UK official visits Hong Kong after years of strained ties
1 year, 7 months ago

UK official visits Hong Kong after years of strained ties

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — The first British minister visiting Hong Kong in five years said his country will not “duck” its historic responsibilities to people living in its former colony while engaging with China in areas they share common interests. Johnson’s trip this week came after relations between Hong Kong and Britain became increasingly tense following the enactment of a Beijing-imposed national security law, which the U.K. earlier called “a clear breach” of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. In another tweet, he said he also talked to Christopher Hui, Hong Kong’s secretary for financial services and the Treasury, on their works to remove market barriers and increase trade between both sides. The British consulate in Hong Kong said the visit would allow Johnson to reengage on dialogue including trade and investment, clean growth and future bilateral visits, in addition to promoting collaboration between Hong Kong and the U.K. after the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of the security law. When asked about Johnson’s visit, Hong Kong leader John Lee said he welcomed any foreign officials to visit Hong Kong and encourage the promotion of economic development, commercial exchanges and people-to-people relationship.

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History of this topic

UK needs ‘more diplomacy’ with China but will always put security first – Lammy
2 months ago

UK needs ‘more diplomacy’ with China but will always put security first – Lammy

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK approach to China needs “more diplomacy, not less”, …

UK Foreign Secretary Lammy Warns China Against Supporting Russia's Military in Ukraine
2 months ago

UK Foreign Secretary Lammy Warns China Against Supporting Russia's Military in Ukraine

The Hindu  

UK Foreign Secretary Lammy urges China not to support Russia's military in the Ukraine war. He expresses concerns about China's supply of equipment to Russia's military-industrial complex, which he believes could damage China's relationships with Europe and help sustain Russia's war effort. Lammy also raises serious concerns about the implementation of a sweeping national security law in Hong Kong, and …

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to visit China in an attempt to reset frosty relations
2 months, 1 week ago

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to visit China in an attempt to reset frosty relations

Associated Press  

LONDON — British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is making his first trip to China in office this week in an attempt to reset the U.K.'s ties with Beijing and seek “pragmatic engagement” despite human rights and other concerns. Prime Minister Keir Starmer ‘s spokesperson, Dave Pares, said Britain wants to engage China but would challenge Beijing over issues including the …

Hong Kong calls for respect of its overseas-based trade offices after UK charged its London staffer
7 months, 1 week ago

Hong Kong calls for respect of its overseas-based trade offices after UK charged its London staffer

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s leader on Tuesday urged foreign governments to respect its overseas-based trade offices after a staff member in its London branch was charged in Britain for allegedly working for the Chinese city’s intelligence service. Chief Executive John Lee said his administration had demanded the British government provide an explanation about the prosecution of Bill Yuen, the …

Hong Kong dissidents in UK ‘fear for their safety’
7 months, 1 week ago

Hong Kong dissidents in UK ‘fear for their safety’

The Telegraph  

Hong Kong dissidents in the UK fear “talking to the wrong people”, they have told The Telegraph, after three people were charged on Monday with spying. Chi Leung Wai, a 38-year-old Border Force officer, Matthew Trickett, a 37-year-old Home Office immigration enforcement officer, and Chung Biu Yuen, 63, a retired Hong Kong police officer who is employed as a London-based …

Hong Kong cuts taxes for foreign home buyers and stock traders as it seeks to maintain global status
1 year, 1 month ago

Hong Kong cuts taxes for foreign home buyers and stock traders as it seeks to maintain global status

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s leader on Wednesday cut taxes for some homebuyers and stock traders to boost markets as the city seeks to maintain its reputation as a global financial hub. Foreign professionals working in Hong Kong on eligible visa programs are no longer required to pay extra property stamp duties arising from their non-permanent residency unless they fail …

Britain’s foreign secretary will visit China in an attempt to shore up ties and reduce tensions
1 year, 3 months ago

Britain’s foreign secretary will visit China in an attempt to shore up ties and reduce tensions

