https://www.scmp.com/rss/53200/feed The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is China’s top political advisory body. China's Communist Party has about two-thirds of the seats. The CPPCC national committee holds an annual meeting about the same time as plenary sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC). This joint meeting is known as the 'Two Sessions'. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jane Cai Jane Cai “I can’t wait to watch the game – it’s Lion’s Head Meatballs versus Hairy Crab!” Liu Jieling, a 42-year-old company executive from Suzhou, joked about a derby clash pitting a side inspired by her city’s signature crustacean cuisine against one by Yangzhou’s steamed meatballs. The 2026 season of the Jiangsu City Football League – popularly known as the Su Super League – kicks off on Saturday, and the amateur tournament in Jiangsu, a province in eastern China, is already generating huge buzz... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3349732/winners-chinas-growing-intercity-football-rivalries-may-surprise-you?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3349732/winners-chinas-growing-intercity-football-rivalries-may-surprise-you?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:00:17 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang Authorities in Beijing say peaceful reunification will solve Taiwan’s energy supply fears sparked by the hostilities in the Middle East, emphasising that “the removal of barriers between the two sides of the [Taiwan] strait will ensure the smooth flow of resources”. Chen Binhua, spokesman for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that peaceful reunification would create enormous opportunities for the island’s economic and social development and bring tangible benefits to the people... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3347012/mainland-china-says-taiwan-can-ease-iran-energy-supply-anxiety-peaceful-reunification?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3347012/mainland-china-says-taiwan-can-ease-iran-energy-supply-anxiety-peaceful-reunification?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:34:51 +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 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei China is using AI to help its radars better detect low-altitude drones, according to a top Chinese military scientist who said drone swarm tactics – as used in the US’ ongoing attack on Iran – were an emerging challenge for radar systems. Xu Jin, a leading air-defence radar expert and a member of China’s top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, revealed the AI initiative in an interview with the South China Morning Post on... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346493/china-announces-ai-boost-radar-drone-swarms-confound-detectors-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346493/china-announces-ai-boost-radar-drone-swarms-confound-detectors-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:01:31 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Some Chinese lawmakers and advisers are pushing to secure higher pensions for elderly farmers, underscoring the persistent income disparity between the country’s urban and rural residents. The latest government work report, approved on Thursday, confirmed a 20-yuan (US$2.91) monthly increase to basic pension payments for a third consecutive year, bringing the national minimum to 163 yuan. However, some deputies from China’s top legislature contend that this level is inadequate. “A pension of... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346368/chinas-rural-pensions-focus-lawmakers-fight-farmers-fair-share-amid-income-gap?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346368/chinas-rural-pensions-focus-lawmakers-fight-farmers-fair-share-amid-income-gap?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:11 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Chinese firms should prioritise regional political stability when they make overseas investment decisions, as mounting geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations increase the risks of doing business abroad, a prominent Chinese entrepreneur has warned. “The current unrest in the Middle East, fluctuations of the US dollar and international complexities serve as a reminder for firms expanding abroad: we must go to locations that offer relative stability,” said Liu Yonghao, founder and chairman... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346370/chinese-firms-should-focus-investing-politically-stable-regions-entrepreneur?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346370/chinese-firms-should-focus-investing-politically-stable-regions-entrepreneur?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:00:08 +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 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage of China’s ongoing “two sessions”. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Taiwan, trade war, PLA and AI: Li Qiang lays out priorities at ‘two sessions’ China’s premier pledged to champion “orderly” multipolarism and “inclusive” globalisation at the opening ceremony of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing. 2. Xi Jinping calls on China’s provincial powerhouses to lead in tech, risk control President... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346187/chinas-two-sessions-2026-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3346187/chinas-two-sessions-2026-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:15:08 +0000 Wency Chen Wency Chen China’s semiconductor entrepreneurs – including artificial intelligence chipmaker Cambricon Technologies and testing-and-packaging leader Tongfu Microelectronics – have voiced support for the country’s 15th five-year plan, which places renewed emphasis on the chip industry as a cornerstone of Beijing’s technology ambitions. “National policy direction and planning are very well designed,” said Chen Tianshi, founder and CEO of Beijing-based Cambricon. Speaking on the sidelines of the opening of... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3345996/chinas-chip-bosses-endorse-semiconductor-push-next-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3345996/chinas-chip-bosses-endorse-semiconductor-push-next-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:00:11 +0000 Ann Cao Ann Cao Representatives of China’s semiconductor industry are calling for stronger state backing in artificial intelligence chips and critical materials, aiming to fast-track core technology breakthroughs. During last week’s “two sessions” – the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and advisory body – scholars and entrepreneurs in the semiconductor sector urged Beijing to leverage the nation’s advantage in strategic chip raw materials and accelerate the commercial application of AI chips to secure... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3345997/chinas-chip-industry-seeks-more-state-support-ai-dominance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3345997/chinas-chip-industry-seeks-more-state-support-ai-dominance?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:12 +0000 Themis Qi Themis Qi Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, former heir apparent to Hong Kong property giant New World Development (NWD), plans to spend more time in mainland China and increase his tech investments this year, with a focus on a range of sectors from artificial intelligence to aerospace, echoing China’s latest five-year plan. “If our country can realise [the 15th five-year plan], we would be stable and secure, and our future will definitely be promising,” Cheng, who is a member of the Chinese People’s Political... https://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/3345918/hong-kong-tycoon-adrian-cheng-doubles-down-tech-step-chinas-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/3345918/hong-kong-tycoon-adrian-cheng-doubles-down-tech-step-chinas-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:12:38 +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 Coco Feng,Mia Nurmamat,Ann Cao Coco Feng,Mia Nurmamat,Ann Cao China’s policymakers want the digital economy to account for 12.5 per cent of gross domestic product by 2030, as Beijing accelerates its push to build a modern industrial system anchored in advanced manufacturing. The goal represents a significant increase from the 10.5 per cent share achieved in 2025, which was announced on Thursday during the annual “two sessions” parliamentary meetings and exceeded the initial target. A large part of China’s digital economy – activities facilitated by data,... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345611/china-bets-ai-manufacturing-integration-narrow-digital-economy-gap-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345611/china-bets-ai-manufacturing-integration-narrow-digital-economy-gap-us?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:00:12 +0000 Yulu Ao,Themis Qi Yulu Ao,Themis Qi Hong Kong can reinforce its role as an international financial centre by deepening integration with mainland capital markets and expanding cross-border investment channels, financial industry leaders said on Thursday during China’s annual “two sessions”. Stronger collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland exchanges would enhance the resilience of the mainland’s financial system while supporting the internationalisation of the yuan, said Tan Yueheng, permanent honorary president of the Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345601/lean-harder-hong-kong-mainland-china-market-ties-two-sessions-delegates-urge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345601/lean-harder-hong-kong-mainland-china-market-ties-two-sessions-delegates-urge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:30:07 +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 Wency Chen,Ann Cao,Ben Jiang Wency Chen,Ann Cao,Ben Jiang Wang Jian, a prominent Chinese artificial intelligence scholar and director at Zhejiang Lab, said China had both the “resources and responsibility” to make AI more accessible globally at a time when other countries, such as the US, were increasingly acting in their own interests. Speaking to the South China Morning Post on Wednesday on the sidelines of China’s annual legislative “two sessions” meetings in Beijing, Wang said the world remained far from the goal of turning AI into an... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3345451/china-poised-expand-global-access-ai-despite-rivalry-us-wang-jian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3345451/china-poised-expand-global-access-ai-despite-rivalry-us-wang-jian?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:01:18 +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 Wency Chen,Ann Cao Wency Chen,Ann Cao China’s tech leaders, including Xiaomi’s Lei Jun, 360 Security Technology’s Zhou Hongyi and Xpeng’s He Xiaopeng, have put forward policy proposals ahead of the “two sessions”, as Beijing seeks to accelerate development in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and robotics. The executives aim to promote the industrial use of humanoid robots, speed up the deployment of AI agents and expand computing infrastructure – areas increasingly viewed as key battlegrounds in the global... https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3345372/chinas-tech-leaders-urge-faster-ai-humanoid-robot-adoption-two-sessions-proposals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3345372/chinas-tech-leaders-urge-faster-ai-humanoid-robot-adoption-two-sessions-proposals?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:37:05 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Beijing should create a “connect” scheme for initial public offerings (IPOs) in the Greater Bay Area to allow mainland Chinese and Hong Kong investors to buy into new listings across the border, HSBC Asia-Pacific chairman Peter Wong Tung-shun said on the eve of China’s annual “two sessions” meetings. “If investors in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong are further allowed to participate simultaneously in IPOs in both markets – achieving a more comprehensive IPO connect mechanism for the Greater Bay Area... