The proceedings for 47 Hong Kong democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion resume today, following a marathon hearing that extended well past midnight before it was adjourned after one of the defendants fainted. Lawyers for the defendants are challenging a prosecution bid to deny them bail and keep […]
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Crowds gather outside Hong Kong court for subversion hearing
Hundreds of people gathered outside a Hong Kong court today ahead of the hearing of 47 democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, as authorities intensify a crackdown under the city’s national security law. The activists are accused of organising and participating in an unofficial primary poll last July […]
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Hong Kong approves China’s Sinovac vaccine for emergency use
Hong Kong has formally approved China’s Sinovac vaccine for emergency use, the city’s health secretary said today, paving the way for its introduction in the global financial hub. In a statement, Sophia Chan said the vaccine met the “safety, efficacy and quality requirements specified in Hong Kong emergency situations”.
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Hong Kong leader confirms no consular protection for dual nationals
Hong Kongers with dual nationality are not entitled to foreign consular assistance, the city’s leader said today, confirming warnings by western diplomats that authorities have begun strictly enforcing Chinese nationality regulations in the finance hub. Canada’s foreign affairs department announced last week that a dual-national in prison in Hong Kong […]
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UK says upholding ‘freedom and autonomy’ with new HK visas
Britain’s government today vowed to stand by the people of its former colony Hong Kong against a Chinese crackdown as it prepared to launch a new visa scheme potentially benefiting millions. Holders of British National (Overseas) status — a legacy of UK rule over Hong Kong up to 1997 — will […]
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Hong Kong orders thousands to stay home in two-day virus lockdown
Thousands of Hong Kongers were ordered to stay in their homes on Saturday for the city’s first coronavirus lockdown as authorities battle an outbreak in one of its poorest and most densely packed districts. The order bans anyone inside multiple housing blocks within the neighborhood of Jordan from leaving their […]
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Hong Kong police arrest 11 on suspicion of aiding activists’ escape attempt
Hong Kong police have arrested 11 people over suspected crimes related to assisting a group of 12 pro-democracy activists accused of trying to flee the city by boat for Taiwan last year, police and activists said on Thursday. Those arrested included eight men and three women, aged 18 to 72, […]
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Hong Kong police arrest 11 on suspicion of aiding activists’ escape attempt
Hong Kong police have arrested 11 people over suspected crimes related to assisting a group of 12 pro-democracy activists accused of attempting to flee the city by boat for Taiwan last year, local media and activists reported today. Those arrested, ages 18 to 72, according to local broadcaster RTHK, included […]
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TikTok says it will exit Hong Kong market within days
TikTok will exit the Hong Kong market within days, a spokesman told Reuters late on Monday, as other technology companies including Facebook Inc have suspended processing government requests for user data in the region. The short form video app owned by China-based ByteDance has made the decision to exit the […]
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China passes Hong Kong security law amid global opposition
China’s parliament passed national security legislation for Hong Kong on Tuesday, setting the stage for the most radical changes to the former British colony’s way of life since it returned to Chinese rule almost exactly 23 years ago. State media is expected to publish details of the law – which […]
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China may enact Hong Kong security law at end of June
China’s top lawmaking body has announced a three-day session for the end of this month, a move that raises the possibility of the enactment of a national security law for Hong Kong that has stirred debate and fears in the semi-autonomous territory. The official Xinhua News Agency said Sunday that […]
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Hong Kong’s leader decries US ‘double standards’ over protests
Hong Kong’s leader blasted the US for “double standards” in the way it handles protests after the Trump administration vocally supported sometimes-violent demonstrations in the Asian financial hub. “Look at how the local governments handle chaos in the US and what stance they took on a similar level of chaos in […]
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Hong Kong govt warns removing US special status is “double-edged sword”
Hong Kong’s government warned Washington that withdrawing its special US status, which has underpinned the city as a global financial hub, could be a “double-edged sword” and urged the United States to stop interfering in internal affairs. The statement came as US President Donald Trump is due to announce later […]
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Hong Kong security chief warns of growing ‘terrorism’ as government backs Beijing’s planned security laws
Hong Kong’s security chief said “terrorism” was growing in the city, as government departments rallied on Monday behind Beijing’s plans to introduce national security laws and after thousands took to the streets to protest against the move. Police said they arrested more than 180 people on Sunday, when authorities fired […]
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China’s national security law good for business, say Hong Kong’s Pro Beijing politicians
Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing politicians sought to allay worries about the impact of China’s proposed national security legislation on the Asian financial hub’s business environment, saying it would boost investor sentiment. The legislation aims to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign interference and could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases […]