal access to digital devices but are not benefiting as much as they could from online services, the equality watchdog has said, urging the government to harness AI to provide multilingual support and simplify app registration. In a study released on Thursday on improving the digital divide among ethnic minority groups, Equal Opportunities Commission chairwoman Linda Lam Mei-sau said members of the community primarily used electronic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348032/official-apps-pose-hurdles-hong-kongs-ethnic-minority-groups-study-finds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348032/official-apps-pose-hurdles-hong-kongs-ethnic-minority-groups-study-finds?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:26:38 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s Baptist University plans to spin off its School of Continuing Education (SCE) as a private university of applied sciences (UAS) next year, according to its president. Unveiling the plan at a media briefing on Thursday, Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong said a private institution would be more agile and responsive to societal changes than public universities, which often face lengthy funding approvals. “HKBU [Hong Kong Baptist University] will spare no effort to ensure the success of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3347998/hong-kong-baptist-university-turn-one-its-schools-private?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3347998/hong-kong-baptist-university-turn-one-its-schools-private?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:40:44 +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 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities are facing mounting pressure from lawmakers to roll out more measures to rein in surging fuel prices, including a requirement for firms to disclose pricing formulas when bidding for petrol stations – an idea the environment minister said could be considered. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan told the Legislative Council on Wednesday the government was open to reviewing the current tender policy for petrol station sites to bring down fuel prices, a proposal... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347850/hong-kong-weighs-petrol-pricing-disclosure-rule-tenders-fuel-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347850/hong-kong-weighs-petrol-pricing-disclosure-rule-tenders-fuel-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:28:25 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong and Hainan should forge a strong partnership and explore new models of cooperation, the city’s leader has said, urging the business sector to capitalise on the mainland Chinese province’s free-trade port status by offering professional services in areas such as finance, law and accounting. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s call followed a meeting with Feng Fei, the Communist Party secretary of the Hainan provincial committee, on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia annual... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3347807/hong-kong-hainan-can-forge-strong-partnership-build-strengths-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3347807/hong-kong-hainan-can-forge-strong-partnership-build-strengths-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:36:42 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has further extended its suspension of all flights to and from the Middle East until the end of May, amid a regional conflict that shows little sign of abating. But the airline will increase flights to Europe starting next month to cater to surging demand. The airline has extended its suspension of Middle East routes at least four times since early March. It announced just last week that services would be cancelled until the end of April. In an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347697/suspension-cathay-pacific-flights-between-hong-kong-middle-east-extended-end-may?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347697/suspension-cathay-pacific-flights-between-hong-kong-middle-east-extended-end-may?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:08:58 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Ng Kang-chung Matthew Cheng,Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong’s construction sector has raised concerns about fines as high as HK$400,000 (US$51,070) for contractors that fail to prevent smoking at building sites under a proposed ban, urging the government to exempt companies that have already complied with the industry’s guidelines. Contractors could face fines of up to HK$400,000 (US$51,070) for violations under the government proposal to improve safety following the deadly Tai Po fire last November. Workers could face a HK$3,000 fine for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347656/hong-kong-proposes-heavy-penalties-smoking-construction-sites?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347656/hong-kong-proposes-heavy-penalties-smoking-construction-sites?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:43:33 +0000 Jess Ma,Matthew Cheng Jess Ma,Matthew Cheng Changes to Hong Kong’s implementation rules for the national security law will improve operational efficiency amid heightened geopolitical risks, experts have said, while a criminal law specialist has argued that the amendments expand authorities’ powers and that some legal privacy protections may be too technical to apply. Another legal expert and a former security minister said the amendments aimed to clearly lay out investigation procedures for searches under existing national security law... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3347632/hong-kongs-national-security-better-protected-changes-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3347632/hong-kongs-national-security-better-protected-changes-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:30:12 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hongkongers who refuse to provide passwords for smartphones or other electronic devices during national security investigations face up to a year in jail under legal changes that also allow police to question organisations if they have reasonable belief that they are overseas political groups or agents of foreign forces. The government said the new rules would not affect people’s daily lives or how institutions normally operated. The amendments, gazetted on Monday, are the first substantial... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3347556/withholding-device-passwords-punishable-under-tightened-national-security-rules?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3347556/withholding-device-passwords-punishable-under-tightened-national-security-rules?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:57:09 +0000 William Yiu,Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen William Yiu,Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s Baptist University placed a big bet when it told the government in 2023 that it was interested in moving its campus from the upmarket Kowloon Tong residential area to a proposed new academic town near the mainland Chinese border. The 70-year-old university’s move to the Northern Metropolis megaproject will mean giving up a prime site for a spot where most of the land has yet to be prepared for construction, although its proximity to mainland tech hub Shenzhen and the Lok Ma Chau... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3347197/too-slow-hong-kongs-new-university-town-faces-questions-over-plans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3347197/too-slow-hong-kongs-new-university-town-faces-questions-over-plans?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:30:07 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong should move beyond a “city-centred” approach that merely seeks Beijing’s policy support and instead take steps to align with national priorities by advancing the internationalisation of the yuan and supporting mainland Chinese enterprises’ global expansion, observers have said as this year’s “two sessions” came to a close. With the annual political gathering ending amid the widening war in the Middle East, observers also said Beijing would expect local companies to pursue investments... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346563/what-are-hong-kongs-next-best-steps-after-two-sessions-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346563/what-are-hong-kongs-next-best-steps-after-two-sessions-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:23 +0000 Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong should step up education on Chinese history and culture while highlighting security threats to cultivate public awareness about the need to defend the country, experts have said, as the nation’s legislature is set to pass a law promoting ethnic unity. The expert’s comments came ahead of the closing session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) on Thursday, which is due to pass the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. The law aims to forge a strong “sense of community for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346246/how-will-hong-kong-follow-mainland-chinas-ethnic-unity-promotion-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346246/how-will-hong-kong-follow-mainland-chinas-ethnic-unity-promotion-law?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A Hong Kong property tycoon has called for a more prudent approach to the city’s development rather than accelerating projects amid global uncertainties, saying the industry’s willingness to invest in the Northern Metropolis hinges on the health of the market. Far East Consortium chairman David Chiu Tat-cheong also described the megaproject’s new land disposal approach – which requires winning bidders to handle multiple developments on a large plot – as good intentions with unintended negative... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346140/hong-kong-tycoon-urges-prudent-approach-development-amid-global-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346140/hong-kong-tycoon-urges-prudent-approach-development-amid-global-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:30:12 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s legislature will consider establishing a dedicated mechanism to scrutinise the implementation of approved bills and funding, drawing inspiration from mainland China’s law enforcement inspection system, according to its president. Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king also dismissed concerns that the city’s first five-year plan would undermine the “one country, two systems” governing principle, emphasising the blueprint would be consistent with the capitalist system and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345994/hong-kong-legco-explore-mainland-style-oversight-system-bills-enforcement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345994/hong-kong-legco-explore-mainland-style-oversight-system-bills-enforcement?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:00:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Escalating geopolitical tensions will not derail Hong Kong’s goal set out in the country’s 15th five-year plan and its efforts to implement the blueprint, former leader Leung Chun-ying has said, describing agility and adaptability as in the city’s DNA. The vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top political advisory body, also said that Beijing expected Hong Kong to serve national development more proactively, calling on the city to “step forward... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345901/agility-and-adaptability-are-hong-kongs-dna-former-leader-cy-leung-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345901/agility-and-adaptability-are-hong-kongs-dna-former-leader-cy-leung-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:00:13 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Edith Lin Matthew Cheng,Edith Lin Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has urged Hong Kong’s legislature to deliver more “practical outcomes” that align with the city’s actual conditions and meet Beijing’s expectations under the executive-led governance system. Emphasising the importance of the executive-led system for the second day in a row, the state leader reiterated on Saturday that its implementation was not solely the responsibility of the city leader or the government, as he outlined his expectations for the Legislative... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345787/deliver-more-practical-outcomes-chinese-vice-premier-tells-hong-kong-legco?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345787/deliver-more-practical-outcomes-chinese-vice-premier-tells-hong-kong-legco?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 02:37:20 +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 Matthew Cheng Hong Kong Baptist University is “actively considering” issuing bonds to finance its future development, including campus redevelopment and its new Chinese medicine hospital, according to its president. But Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong also told the South China Morning Post on Thursday that the public institution would be cautious with bond issuance to avoid creating pressure on future management. “Our university needs funding in many aspects, such as our Chinese medicine hospital and the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3345579/hong-kong-baptist-university-may-issue-bonds-finance-development?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3345579/hong-kong-baptist-university-may-issue-bonds-finance-development?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:07:34 +0000 Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong should enhance its role as an international financial hub by strengthening its offshore renminbi business and supply chain services, and speed up the Northern Metropolis megaproject, according to the nation’s next five-year plan. Beijing set out its expectations for the city in a draft of its 15th five-year plan, submitted on Thursday to the National People’s Congress, the country’s legislature. The plan outlines China’s economic and social development targets for 2026 to 2030. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345521/beijing-tasks-hong-kong-fast-tracking-northern-metropolis-boosting-integration?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345521/beijing-tasks-hong-kong-fast-tracking-northern-metropolis-boosting-integration?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:23:52 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on Hong Kong to boost its governance efficiency and leverage its “unique strengths” in connecting with the world while being supported by the rest of the country. In the government work report he delivered at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Thursday, the country’s No 2 official also stressed the need to transform the Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Li underscored the need to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345497/leverage-unique-strengths-and-global-role-chinas-no-2-tells-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345497/leverage-unique-strengths-and-global-role-chinas-no-2-tells-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 02:32:54 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong tycoons have expressed confidence in the Middle East’s economic outlook amid continued strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, stressing that the city’s economy is unlikely to be affected. Speaking to the media in Beijing on the sidelines of the “two sessions” – the nation’s annual parliamentary meetings – on Wednesday, Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, former heir apparent to Hong Kong property giant New World Development, said the Middle East’s economic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345468/hong-kong-tycoons-downplay-impact-middle-east-war-citys-fortunes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345468/hong-kong-tycoons-downplay-impact-middle-east-war-citys-fortunes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:11:22 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Beijing will roll out further favourable measures for Hong Kong while the coming 15th five-year plan will also step up support for the city in leveraging its unique strengths, a spokesman for the nation’s legislature has said. National People’s Congress (NPC) spokesman Lou Qinjian said on Wednesday that the central government would make further arrangements in the 15th five-year plan to support Hong Kong in “leveraging its unique strengths and to perform a significant role”. “More beneficial... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345402/chinas-top-advisory-body-urges-greater-bay-area-cities-align-rules-regulations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345402/chinas-top-advisory-body-urges-greater-bay-area-cities-align-rules-regulations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:42:57 +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 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T), intellectual property and investment promotion departments will receive budget increases of at least 10 per cent in the coming financial year, even as the government moves to curb recurrent spending, while the environmental branch and public broadcaster face sharp cuts of 70 and 28 per cent, respectively. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will expand its civil service workforce by 16 per cent in 2026-27 – the largest increase among all departments –... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3344722/which-hong-kong-government-departments-get-budget-boosts-while-others-face-cuts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3344722/which-hong-kong-government-departments-get-budget-boosts-while-others-face-cuts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:00:15 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities are open to supporting universities in issuing bonds to fund the development of the proposed University Town in the Northern Metropolis, with lawmakers calling for a dedicated approval and credit rating mechanism. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po told a meeting of the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee on Thursday the issuance of a “tertiary education bond” to support the University Town’s construction would be considered. The University Town, which will include the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3344766/authorities-open-backing-universities-issuing-bonds-fund-megaproject-campuses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3344766/authorities-open-backing-universities-issuing-bonds-fund-megaproject-campuses?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:43:54 +0000 Olga Wong,Matthew Cheng,Theodora Yu Olga Wong,Matthew Cheng,Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s finance chief will earmark substantial funds for a new innovation hub near the border with mainland China and include incentives to attract more aerospace players to the city in his budget, government sources have said. Highlighting innovation as a key theme of Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s budget speech to be delivered on Wednesday, the insiders told the South China Morning Post that the blueprint would provide significant impetus to the new San Tin Technopole. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344512/huge-funds-tech-hub-incentives-aerospace-sector-hong-kong-budget-sources?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344512/huge-funds-tech-hub-incentives-aerospace-sector-hong-kong-budget-sources?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:32 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po will deliver his annual budget on Wednesday, unveiling measures to accelerate the city’s economic recovery after balancing the books, amid mounting expectations for more “sweeteners” in the blueprint. The 2026-27 budget also marks the government’s first major test in aligning the city with mainland China’s 15th five-year plan and unveiling long-term growth initiatives. The South China Morning Post examines how political and economic factors will... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344469/ips-superyachts-and-more-can-budget-spark-hong-kongs-purple-patch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344469/ips-superyachts-and-more-can-budget-spark-hong-kongs-purple-patch?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:30:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Natalie Wong Matthew Cheng,Natalie Wong A Hong Kong court has dismissed appeals by 12 opposition activists to overturn their convictions or reduce their sentences in the city’s largest national security case, upholding a finding that an unofficial 2020 primary election was subversive and that the seven-year starting point for jail terms was not “manifestly excessive”. The Court of Appeal on Monday also upheld the acquittal of barrister Lawrence Lau Wai-chung, one of the 47 activists prosecuted in the landmark case of conspiracy to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344367/hong-kong-court-dismisses-appeal-12-activists-over-landmark-subversion-case?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344367/hong-kong-court-dismisses-appeal-12-activists-over-landmark-subversion-case?