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Britain’s top diplomat, James Cleverly, is set to visit China on Wednesday, as the two countries attempt to shore up frayed ties. The countries disagree over issues such as Beijing’s curbing of civil freedoms in Hong Kong, a former British colony, alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghur minority in the Xinjiang region, China’s support for Russia …

Q&A: Sebastien Lai on father Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong ‘show trial’
1 year, 3 months ago

Q&A: Sebastien Lai on father Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong ‘show trial’

Al Jazeera  

Taipei, Taiwan – The national security trial of Jimmy Lai, the jailed 75-year-old media mogul and founder of the now defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was supposed to start next month. Lai has been in custody since December 2020 and faces multiple charges related to Hong Kong’s democracy movement and protests. I think what’s happening with the foreign lawyer is unfortunate …

China demands US invite Hong Kong leader to economic meeting, adding to strains over crackdown
1 year, 4 months ago

China demands US invite Hong Kong leader to economic meeting, adding to strains over crackdown

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — The Chinese government on Friday demanded the United States invite Hong Kong’s leader to an economic conference following a news report that Chief Executive John Lee would be barred due to his role in crushing the city’s pro-democracy movement. The Washington Post, citing unidentified U.S. officials, said Lee would be barred from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting …

China condemns EU Parliament’s resolution on Hong Kong’s shrinking freedoms
1 year, 6 months ago

China condemns EU Parliament’s resolution on Hong Kong’s shrinking freedoms

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — China’s Foreign Ministry condemned a resolution passed by the European Parliament concerning Hong Kong’s shrinking rights to free speech, even as Beijing seeks to restore economic links with the EU. The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s office in Hong Kong issued a statement late Thursday alleging the parliament was trying to use Hong Kong to contain China’s growth, saying …

Chinese official’s attendance at coronation would be outrageous, Tory MPs say
1 year, 7 months ago

Chinese official’s attendance at coronation would be outrageous, Tory MPs say

The Independent  

Senior Conservative MPs have labelled the expected attendance of China’s vice-president at the King’s coronation as “outrageous”. Former Tory leader and longstanding China-critic Sir Iain Duncan Smith described him as “responsible for trashing” China’s Hong Kong treaty with Britain by overseeing a crackdown on the territory’s freedoms. Tim Loughton, a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said his presence …

Hong Kong says ‘Hello’: First UK visit by finance official in 3 years
1 year, 8 months ago

Hong Kong says ‘Hello’: First UK visit by finance official in 3 years

Hindustan Times  

A top financial official from Hong Kong is set to visit Britain in April in the first ministerial-level visit by an official of the Chinese-ruled territory in more than three years, the government said on Tuesday. Hong Kong's finance official, Christopher Hui set to visit Britain in April. The move follows the "Hello Hong Kong" promotion campaign kicked off in …

Hong Kong publisher’s national security trial postponed
2 years ago

Hong Kong publisher’s national security trial postponed

LA Times  

The trial of a Hong Kong newspaper publisher who was arrested in a crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement was postponed Thursday after the territory’s leader asked China to essentially block him from hiring a British defense lawyer. The Hong Kong government objected after judges Monday approved Lai’s plan to hire Timothy Owen, a veteran human rights lawyer. Chief Executive …

Hong Kong in limbo 25 years after British handover to China
2 years, 5 months ago

Hong Kong in limbo 25 years after British handover to China

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — When the British handed Hong Kong to Beijing in 1997, it was promised 50 years of self-government and freedoms of assembly, speech and press that are not allowed on the Communist-ruled Chinese mainland. Hong Kong also has banned annual protests marking China’s June 4, 1989, crackdown on the pro-democracy movement centered on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, with authorities …

Xi’s Hong Kong visit marks its new era under Beijing’s control
2 years, 5 months ago

Xi’s Hong Kong visit marks its new era under Beijing’s control

LA Times  

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech after arriving in Hong Kong to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s handover to China from Britain. Even before he set foot in Hong Kong, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s intent was clear: to usher in the city’s next chapter under the firm grip of Communist Party rule. “This is an opportunity to …

Xi Jinping to visit Hong Kong for its 25th anniversary: officials confirm
2 years, 5 months ago

Xi Jinping to visit Hong Kong for its 25th anniversary: officials confirm

The Hindu  

Hong Kong police confirmed on Tuesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the city this week for the 25th anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule. Mr. Xi will attend a number of official events including the inauguration of Hong Kong's next leader on Friday, Assistant Police Commissioner Lui Kam-ho said at a news conference. Mr. …

Hong Kong confirms Chinese leader Xi’s visit for anniversary
2 years, 5 months ago

Hong Kong confirms Chinese leader Xi’s visit for anniversary

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong police confirmed Tuesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the city this week for the 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to Chinese rule. Xi will attend a number of official events including the inauguration of Hong Kong’s next leader on Friday, Assistant Police Commissioner Lui Kam-ho said at a news conference. …

China’s President Xi to visit Hong Kong for anniversary
2 years, 5 months ago

China’s President Xi to visit Hong Kong for anniversary

Al Jazeera  

Xi will attend several events including the inauguration of Hong Kong’s next leader on Friday, deputy police chief has said. Hong Kong police have confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the city this week for the 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to Chinese rule. Xi will attend several official events including the inauguration of Hong …

Xi Jinping to visit Hong Kong, his first trip outside mainland since Jan, 2020
2 years, 5 months ago

Xi Jinping to visit Hong Kong, his first trip outside mainland since Jan, 2020

Hindustan Times  

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Hong Kong next week to mark the 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s 1997 return to China, state news agency Xinhua announced on Saturday, in what would be his first publicised trip outside the mainland since January, 2020, weeks after the Covid-19 virus was detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. …

Hong Kong’s last UK governor says crackdowns ‘heartbreaking’
2 years, 6 months ago

Hong Kong’s last UK governor says crackdowns ‘heartbreaking’

Associated Press  

LONDON — Beijing’s crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong has been “a lot worse” than expected, the last British governor of the city said Monday as he launched a new book to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s handover to Chinese rule. Chris Patten, who led Britain’s last government in Hong Kong before the Asian …

Meeting John Lee, China’s Xi welcomes ‘new chapter’ for Hong Kong
2 years, 6 months ago

Meeting John Lee, China’s Xi welcomes ‘new chapter’ for Hong Kong

Al Jazeera  

Lee is the first security chief to hold Hong Kong’s top job with previous leaders mostly business tycoons. Chinese President Xi Jinping has hailed a “new chapter” for the former British colony of Hong Kong, after a meeting with the territory’s incoming leader in Beijing. Sitting far apart around a giant table, Xi praised former security chief and police officer …

As Hong Kong sinks deeper into isolation, foreign firms despair
3 years, 1 month ago

As Hong Kong sinks deeper into isolation, foreign firms despair

Al Jazeera  

Hong Kong, China – Before the pandemic, Basil Hwang enjoyed a globe-trotting lifestyle synonymous with high-flying expat executives in Hong Kong, travelling to visit his family in Singapore two or three times each month. China doesn’t have the real need to open the border.” The source told Al Jazeera they believed Hong Kong officials were sympathetic to the plight of …

China slams US for offering residents from Hong Kong safe haven
3 years, 4 months ago

China slams US for offering residents from Hong Kong safe haven

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson in Hong Kong condemned …

Hong Kong democracy activists trying to ‘start over’ in the UK
3 years, 6 months ago

Hong Kong democracy activists trying to ‘start over’ in the UK

Al Jazeera  

“This is not immigration, this is exile!” Many Hong Kongers who have left the territory since China imposed the sweeping National Security Law nearly a year ago are unsure of when – or ever – they will be able to go home. On Thursday, police arrested five senior executives of Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper founded in 1995, accusing them …

China once declared the UK its 'best friend in the West'. But Hong Kong and the treatment of Uyghurs changed everything
3 years, 6 months ago

China once declared the UK its 'best friend in the West'. But Hong Kong and the treatment of Uyghurs changed everything

