20 Years After Handover, Hong Kong Residents Reflect On Life Under Chinese Rule
7 years, 8 months ago

20 Years After Handover, Hong Kong Residents Reflect On Life Under Chinese Rule

NPR  

20 Years After Handover, Hong Kong Residents Reflect On Life Under Chinese Rule Enlarge this image toggle caption Rob Schmitz/NPR Rob Schmitz/NPR In a city as packed as Hong Kong, what's private elsewhere becomes public — like conversations about politics. Sponsor Message Twenty years after Hong Kong, a city of more than 7 million people, was handed back to China by Great Britain, conversations about the mainland's impact can still be fraught. Chan says China has broken the promise it made 20 years ago to allow Hong Kong a degree of autonomy and for the people of the city to vote directly for their chief executive. "You're not just talking about the 7.3 million people living in the 1,000 square kilometers called Hong Kong," says Chan.

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History of this topic

Hong Kong to file complaint with WTO over U.S. tariffs
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Hong Kong to file complaint with WTO over U.S. tariffs

Raw Story  

Hong Kong will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization in response to heightened US tariffs on its goods, a government spokesperson said Friday, days after Beijing announced a similar move. US President Donald Trump over the weekend launched the opening salvo in an escalating trade war with China, imposing a 10 percent tariff hike on goods coming from …

Hong Kong young people struggle to rebuild their lives after being jailed under Beijing’s crackdown
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Hong Kong young people struggle to rebuild their lives after being jailed under Beijing’s crackdown

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — After spending five months in jail for publishing seditious Instagram posts, Joker Chan returned to a harsh reality. Five years after the protests erupted, the lives of some young people who were jailed or arrested during Beijing’s political crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement remain in limbo. Brandon Yau, secretary of the prisoners’ support group Waiting Bird, …

Expats hail new mainland travel permits
8 months, 1 week ago

Expats hail new mainland travel permits

China Daily  

Hong Kong permanent residents who are not Chinese apply for five-year permits to go to the mainland for short-term purposes such as business, tourism and exchanges at a service center in Hong Kong on Wednesday. ANDY CHONG/CHINA DAILY Non-Chinese permanent residents of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions applying for a new card-style Chinese mainland travel permit have …

Hong Kong detains an artist on the eve of the 35th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Hong Kong detains an artist on the eve of the 35th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown

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. Read our privacy policy Hong Kong police detained a …

Hong Kong tourism boost: Eight more Chinese cities join solo travel scheme
10 months, 1 week ago

Hong Kong tourism boost: Eight more Chinese cities join solo travel scheme

Hindustan Times  

Eight more Chinese cities have joined a scheme allowing their residents to travel to Hong Kong on their own, rather than as part of a tour group, as part of efforts to boost Hong Kong's economy. Hong Kong tourism boost: Eight more Chinese cities join solo travel scheme Hong Kong is battling to revive its economy following a national security …

UK ‘strongly’ calls on China to reconsider Hong Kong’s new national security law
1 year ago

UK ‘strongly’ calls on China to reconsider Hong Kong’s new national security law

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. Read our privacy policy David Cameron has “strongly” called …

Hong Kong Sees 2024 Growth Range at or Below Last Year
1 year ago

Hong Kong Sees 2024 Growth Range at or Below Last Year

Hindustan Times  

-- Hong Kong expects its economy to grow in a range of 2.5% to 3.5% this year, suggesting a potentially slower rate of expansion as the financial hub tries to bolster a struggling housing market and attract more tourism and investment. Confidence in Hong Kong has waned as home prices tumble to a seven-year low, national security measures erode freedoms …

Xian, Qingdao residents granted travel access to Hong Kong via Individual Travel Scheme
1 year ago

Xian, Qingdao residents granted travel access to Hong Kong via Individual Travel Scheme

Hindustan Times  

The Chinese cities of Xian and Qingdao have been added to a travel scheme that allows residents to visit Hong Kong in a personal capacity, rather than in a tour group, as the financial hub struggles to revive its economy post-Covid. Xian, Qingdao residents granted travel access to Hong Kong via Individual Travel Scheme Tourism in the vibrant former British …

Chinese arrivals replace Hong Kong exodus. For them, the city is still freer than the mainland
1 year, 4 months ago

Chinese arrivals replace Hong Kong exodus. For them, the city is still freer than the mainland

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — The exodus of tens of thousands of professionals from Hong Kong triggered by a crackdown on its civil liberties is being offset by new arrivals: mainland Chinese keen to move to the former British colony. For mainland Chinese, Hong Kong’s unique attributes — such as wider freedom of speech and internet access, its cosmopolitan ambiance, a less …