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3345285/hsbc-chairman-floats-ipo-connect-hong-kong-shenzhen-ahead-chinas-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3345285/hsbc-chairman-floats-ipo-connect-hong-kong-shenzhen-ahead-chinas-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:30:09 +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 Zhang Shidong Zhang Shidong Ahead of China’s annual legislative meetings – typically a window into Beijing’s top-level policy agenda – this is the sixth entry in a series examining the complex economic recalibration driving China’s growth philosophy and its wide-ranging implications for local governments, financial investors and private enterprises. Stock investors will zero in on China’s annual parliamentary gathering this week for signals it could revive equity momentum, as fears of artificial intelligence-driven... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345073/investors-lock-npc-markets-seek-policy-lift-amid-ai-jitters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3345073/investors-lock-npc-markets-seek-policy-lift-amid-ai-jitters?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:30:07 +0000 Themis Qi Themis Qi Ahead of China’s annual legislative meetings – typically a window into Beijing’s top-level policy agenda – this is the fifth entry in a series examining the complex economic recalibration driving China’s growth philosophy and its wide-ranging implications for local governments, financial investors and private enterprises. Chinese government and industry officials are likely to discuss plans to control domestic electric-vehicle (EV) makers’ output, while encouraging them to prioritise... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3344899/top-chinese-officials-industry-leaders-may-discuss-capping-ev-output-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3344899/top-chinese-officials-industry-leaders-may-discuss-capping-ev-output-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:08 +0000 Raymond Ma,Neil Denslow Raymond Ma,Neil Denslow Chinese lawmakers gather next week for the annual “two sessions” legislative meetings, where they will approve the 15th five-year plan and likely see a shift towards less emphasis on economic growth. Premier Li Qiang will summarise the new five-year plan and announce the 2026 GDP target on March 5, the first day of meetings for the National People’s Congress, the country’s legislature. Lawmakers will likely give near-unanimous support to the plan, which runs through 2030, when the meeting... https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/politics/article/3344851/two-sessions-trump-tariffs-jdcom-earnings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/politics/article/3344851/two-sessions-trump-tariffs-jdcom-earnings?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:08 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong delegates to China’s top political advisory body are a “steadfast patriotic force” and make an important contribution to the city’s long-term prosperity and stability, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said. The city leader praised the delegates of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Wednesday as he hosted Jiang Zuojun, vice-chairman of the body’s 14th National Committee, at Government House. The meeting took place less than two months before the fourth... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340731/john-lee-calls-hong-kongs-cppcc-delegates-steadfast-patriotic-force?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340731/john-lee-calls-hong-kongs-cppcc-delegates-steadfast-patriotic-force?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:45:32 +0000 Zhao Ziwen Zhao Ziwen President Xi Jinping issued a rallying cry for the country to double down on efforts to boost economic growth and technological advancement as he delivered his annual televised New Year’s speech on Wednesday. The call came as Beijing faces complicated geopolitical challenges while pushing for economic transition at home, with the coming years seen as critical to consolidating its position in its rivalry with Washington. Xi also mentioned Taiwan, describing the island’s reunification with the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3338333/new-years-speech-xi-urges-growth-and-vows-unstoppable-taiwan-reunification?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3338333/new-years-speech-xi-urges-growth-and-vows-unstoppable-taiwan-reunification?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:59:21 +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 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong’s Leung Chun-ying has received a top honour from Cambodian officials in recognition of his contributions to healthcare, with the former city leader revealing that his charity hopes to clear a backlog of cataract-related blindness cases in the country. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun on Monday awarded Leung the Knight Grand Officer class of the Royal Order of Monisaraphon. The title is primarily awarded to individuals who have made outstanding achievements and contributions... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325640/former-hong-kong-leader-cy-leung-receives-top-honour-healthcare-contributions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325640/former-hong-kong-leader-cy-leung-receives-top-honour-healthcare-contributions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:35:42 +0000 Willa Wu,Leopold Chen,Ambrose Li Willa Wu,Leopold Chen,Ambrose Li Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has led 360 representatives from Hong Kong – the city’s largest-ever delegation – in attending a military parade in Beijing to mark China’s victory over Japan in World War II, while other senior officials, students and residents observed commemorative events held locally. Former city leader Leung Chun-ying was seated at the main podium of Tiananmen Square’s gate tower for Wednesday morning’s parade. Leung is now a state leader as a vice-chairman of the Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3324153/let-us-make-even-greater-hong-kong-contribution-john-lee-beijing-parade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3324153/let-us-make-even-greater-hong-kong-contribution-john-lee-beijing-parade?