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Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong politics
Latest news, analysis and opinion on politics in Hong Kong, covering the Legislative Council, John Lee, pro-establishment and opposition camps, protests, the national security law and the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
President Xi Jinping meets Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in Beijing in December of last year. Photo: Handout
John Lee

Hong Kong leader departs for Beijing duty visit, set to brief Xi Jinping on Friday

Sources say John Lee to meet Beijing-based Hong Kong business leaders on Thursday, a day before briefing Xi on city’s development.

Jimmy Lai trial

Jimmy Lai denies instigating US move to revoke Hong Kong special economic status

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong hits ‘new highs’ in start-up numbers, foreign and mainland firms: Chan

Hong Kong national security law

Washington slams China’s visa curbs on US officials over Hong Kong interference

‘We condemn retaliatory actions by the People’s Republic of China against US officials,’ America’s Department of State says.

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Beijing imposed the visa curbs in response to Washington’s threat to implement fresh sanctions on officials after the jailing of 45 opposition figures under Hong Kong’s national security legislation. Photo: AP
Hong Kong economy

Letters | Hong Kong’s civil servants shouldn’t be target of misplaced frustrations

Readers discuss a suggestion to cut or freeze civil servants’ pay, a challenge in telling good Hong Kong stories, our addiction to smartphones, and holding Israel to account for the Gaza war.

Hong Kong Basic Law

Opinion | In reshuffling cabinet, Hong Kong’s leader was simply doing his duty

The sacking of the city’s tourism and transport ministers may have come as a surprise, but the chief executive was merely doing his job.

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Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong no money-laundering hub, officials tell anti-crime forum

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam hits back at ‘misconceived’ comments about Hong Kong.

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(From left) Toshihiko Osawa, head of Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific, justice minister Paul Lam, customs chief Louise Ho, and Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung open the International Forum on Combating Money Laundering and Transnational Organized Crimes. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong

Beijing to slap visa curbs on US officials for ‘behaving poorly’ on Hong Kong

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning says Beijing has stated its position to the US.

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John Lee

Hong Kong’s John Lee to meet Xi Jinping on Beijing duty visit this week

Source says chief executive could meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, as city leader makes trip just week after cabinet reshuffle.

Legislative Council of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s new culture minister vows to turn commercial spaces into arts venues

Rosanna Law pledges to examine restrictions related to fire safety, building structure and land use preventing factory spaces from being used for performances.

“The arts should be able to suit all tastes,” new culture minister Rosanna Law has said. If more people can take part, it will be an all-win situation for the sector, the government and the general public.” Photo: May Tse
US Politics

Letters | Biden pardoned his son. Should Trump be pardoned?

Readers discuss the use of presidential pardons as a tool of reconciliation, the challenge of fostering sense of community and Australia’s social media ban.

US President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden stepping out of a bookstore while shopping in Nantucket, Massachusetts on November 29. Photo: AFP / Getty Images / TNS
John Lee

Opinion | Minister reshuffle shows Hong Kong’s leader knows time is of the essence

The move should not be a surprise given the hints dropped and the clear need for the pace of change to accelerate.

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Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong may reward residents who report subpar flats breaching new rules

Housing minister says government may adopt reward mechanism similar to one for reporting tenants abusing public housing.

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Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Hong Kong ‘one of the main priorities’ in push to build Sino-French ties: envoy

Eva Nguyen Binh, an ambassador for French cultural diplomacy, calls for protection of cultural links during time of tense trade discussions.

Chinese artefacts were sent to France for an exhibition at the Guimet-National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris which showcased treasures from the Tang dynasty. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Deepening Hong Kong, Iran ties show US curbs have ‘lost their potency’: envoy

Ambassador Mohsen Bakhtiar says measures have been taken to overcome sanctions restricting Iranian firms from accessing services in the city.

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Mohsen Bakhtiar, the Iranian ambassador to China, has called for more exchanges between his country and Hong Kong. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong housing

My Take | Time to accept that Hong Kong’s golf club housing plan is a swing and a miss

A court ruling that found the EIA for the project was riddled with errors and breaches of the law may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

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Hong Kong courts

Editorial | Ruling allows for a broader look at Hong Kong’s golf club housing plan

Hong Kong has embarked on major projects that will have an impact on the environment. It is essential to get the assessment process right.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong sticks with names An An and Ke Ke for Beijing-gifted pandas

Unchanged names revealed at ceremony before the pair meet the public for the first time on Sunday.

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Female panda Ke Ke at home in Ocean Park. Photo: Robert Ng
Hong Kong economy

Justice chief ‘matchmaker’ for Hong Kong, mainland and international lawyers

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam is leading a legal delegation to Guangdong that includes a record number of foreign lawyers.

Jimmy Lai trial

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai wanted to grab US attention with security law prosecution

Unpublished letter reveals Lai felt he was targeted because he had ‘embarrassed’ Beijing by exposing its ‘hollow’ promises.

Hong Kong housing

Last tenants to leave ‘luxury’ Hong Kong public housing estate 6 years early

Authority could bring forward rehousing schedule for those living at Wah Fu Estate to between 2034 and 2035.

The 18-block Wah Fu Estate in Pok Fu Lam will be redeveloped. Photo: May Tse
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong needs to reform itself quickly, ex-commerce chief Frederick Ma says

Lower IPO listing costs, new attractions such as golf courses and BMW museum needed to boost economy, he says.

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Beijing’s top man on Hong Kong affairs has urged the city to reinvent its tourism industry. Photo: Sam Tsang
Jimmy Lai trial

Jimmy Lai tells court he could have fled Hong Kong in 2020 but chose to stay

Ex-media boss gave an interview right after the enactment of security law, saying that he would fight for democracy in a ‘different way’.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hongkongers could face eligibility tests for dental treatment at public clinics

Authorities will also offer free check-ups for preschoolers and affordable services for adolescents.

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Hong Kong society

Letters | Pet-friendly bus route should prompt owners to obey rules

Readers discuss responsible pet ownership, the benefits of easing the path to tax residency in Hong Kong, and Russia’s rationale for attacking Ukraine.

A person walks with their dog in West Kowloon on November 20. Photo: Dickson Lee
John Lee

Unpacking John Lee’s firing of 2 ministers: Hong Kong needs a win

New faces part of gambit to minimise any damage to his government’s standing and even secure decisive short-term wins on the tourism and aviation fronts, analysts say.

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Senior Beijing official Xia Baolong (right) meets Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee in Beijing. Photo: Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office
Hong Kong

Editorial | Lee pins hopes on fresh blood at halfway point to bring deeper Hong Kong reform

Sacking of two ministers comes with Hong Kong on the road to recovery, but facing challenges at local, national and international level.

Hong Kong

High hopes for low-profile operator Mable Chan as new Hong Kong transport chief

Transport chief expected to form a strong partnership with new tourism minister.

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