Hong Kong cuts taxes for foreign home buyers and stock traders as it seeks to maintain global status
1 year, 4 months 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 …

A winner has emerged in the old rivalry between Singapore and Hong Kong
1 year, 7 months ago

A winner has emerged in the old rivalry between Singapore and Hong Kong

Hindustan Times  

Dinner-party conversations across Asia have often been animated by an old debate. In economic dynamism, the state of the urban fabric and the vibrancy of civic life, which city comes top: Hong Kong or Singapore? Today Singapore’s is 1.7 times higher than Hong Kong’s. Singapore’s economy has grown by one-seventh since 2017; Hong Kong’s not at all. Still, a far …

Hong Kong targets exiles’ loved ones as crackdown turns to old CCP playbook
1 year, 7 months ago

Hong Kong targets exiles’ loved ones as crackdown turns to old CCP playbook

Al Jazeera  

Hong Kong authorities are targeting the relatives of activists overseas in latest sign of alignment with mainland China. Taipei, Taiwan – After silencing Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, authorities in the territory have found a new target: the family members of dissidents who fled overseas. Hong Kong authorities’ shift to targeting families is the latest sign of the city’s growing alignment …

Hong Kong's leader may be barred from a key economic summit. The city says that breaks conventions
1 year, 7 months ago

Hong Kong's leader may be barred from a key economic summit. The city says that breaks conventions

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hong Kong government on Friday called on the United States …

26 years of uncertainty: Hong Kong’s journey since the handover
1 year, 8 months ago

26 years of uncertainty: Hong Kong’s journey since the handover

The Hindu  

Published : Jul 03, 2023 19:20 IST - 2 MINS READ On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong officially returned to Chinese sovereignty after being a British colony for 156 years. One of the significant developments in recent years was the extension of the country’s national security laws to Hong Kong. The NPC, on its part, justified the move, saying it …

China condemns EU Parliament’s resolution on Hong Kong’s shrinking freedoms
1 year, 9 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 …

UK official visits Hong Kong after years of strained ties
1 year, 10 months ago

UK official visits Hong Kong after years of strained ties

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. Johnson's trip this week came after relations between Hong …

Beijing's warning on Hong Kong protests: ‘Not the only way to express interests’
1 year, 11 months ago

Beijing's warning on Hong Kong protests: ‘Not the only way to express interests’

Hindustan Times  

China's senior official overseeing Hong Kong's affairs said Saturday that protests are not the only way for people to express their views, weeks after the city's strict protest rules sparked controversy while signaling Beijing's vision for the financial hub. In late March, Hong Kong saw its first authorised protest against a government policy since the lifting of major pandemic restrictions …

Consul: 20% of Americans in Hong Kong left in past 2 years
2 years, 1 month ago

Consul: 20% of Americans in Hong Kong left in past 2 years

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. Hong Kong’s strict anti-COVID-19 measures and “diminishing freedoms” have …

Hong Kong businesses cheer China reopening, but warn there’s a long way to go
2 years, 2 months ago

Hong Kong businesses cheer China reopening, but warn there’s a long way to go

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — Kiki Yang brought an empty green suitcase from Shenzhen to Hong Kong this week to load up on new purchases for her family and friends. Yang is one of tens of thousands of mainland Chinese visitors expected to be welcomed back in Hong Kong this week, as one of the world’s toughest border closures ends. “Everyone …

Why Hong Kong’s makeover will founder
2 years, 4 months ago

Why Hong Kong’s makeover will founder

Live Mint  

Hong Kong, newly reopened to the world, is still plastered with posters celebrating the 25th anniversary of the territory’s handover to China: “A New Era. Third-quarter data released last week showed Hong Kong’s economy contracting 4.5% year over year. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee’s inaugural policy address in October echoed Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s talking points on “profound changes …

Hong Kong leader promises revival on China’s National Day
2 years, 5 months ago

Hong Kong leader promises revival on China’s National Day

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Hong Kong’s leader promised Saturday to revive its struggling economy following a campaign to crush a pro-democracy movement as China’s ruling Communist Party marked its 73rd anniversary in power under strict anti-virus controls. “Hong Kong now undergoes the critical transition from stability to prosperity,” said Lee, who wore a red mask the color of the Chinese flag and …

Hong Kong leader promises revival on China's National Day
2 years, 5 months ago

Hong Kong leader promises revival on China's National Day

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hong Kong’s leader promised …

CE pledges full confidence in the city with nation's backing
2 years, 5 months ago

CE pledges full confidence in the city with nation's backing

China Daily  

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers a speech a reception at the Grand Hall of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, in celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Oct 1, 2022. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiuon said Saturday he has full confidence in the …

In Hong Kong, public grief over queen doubles as dissent
2 years, 6 months ago

In Hong Kong, public grief over queen doubles as dissent

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hundreds of Hong Kong residents are lining up in front of the British Consulate General for hours each day to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, leaving piles of flowers and handwritten notes. “There are some who are genuinely nostalgic and have sentimental feelings for the Queen, but there are also people who have grievances about …

In Hong Kong, public grief over Queen doubles as dissent
2 years, 6 months ago

In Hong Kong, public grief over Queen doubles as dissent

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. “There are some who are genuinely nostalgic and have …

Xi defends vision of Hong Kong on 25th anniversary of return
2 years, 8 months ago

Xi defends vision of Hong Kong on 25th anniversary of return

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — China’s leader Xi Jinping marked the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return with a speech Friday that emphasized Beijing’s control over the former British colony under its vision of “one country, two systems” – countering criticism that the political and civic freedoms promised for the next quarter-century have been largely erased under Chinese rule. “Regardless of whether …

Timeline: Hong Kong under 25 years of Chinese rule
2 years, 8 months ago

Timeline: Hong Kong under 25 years of Chinese rule

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — The following are key events in the history of Hong Kong, which marked the 25th anniversary of its handover from British to Chinese rule on Friday. — 1841: The Qing dynasty cedes Hong Kong Island to Britain after China’s defeat in the first Opium War. — 1984: Britain agrees to return Hong Kong to China in 1997 …

China’s Xi Jinping claims Hong Kong handover marked ‘beginning of true democracy’
2 years, 8 months ago

China’s Xi Jinping claims Hong Kong handover marked ‘beginning of true democracy’

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday claimed “true democracy” began in Hong Kong 25 years ago when China assumed control, as he marked a symbolic anniversary for the city transformed by his political crackdown. “After its return to the motherland, Hong Kong compatriots became masters of their own affairs, Hong Kong people administered Hong Kong with …

‘Stay or go?’ Hong Kong’s handover generation faces tough choice
2 years, 8 months ago

‘Stay or go?’ Hong Kong’s handover generation faces tough choice

Al Jazeera  

Taipei, Taiwan – “Should I stay or should I go?” This is the question facing many of Hong Kong’s young people, 25 years after the city returned to Chinese rule. But Beijing’s intensifying crackdown on the city’s freedoms – including a national security law passed in 2020 that has stamped out practically all dissent – has irrevocably altered life for …

Hong Kong in limbo 25 years after British handover to China
2 years, 8 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 …

Hong Kong: 25 years under Chinese rule
2 years, 8 months ago

Hong Kong: 25 years under Chinese rule

Al Jazeera  

Hong Kong has been through immense changes since it was returned to Chinese rule in July 1, 1997. July 1, 1997 Shipping tycoon Tung Chee-hwa is sworn in as Hong Kong’s chief executive and the territory’s first post-colonial leader at a specially-built convention centre overlooking the harbour. July 2003 Mass protests erupt against the government’s plan to implement “anti-subversion laws” …

Hong Kong in limbo 25 years after British handover to China
2 years, 8 months ago

Hong Kong in limbo 25 years after British handover to China

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. Hong Kong also has banned annual protests marking China's …

Hong Kong burnishes China ties as luster as global hub fades
2 years, 8 months ago

Hong Kong burnishes China ties as luster as global hub fades

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Every few generations, Hong Kong transforms itself, evolving from a swampy fishing village to 19th century colonial port, to capitalist outpost and factory after China’s 1949 revolution, to 21st century financial center. “There are great opportunities in the Greater Bay Area that haven’t been realized yet,” said David Graham, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce …

China’s Xi to attend Hong Kong anniversary but no word on visit
2 years, 8 months ago

China’s Xi to attend Hong Kong anniversary but no word on visit

The Hindu  

President Xi Jinping will participate in next week’s celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to China, the government said Saturday, but it left unclear whether he will visit the former British colony for the highly symbolic event after a crackdown on a pro-democracy movement. Mr. Xi, who also is general secretary of the ruling Communist …

Xi Jinping to visit Hong Kong, his first trip outside mainland since Jan, 2020
2 years, 8 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 Kongers reflect on Taiwan, an imperfect exile
2 years, 8 months ago

