A landmark visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hong Kong left little doubt that Beijing views the city as a destabilising hotbed of unacceptable political dissent that must prove its loyalty, analysts said Sunday. His three-day trip to celebrate 20 years since Hong Kong was handed back to China by Britain, culminated Saturday in … Read more
Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters marched through summer rain brandishing colourful art and props in Hong Kong Saturday, expressing their fears the city and its freedoms are being eaten up by China. The march came hours after President Xi Jinping flew out after a three-day trip to mark 20 years since Hong Kong was … Read more
The Chinese president has sworn in the new leader of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, as the territory marks 20 years since its handover to China from Britain. But clashes have taken place between pro-democracy and pro-Beijing demonstrators close to the site, with several arrests made. In a speech, Mr Xi said Hong Kong now enjoyed … Read more
China’s President Xi Jinping said Saturday Hong Kong was freer than ever before but warned against “impermissible” challenges to Beijing’s authority as the city marked 20 years since it was handed back by Britain. Xi spoke in a televised address after swearing in new Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam as pro and anti-Beijing protesters clashed … Read more
In the midst of celebrations marking 20 years since Britain returned Hong Kong to China, Beijing declared that the document which initiated the handover “is no longer relevant.” The remarks on Friday came a day after UK Foreign Minister Boris Johnson stressed Britain’s commitment to the historic Sino-Britain Joint Declaration, which gave Hong Kong rights … Read more
China issued new regulations on Friday around online video content, directing streaming platforms to eliminate a range of programs in yet another tightening of controls on the Chinese Internet. Among the films, dramas and cartoons targeted by the China Netcasting Services Assocation’s (CNSA) rules are those “demonstrating ‘abnormal’ sexual relations or acts, such as… homosexuality.” … Read more
Xi Jinping’s every word is being closely watched during his first visit to politically divided Hong Kong as China’s leader, but his wife is stealing some of the spotlight in a soft power push by Beijing. First lady Peng Liyuan has made headlines for her dress sense and charm as she meets members of the … Read more
Relations between China and the United States soured on Friday as Beijing fumed over US arms sales to Taiwan and US sanctions against a Chinese bank linked to North Korea. The sudden US actions and China’s angry response mark a break from the friendlier tone that had emerged after US President Donald Trump hosted Chinese … Read more
China on Friday condemned a $1.3 billion US arms sale to Taiwan and called on the United States to stop any weapons deal with the island, which Beijing considers a rebel province. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a press briefing that Beijing has lodged a formal protest with Washington and urged the US … Read more
China slammed the United States on Friday for its decision to slap unprecedented sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash. “We urge the US side to stop their wrongful actions on this issue to avoid any effect on other cooperation issues,” foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters during a regular … Read more
Opium, umbrellas and fruit were all banned for reporters covering Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to a military parade Friday, on a peculiarly exhaustive list of items considered too dangerous to bring along. Xi was visiting a People’s Liberation Army airfield in northern Hong Kong, one of the most highly anticipated events during his landmark … Read more
China’s President Xi Jinping will want for nothing during his three-day visit to Hong Kong after taking over two entire luxury hotels with more than 1,300 rooms between them. The glitzy harbourfront Grand Hyatt and Renaissance, in the business and commercial district of Wan Chai, are usually bustling with guests as well as visitors to … Read more
Tanks, missile launchers and chanting troops greeted President Xi Jinping in a potent display of Chinese military might Friday as part of his landmark visit to politically divided Hong Kong. The show of force came hours after activists were released from police custody after being arrested over a protest. Xi arrived in the city on … Read more
The United States slapped unprecedented sanctions Thursday on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash after President Donald Trump said Beijing’s efforts to put the brakes on Pyongyang’s nuclear drive had failed. As South Korea’s new president visited Washington, the Treasury Department announced the Bank of Dandong would be severed from the US … Read more
Donald Trump’s administration has approved $1.3 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan, a US government official said Thursday, in a move likely to provoke the ire of Beijing which considers the island a rebel province. The US official emphasized that there is “no change to our longstanding ‘One China’ policy” — stating that there … Read more
UK Foreign Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday urged democratic progress in Hong Kong, 20 years after Britain returned the semi-autonomous city to China. “The rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a free media have all been central to Hong Kong’s success. “As we look to the future, Britain hopes that Hong Kong will make … Read more
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Hong Kong to mark 20 years since the territory was handed back to China by Britain. The highly symbolic visit, Mr Xi’s first since becoming leader in 2012, comes amid an increasingly tense political climate. Official celebrations are planned, as well as large protests from pro-democracy and pro-Beijing … Read more
A Chinese aircraft carrier is steaming towards Hong Kong for celebrations marking 20 years since Britain gave back the former colony, in a clear display of China’s military might. China’s national defence ministry said Thursday that the Liaoning was part of a flotilla on a “routine training mission” and would make a port of call … Read more
President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to mark 20 years since its return to China by Britain, with activists under arrest as authorities sought to avoid embarrassment during anniversary celebrations. A huge security operation shut down large parts of the normally throbbing city, with thousands of police deployed to keep away demonstrators … Read more
President Xi Jinping arrives in Hong Kong on Thursday to mark 20 years since it was handed back to China by Britain, a trip that has already riled democracy activists in the politically divided city. The three-day visit is his first since becoming leader in 2013 and comes at a time when there are growing … Read more