ABC  

Unlike other 18-year-old Brits getting ready to celebrate an end to exams and the start of summer holidays, Dilmaz is gearing up for a battle with the Chinese government over their treatment of Uyghurs. The UK and China's short-lived 'Golden Era' In 2015, the then-UK chancellor George Osborne declared a "Golden Era" of relations with China. President Xi embraced relations …

Hong Kong visas could be the making of post-Brexit Britain
3 years, 7 months ago

Hong Kong visas could be the making of post-Brexit Britain

Al Jazeera  

The UK has a unique opportunity to show how it can lead on immigration policy. The UK’s immigration policy has fundamentally changed in 2021 but not in the way many people might have predicted. The government’s big move has been to announce the most liberal immigration change in a generation in July 2020 – with the pathway open since the …

UK grants Nathan Law asylum, reveals $59m fund for Hong Kongers
3 years, 8 months ago

UK grants Nathan Law asylum, reveals $59m fund for Hong Kongers

Al Jazeera  

Former Hong Kong legislator and student activist fled to the UK in July 2020 in the weeks after China imposed the National Security Law. Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law has announced that he had been granted asylum in the United Kingdom, after fleeing the semi-autonomous territory following the introduction of sweeping Chinese security laws. The 27-year-old former Hong Kong …

UK, US condemn China’s overhaul of Hong Kong elections
3 years, 8 months ago

UK, US condemn China’s overhaul of Hong Kong elections

Al Jazeera  

The United Kingdom and the United States have strongly condemned moves by China to further reduce political participation and representation in Hong Kong, as the territory announced a second delay to Legislative Council elections that were supposed to have taken place last September. “Today China enacted changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system which are a clear breach of the Joint …

Future of Hong Kong: Inside Hong Kong's new Britain-based pro-democracy movement
3 years, 9 months ago

Future of Hong Kong: Inside Hong Kong's new Britain-based pro-democracy movement

The Telegraph  

This article is the third in our three-part series, The Future of Hong Kong, looking at how much has changed since the first protests against Beijing's extradition bill two years ago. Mr Cheng, a former employee of the British Consulate in Hong Kong who was allegedly tortured at the hands of Chinese secret police, fled to the UK and was …

‘Freedom, justice’: Why Hong Kong people are moving to the UK
3 years, 9 months ago

‘Freedom, justice’: Why Hong Kong people are moving to the UK

Al Jazeera  

China’s security law a key reason that Hong Kong people are leaving the territory to start their lives anew elsewhere. Ever since last June, when Beijing imposed a national security law that criminalised protests and other forms of anti-government organising, many Hong Kong people have been on tenterhooks. “If you can pay, the door is more open.” Crackdowns open door …

UK opens citizenship path for Hong Kongers
3 years, 10 months ago

UK opens citizenship path for Hong Kongers

Hindustan Times  

A new visa scheme offering millions of Hong Kongers a pathway to British citizenship went live on Sunday as the city’s former colonial master opened its doors to those wanting to escape China’s crackdown on dissent. - A new visa scheme offering millions of Hong Kongers a pathway to British citizenship will go live later on January 31, 2021 as …

Once Upon a Time, Britain, China and Hong Kong Made a Deal. Why are they Now at a Crossroads?
3 years, 10 months ago

Once Upon a Time, Britain, China and Hong Kong Made a Deal. Why are they Now at a Crossroads?

News 18  

Starting Sunday, Hong Kong residents can apply for a special visa which offers them the opportunity to become British citizens. The new visa move comes amid China and Hong Kong’s declaration that they will no longer recognise the British National Overseas passport as a valid travel document from Sunday, Jan. 31. As speculation remains rife over what will happen next, …

Thousands flee Hong Kong for UK, fearing China crackdown
3 years, 10 months ago

Thousands flee Hong Kong for UK, fearing China crackdown

India TV News  

Cindy had a comfortable lifestyle in Hong Kong: she owned several properties with her husband, they had a good business going. It’s no longer the Hong Kong we knew, it’s no longer somewhere we can call home.” Cindy, who landed in London last week, is one of the thousands of Hong Kongers fleeing their hometown since Beijing imposed a draconian …