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:17:48 +0000 Willa Wu,Vivian Au Willa Wu,Vivian Au Former Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying has voiced reservations about a proposal by the city’s largest political party to set up a scheme allowing mainland Chinese to buy local property through direct remittance, saying it is not in the best interests of residents. Leung, now a vice-chairman of the country’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said on Tuesday that the local government should always prioritise Hongkongers’ needs rather than seek to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3319173/cy-leung-warns-against-dab-scheme-sell-hong-kong-property-mainlanders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3319173/cy-leung-warns-against-dab-scheme-sell-hong-kong-property-mainlanders?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:54:52 +0000 Xiaofei Xu,Sylvia Ma Xiaofei Xu,Sylvia Ma The Communist Party’s chief theoretician has urged groups outside the party – including China’s eight minor political parties, industry and commerce representatives, and public figures without party affiliation – to contribute to the discussion on how to boost domestic demand, as Beijing steps up efforts to entice the public to spend more. Improving domestic demand is a strategic priority and a necessary step towards ensuring the long-term and healthy development of China’s economy, said Wang... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3318450/actionable-results-new-ideas-needed-boost-chinas-consumption-no-4-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3318450/actionable-results-new-ideas-needed-boost-chinas-consumption-no-4-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:00:10 +0000 Carol Yang Carol Yang Former vice-minister of finance Zou Jiayi has been elected president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), leading the lender and its US$100 billion in capital through a decisive moment for globalisation and development finance. The decision was announced at the Beijing-based bank’s annual meeting on Tuesday, held with representatives of its 110 member states and other stakeholders at its headquarters to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Zou, 62, will serve a five-year term which... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3315673/chinas-zou-jiayi-former-finance-official-elected-aiib-president?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3315673/chinas-zou-jiayi-former-finance-official-elected-aiib-president?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:10 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu Every now and then, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council reminds us of grade school. Just like in a school year, lawmakers have historically enjoyed a summer recess – of two to three months at the end of July – before beginning the next legislative year in October. After the 2021 overhaul of the electoral system, however, Legco elections were moved from September to December, which meant the legislative year started in January instead. To ensure that school could still be out for the summer,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3308866/hong-kong-doesnt-need-lawmakers-who-have-be-reminded-do-their-job?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3308866/hong-kong-doesnt-need-lawmakers-who-have-be-reminded-do-their-job?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong must “gear up to fight a long battle” in the escalating trade war with the US by diversifying risks and accelerating brand upgrades, the city leader has said, citing views from local delegates to China’s top legislature and political advisory body. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu hosted a closed-door seminar on Thursday at the government headquarters, where he engaged with local deputies of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and representatives from the Chinese People’s Political... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3306982/hong-kong-must-diversify-upgrade-brands-long-battle-against-us-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3306982/hong-kong-must-diversify-upgrade-brands-long-battle-against-us-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:47:29 +0000 Chairman of Hong Kong property developer Sino Group Robert Ng Chee Siong and his three children have been designated as politically significant persons in Singapore under the city state’s foreign interference laws for their links to China’s top political advisory body. Singapore’s home affairs ministry said in a statement on Monday that Ng, Daryl Ng Win Kong, Nikki Ng Mien Hua and David Ng Win Loong had made declarations last year to the Registry of Foreign and Political Disclosures that they... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3305554/singapore-designates-tycoon-robert-ng-his-3-children-politically-significant-persons?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3305554/singapore-designates-tycoon-robert-ng-his-3-children-politically-significant-persons?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:01:26 +0000 The deputy head of the Chinese military’s anti-corruption unit, Lieutenant General Tang Yong, has been removed from his position in the country’s top political advisory body – usually a sign that the person in question is under suspicion of corruption. Tang was removed from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at a high-level meeting on Wednesday, according to a report from state news agency Xinhua. No explanation was given for his removal and there was no announcement... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3304149/top-member-chinese-military-anti-corruption-unit-may-be-caught-graft-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3304149/top-member-chinese-military-anti-corruption-unit-may-be-caught-graft-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:51:19 +0000 Danny Mok,Natalie Wong Danny Mok,Natalie Wong Hong Kong business leaders and politicians should remain vigilant against risks and contribute more to national development through “political and holistic perspectives”, Beijing’s top representative in the city has said. Zheng Yanxiong, head of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, told political and business leaders attending a seminar on Monday to study the “spirit” of China’s top annual political meetings, known as the “two sessions”. “The two sessions made a series of major arrangements... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3302770/contribute-political-perspective-beijings-top-man-hong-kong-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3302770/contribute-political-perspective-beijings-top-man-hong-kong-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:19:26 +0000 Willa Wu,Natalie Wong,Connor Mycroft Willa Wu,Natalie Wong,Connor Mycroft When law professor and veteran lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun spearheaded a two-day international summit in Hong Kong for top academics in December, she left out one item on the agenda: politics. She “explicitly” told the participants that they were not there to talk politics and that it was a non-government event. “I made sure they clearly understood the event was solely focused on tertiary education,” said Leung, who is also a deputy for China’s top legislature, the National People’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3302136/hong-kongs-new-task-go-big-international-ties-can-it-pull-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3302136/hong-kongs-new-task-go-big-international-ties-can-it-pull-it?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:30:17 +0000 The most striking part of the final day of China’s annual week-long meetings of top legislators and political advisers on Tuesday was what was missing. Namely, the country’s No 3 official, Zhao Leji, who chairs the National People’s Congress, was absent for the last few days of the ‘two sessions’, and one of the most-awaited pieces of legislation that had previously been expected to passed by the NPC wasn’t up for consideration. Zhao, 68, took leave because of a “respiratory tract infection”,... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3302027/chinas-two-sessions-ends-note-intrigue-otherwise-delivers-expected-outcomes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3302027/chinas-two-sessions-ends-note-intrigue-otherwise-delivers-expected-outcomes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:08 +0000 For the first time in recent history, the chairman of China’s top legislative body was absent on Tuesday at the closing of its parliamentary meeting known as the “two sessions”. Zhao Leji, 68, the third most senior official and the chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC), had taken leave because of a “respiratory tract infection”, according to his deputy, Li Hongzhong, who presided over the closing ceremony instead. Zhao’s last public appearance was at the first meeting of the NPC... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3301905/absence-chinas-third-top-official-two-sessions-closing-raises-eyebrows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3301905/absence-chinas-third-top-official-two-sessions-closing-raises-eyebrows?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:02:08 +0000 Beijing has set an ambitious target for the expansion of commercial applications for its nuclear technology in a variety of industries, projecting an annual economic output of 400 billion yuan (US$55.25 billion) by 2026. The benchmark – revealed by Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – would mean a large increase over the next two years, since the figure was around 240 billion yuan in 2023. Areas of focus for the technology would be in... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3301756/china-wants-supercharge-growth-applications-nuclear-tech?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3301756/china-wants-supercharge-growth-applications-nuclear-tech?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:46:54 +0000 If anyone has been feeling a little insecure about Hong Kong’s role in the national scheme of things, this year’s “two sessions” in Beijing should provide some assurance. The country’s leaders are very clear on what they see as this city’s unique role in national development. In the government’s annual work report delivered by Premier Li Qiang, the section dedicated to Hong Kong and Macau said the central government would support the two special administrative regions in “growing their... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3301502/just-why-beijing-calling-capable-hong-kong-lawmakers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3301502/just-why-beijing-calling-capable-hong-kong-lawmakers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Mar 2025 01:30:10 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong’s finance minister has vowed to accelerate the development of the innovation and technology sector and spur domestic spending after senior Beijing officials outlined priorities at the nation’s top annual political gathering. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Sunday the city needed to make better use of its status as a global financial centre to attract technology sector investment. “[Hong Kong] should strengthen the integration of technology and capital, inject more new... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3301694/hong-kongs-finance-chief-eyes-it-development-after-calls-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3301694/hong-kongs-finance-chief-eyes-it-development-after-calls-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Mar 2025 11:57:53 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong society lacks a proper understanding of the “one country, two systems” governing principle, only considering it a solution for “historical issues” and unrelated to national development, a local delegate to the country’s top political advisory body has said. Tu Haiming, vice-chairman of the liaison committee for Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas Chinese, part of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also stressed the need for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301671/hong-kong-must-deepen-understanding-one-country-two-systems-delegate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301671/hong-kong-must-deepen-understanding-one-country-two-systems-delegate?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Mar 2025 07:10:49 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong has urged the city to tap the opportunities arising from the “one country, two systems” governing model and drive efforts to contribute to local and national development. Zheng Yanxiong, director of the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, also said on Saturday the city needed to embark on a path to unleash “new productive forces” through reform and innovation. “Fully grasp the similarities and differences between Hong Kong and the mainland, give... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301646/hong-kong-must-seize-benefits-one-country-two-systems-model-zheng-yanxiong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301646/hong-kong-must-seize-benefits-one-country-two-systems-model-zheng-yanxiong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Mar 2025 15:11:43 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Jeffie Lam,Willa Wu Ng Kang-chung,Jeffie Lam,Willa Wu Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has praised Hong Kong for having made political and economic “breakthroughs” in the past year, calling on the city to focus on its advancement while not lowering its guard on national security threats as it enters a new stage of development. The state leader on Friday also urged Hong Kong to step up its efforts on the Northern Metropolis project and other neighbouring development zones, which he said could help the city’s economy, and to cooperate more closely... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301579/hong-kong-urged-focus-development-while-safeguarding-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301579/hong-kong-urged-focus-development-while-safeguarding-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:52:39 +0000 To reverse a worrisome trend of deaths outpacing births in China, central authorities are being urged to look beyond merely trying to convince adults to procreate – the attention, leaders are now being told, should be on educating children. A top political adviser and leading demographer has proposed that China take action to protect fertility from the earliest stages of a person’s development, by making sexual-health education mandatory for school kids amid a demographic crisis that has... https://www.scmp.com/economy/policy/article/3301540/china-its-time-talk-sex-education-urged-children-adults-balk-babies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/policy/article/3301540/china-its-time-talk-sex-education-urged-children-adults-balk-babies?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:30:08 +0000 China’s education system needs to change to produce the scientific talent the country requires for its grand technology ambitions, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on the sidelines of the “two sessions” on Thursday. Addressing education sector members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s top political advisory body, Xi said the education system had to help create a virtuous cycle between independent scientific innovation and development of expertise. He highlighted... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3301367/xi-jinping-calls-education-overhaul-ramp-chinas-tech-ambitions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3301367/xi-jinping-calls-education-overhaul-ramp-chinas-tech-ambitions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:11:36 +0000 A political adviser focusing on the rights of women and children has proposed again this year that China abolish its “divorce cooling-off period” to make the process easier, despite a national push for more people to marry and have families. Jiang Shengnan, a writer and a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, proposed during this year’s “two sessions” that the 30-day waiting period for finalising a divorce be removed from China’s Civil Code. The clause was first... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3301197/chinese-political-adviser-calls-easier-divorce-despite-beijings-push-family-values?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3301197/chinese-political-adviser-calls-easier-divorce-despite-beijings-push-family-values?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:09:43 +0000 Willa Wu,Natalie Wong Willa Wu,Natalie Wong Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges and cooperation while faithfully safeguarding the constitutional order stipulated in the country’s constitution and the city’s Basic Law to ensure governance by patriots. In the government work report he delivered at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Wednesday, the country’s No 2 official also reaffirmed Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” guiding principle and pledged to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301082/two-sessions-2025-chinese-premier-urges-hong-kong-deepen-international-exchange?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301082/two-sessions-2025-chinese-premier-urges-hong-kong-deepen-international-exchange?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Mar 2025 02:02:47 +0000