EU to impose sanctions on Chinese officials over human rights abuses March 17, 2021 The European Union agreed today to sanction Chinese officials for human rights abuses, two diplomats have said, the first penalties against Beijing in over three decades. EU envoys authorised travel bans and asset freezes on four Chinese figures and one entity, whose name has not been made public. The Chinese officials were accused of human [...]
UK says China ‘hollows out democratic debate in Hong Kong’ in latest spat March 11, 2021 Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has condemned Beijing parliament’s decision today to impose measures that will assess Hong Kong politician’s loyalty to Beijing. “This is the latest step by Beijing to hollow out the space for democratic debate in Hong Kong, contrary to the promises made by China itself,” Raab said in a statement. “This can [...]
Hong Kong’s Rosewood eyes $400m SPAC listing amid flurry of deals in Asia March 1, 2021 Hong Kong-based luxury Rosewood Hotel group has filed for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) listing that could raise around $400m, two sources close to matter have disclosed. The luxury hotel group, with close familial ties to property developer New World Development (NWD) has recruited Credit Suisse and UBS to arrange the US SPAC listing, [...]
Hong Kong media tycoon denied bail in landmark security law case February 23, 2021 A Hong Kong court denied media tycoon Jimmy Lai bail on Tuesday due to the risk of him committing further offences. The case is being closely watched as it shows how Hong Kong’s independent judiciary resolves conflicts between the security law drafted in Beijing. Guilty until proven innocent New legislation puts the duty on the [...]
Review into Hong Kong’s only independent broadcaster sparks media freedom concerns February 19, 2021 A Hong Kong government review launched today into the city’s only independent broadcaster has sparked concerns over media freedoms in the region. The publicly funded outlet Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) was found to have editorial management “deficiencies” and inadequate transparency of complaints following an unprecedented government-led review. Founded in 1928, the broadcaster is the [...]
London should double down in its commitment to arriving Hongkongers February 12, 2021 London has a global responsibility to stand up for Hong Kong – for the autonomy of its people
Exclusive: Hong Kong refugee activists on the UK’s new visa scheme February 11, 2021 The UK’s visa program for British national overseas passport holders is generally seen in Hong Kong as a “last resort” for those who wish to flee Beijing’s new National Security Law, but the program should be extended to youngsters, multiple activists in exile have told City A.M. Baggio Leung, a former Hong Kong legislator and [...]
Senior politicians urge HSBC to unfreeze accounts of Hong Kong activist Ted Hui February 8, 2021 HSBC has drawn criticism from a group of senior politicians over its decision to freeze the bank account of Ted Hui, prominent pro-democracy activist based in Hong Kong. A group consisting of more than 50 politicians, including former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, have written to HSBC chairman Mark Tucker demanding he unfreeze the accounts [...]
Our commitment to Hongkongers shouldn’t stop with the visa programme January 30, 2021 On Sunday, the historic Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa programme will open; a fitting end to a week of celebrations and activism marking the 180th anniversary of the founding of modern Hong Kong. The scheme will allow Hongkongers who hold British National (Overseas) citizenship, an offer that was made to people who were [...]
China will no longer recognise Hong Kong citizens’ British overseas passports January 29, 2021 China said today it will “no longer recognise” British National Overseas (BNO) passports for Hong Kong citizens as the UK prepares to welcome those fleeing the National Security Law. A foreign ministry spokesperson for the Chinese government said: “From January 31, China will no longer recognise the so-called BNO passport as a travel document and [...]