China will no longer recognize British National Overseas passport in bitter feud with London
3 years, 10 months ago

China will no longer recognize British National Overseas passport in bitter feud with London

LA Times  

China said Friday it will no longer recognize the British National Overseas passport as a valid travel document or form of identification amid a bitter feud with London over a plan to allow millions of Hong Kong residents a route to residency and eventual citizenship. “This move seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, grossly interferes in Hong Kong affairs and China’s …

Hong Kong leader to travel to Beijing to seek economic aid
4 years, 1 month ago

Hong Kong leader to travel to Beijing to seek economic aid

Hindustan Times  

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will travel to Beijing on Tuesday to meet with Chinese officials to seek help in reviving Hong Kong’s economy and discuss reopening the borders with mainland China as coronavirus infections in her city dwindle. Lam said the meetings, set for Wednesday through Friday, will include discussions on how Hong Kong can integrate into China’s national …

U.K. to open citizenship path to Hong Kongers from January
4 years, 5 months ago

U.K. to open citizenship path to Hong Kongers from January

The Hindu  

Britain’s government announced Wednesday that it will open a new special pathway to obtaining U.K. citizenship for eligible Hong Kongers as of January, taking another step toward solidifying a policy denounced by China. Britain announced in early July it was extending residency rights for up to 3 million people eligible for the British National Overseas passport in Hong Kong, stressing …

UK plan to offer citizenship to Hong Kongers draws China’s anger
4 years, 5 months ago

UK plan to offer citizenship to Hong Kongers draws China’s anger

Al Jazeera  

China accuses Britain of interference as UK gov’t lays out path to citizenship for three million Hong Kong people. The United Kingdom has unveiled the details of its plan to offer an estimated three million people in Hong Kong a route to citizenship in an offer Home Secretary Priti Patel described as “very generous” and China condemned as a breach …

The UK should rethink its hostile relationship with China
4 years, 5 months ago

The UK should rethink its hostile relationship with China

The Independent  

The relationship between China and the rest of the world becomes more tense almost by the day. From a British perspective, the latest twists include reports that TikTok, the Chinese video-sharing social network, has abandoned its plans to establish a global headquarters in London, and a call on the Andrew Marr show on the BBC from Lisa Nandy, Labour’s shadow …

Hong Kong: 200,000 set to come to UK after citizenship offer
4 years, 5 months ago

Hong Kong: 200,000 set to come to UK after citizenship offer

Daily Mail  

Around 200,000 Hong Kongers could come to Britain after the UK offered them a route to citizenship. The Foreign Office is working on estimates that 200,000 Hong Kongers will take up the offer and move to the UK, according to the Financial Times. The Foreign Office is working on estimates that 200,000 Hong Kongers will take up the offer and …

China vows to retaliate if Britain extends Hong Kong citizenship plan
4 years, 5 months ago

China vows to retaliate if Britain extends Hong Kong citizenship plan

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We urge the British side …

UK to offer new route to citizenship for Hong Kongers as China passes new security law
4 years, 5 months ago

UK to offer new route to citizenship for Hong Kongers as China passes new security law

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Nearly three million …

PM Johnson makes UK citizenship offer to Hong Kong residents
4 years, 5 months ago

PM Johnson makes UK citizenship offer to Hong Kong residents

Al Jazeera  

As many as three million people eligible for the UK’s offer, which excludes those born after the end of British rule. Britain said it was extending Hong Kong residents a broader path to citizenship in response to China’s sweeping new security law for the former UK territory. “We stand for rules and obligations,” Johnson told parliament just hours after China …

China Enacts Security Law, Asserting Control Over Hong Kong
4 years, 5 months ago

China Enacts Security Law, Asserting Control Over Hong Kong

NPR  

China Enacts Security Law, Asserting Control Over Hong Kong Enlarge this image toggle caption Kin Cheung/AP Kin Cheung/AP Updated 12:50 p.m. But legal experts say the national security law demonstrates how Beijing sees its own political diktat as now superseding Hong Kong's rule of law. Yet Lam also admitted that Hong Kong officials had not seen the full proposed text …

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