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:15:17 +0000 Natalie Wong,Matthew Cheng,Edith Lin,Brian Wong Natalie Wong,Matthew Cheng,Edith Lin,Brian Wong Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeals by 12 opposition activists seeking to overturn their convictions or have their sentences reduced, following the city’s largest national security trial to date. The appellate court on Monday also upheld the acquittal of one of 47 defendants prosecuted in the high-profile case of conspiracy to subvert state power. A heavy police presence was seen outside the West Kowloon Court on Monday morning, with around 100 officers stationed at the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344284/hong-kong-court-rule-appeals-activists-largest-national-security-trial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344284/hong-kong-court-rule-appeals-activists-largest-national-security-trial?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:31:22 +0000 Wynna Wong,Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Wynna Wong,Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Some homeowners displaced by the deadly Tai Po blaze were disappointed by Hong Kong authorities’ decision to buy back their flats instead of resettling them at the original site, even as the acquisition offer was described by a surveyor as “generous”. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun unveiled the long-term resettlement plan on Saturday, offering options to buy back the flats at HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 (US$1,023 or US$1,343) per square foot. Homeowners could also opt for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344228/wang-fuk-court-buyback-plan-disappoints-some-residents-despite-generous-offer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344228/wang-fuk-court-buyback-plan-disappoints-some-residents-despite-generous-offer?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 14:59:34 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities will spend about HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) to buy back homes damaged in the deadly Tai Po fire from flat owners, offering HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot as part of a long-term resettlement plan involving HK$4 billion in public funds. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun unveiled the plan on Saturday, ruling out on-site redevelopment of Wang Fuk Court and adding that authorities were inclined to demolish seven of the estate’s eight buildings and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344204/hong-kong-spend-hk68-billion-buying-back-fire-ravaged-tai-po-flats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344204/hong-kong-spend-hk68-billion-buying-back-fire-ravaged-tai-po-flats?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 07:46:11 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng The new 10 per cent global tariffs imposed by the United States will have only a “limited impact” on Hong Kong, the treasury chief has said, adding that the move highlights the city’s strength as a safe haven for capital amid geopolitical uncertainty. The remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Friday of his plan to impose a new round of tariffs on all trading partners, effective immediately, after the US Supreme Court ruling against his earlier sweeping emergency... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344200/new-us-10-tariff-will-have-limited-impact-hong-kong-treasury-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344200/new-us-10-tariff-will-have-limited-impact-hong-kong-treasury-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 06:20:27 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s improving fiscal position has prompted a groundswell of calls for the government to offer more “sweeteners” in the coming budget, including a cross-party demand for more tax relief for the middle class, but economists have cautioned against such across-the-board measures. They were more supportive of targeted spending, a cause taken up in recent weeks by concern groups asking for more specific forms of help for grass-roots residents, especially the unemployed. The growing debate was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344177/hong-kong-budget-2026-27-sweeteners-grass-roots-or-middle-class?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344177/hong-kong-budget-2026-27-sweeteners-grass-roots-or-middle-class?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng An attack on a Hong Kong man in the Japanese city of Sapporo that triggered travel warnings from Chinese authorities was reportedly caused by a dispute over “dining etiquette”. According to Japanese media this week, a 50-year-old company executive was arrested by local police officers on suspicion of striking the tourist with a bottle on Wednesday. The attack prompted the Chinese consulate in Sapporo to issue a warning advising against travel to Japan. The Hong Kong government contacted the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344135/attack-hong-kong-man-sapporo-caused-dining-etiquette-dispute?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344135/attack-hong-kong-man-sapporo-caused-dining-etiquette-dispute?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:12:09 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A Hong Kong court has granted bail to a driver suspected to have deliberately crashed his coach on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, injuring 17 passengers, with the magistrate urging the man’s family to “pay extra attention” to his condition. Lee Kai-po, 63, appeared before West Kowloon Court on a charge of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm on Wednesday. Bail was set at HK$50,000 (US$6,370). As part of his bail conditions, Lee was told to hand in his driving licence and ordered not to leave... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343924/hong-kong-bus-driver-alleged-have-crashed-deliberately-bridge-granted-bail?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343924/hong-kong-bus-driver-alleged-have-crashed-deliberately-bridge-granted-bail?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:05:35 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma Hong Kong must stay vigilant in times of peace and embrace innovation, according to a prophecy drawn by the city’s top rural leader during an annual Lunar New Year ritual. Kenneth Lau Ip-keung, chairman of powerful rural body the Heung Yee Kuk, drew a “neutral” stick for Hong Kong at Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin on the second day of the Year of the Horse on Wednesday and offered his interpretation of the prophecy. The No 22 fortune stick read: “Do not get close to a woodcarver husband; judge... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343863/stay-vigilant-even-peace-hong-kong-rural-leader-says-lunar-new-year-prophecy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343863/stay-vigilant-even-peace-hong-kong-rural-leader-says-lunar-new-year-prophecy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:07:23 +0000