Hong Kongers reflect on Taiwan, an imperfect exile

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. “It’s not that Hong Kong doesn’t have any democracy, …

Hong Kongers reflect on Taiwan, an imperfect exile
2 years, 8 months ago

Hong Kongers reflect on Taiwan, an imperfect exile

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — For Lam Wing-kee, a Hong Kong bookstore owner who was detained by police in China for five months for selling sensitive books about the Communist Party, coming to Taiwan was a logical step. “When the English were ruling Hong Kong, they didn’t give us true democracy or the power to vote, but the British gave Hong Kongers …

Hong Kong’s last UK governor says crackdowns ‘heartbreaking’
2 years, 9 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 …

China still needs to be vigilant against interference in HK
2 years, 10 months ago

China still needs to be vigilant against interference in HK

China Daily  

In this file photo dated Aug 5, 2019, a Star Ferry Co vessel sails across Victoria Harbor in front of the Hong Kong island skyline in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held the sixth-term chief executive's election on Sunday, with the central leadership taking all necessary measures to prevent external forces from interfering in the electoral process. …

John Lee’s bid for Hong Kong leader signals Beijing’s ‘hard line’
2 years, 11 months ago

John Lee’s bid for Hong Kong leader signals Beijing’s ‘hard line’

Al Jazeera  

Ex-security chief who spent decades in the police has indicated he will put security above all else in governing the territory. Throughout the 2019 turmoil, Lee’s press briefings displayed a “staunch expressionless defence of the proposed legislation” despite mounting domestic and international pressure, said Suzanne Pepper, a longtime Hong Kong resident and political scientist. Lee’s leadership style should be much …

Timeline: The life and career of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam
2 years, 11 months ago

Timeline: The life and career of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced Monday that she will …

Tightening grip: On Hong Kong-China relations
3 years, 2 months ago

Tightening grip: On Hong Kong-China relations

The Hindu  

July 1, 2022 will mark 25 years since Hong Kong’s return to China. For much of the past 24 years, Hong Kong defied wide expectations that the “one country, two systems” model would crumble shortly after the handover. On December 23, construction crew quietly removed one of the most well-known statues, the “Pillar of Shame”, standing on the campus of …

Why I left Hong Kong
3 years, 4 months ago

Why I left Hong Kong

Al Jazeera  

The national security law and its chilling effect on our civil liberties compelled me to leave my home. Earlier this month, almost half of 99 Hong Kong-based journalists polled anonymously by the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club said they were considering or had plans to leave the city due to the decline in press freedom under the national security law. …

As Beijing cracks down, Hong Kong’s media hub status in balance
3 years, 4 months ago

As Beijing cracks down, Hong Kong’s media hub status in balance

Al Jazeera  

For decades, Hong Kong stood as a rare outpost for press freedom in Asia, a status that convinced the world’s biggest media organisation to choose the city as a regional base. The Economist’s Editor-in-Chief Zanny Minton Beddoes said authorities had not provided any explanation for the decision and called on the government to “maintain access for the foreign press, which …

As Hong Kong sinks deeper into isolation, foreign firms despair
3 years, 4 months 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 …

Can Hong Kong’s economy survive China’s political crackdown?
3 years, 4 months ago

Can Hong Kong’s economy survive China’s political crackdown?

Al Jazeera  

Business is considering its options amid the national security law, currency fears and punishing COVID-19 quarantines. Over the past year, Hong Kong’s society has been torn apart by the Beijing-imposed national security law and changes to the electoral process designed to ensure only people deemed “patriots” can hold office in the territory. Last month, the institute’s annual report on economic …

China slams US for offering residents from Hong Kong safe haven
3 years, 7 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 …

Biden offers Hong Kong people in US temporary ‘safe haven’
3 years, 7 months ago

Biden offers Hong Kong people in US temporary ‘safe haven’

Al Jazeera  

China has ‘fundamentally altered the bedrock’ of Hong Kong’s democratic institutions and ‘suppressed freedoms’, the US says. “Offering safe haven for Hong Kong residents who have been deprived of their guaranteed freedoms in Hong Kong furthers United States interests in the region,” Biden said. “Today we send a clear message that the United States resolutely stands with people in Hong …

London mayor sends message of support to Hong Kong emigres
3 years, 8 months ago

London mayor sends message of support to Hong Kong emigres

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy …

Hong Kong democracy activists trying to ‘start over’ in the UK
3 years, 9 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 …

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