UK

Britain may offer “path to citizenship” for nearly 3 million in Hong Kong

Jim Stein May 30, 2020

LONDON (UK) – Britain is prepared to offer extended visa rights and a pathway to citizenship for almost 3 million Hong Kong residents in response to China’s push to impose national security legislation in the former British colony. China’s parliament has approved a decision to

Asia

North Korea supports China’s measures on Hong Kong

Nia N May 30, 2020

SEOUL (Asia) – On Saturday, North Korea showed its support for the decision to impose new national security laws by China in Hong Kong labelling it a “legitimate step” to safeguard its security. “Since Hong Kong issue is an issue pertaining thoroughly to the internal affairs of China, any country or force has no rights […]

Asia

UK, U.S., Australia, Canada reprimand China on Hong Kong law

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

LONDON (Asia) – The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Canada criticised China on Thursday for imposing a new security law on Hong Kong that they said would breach the 1984 Sino-British agreement on the former colony and threaten its freedoms. “Hong Kong has flourished as a bastion of freedom,” the four countries said […]

Finance

Stocks down as markets wait for Trump’s Hong Kong response

support May 29, 2020

SINGAPORE/NEW YORK (Finance) – Asia’s stock markets pulled back and major currencies were held in check on Friday, as investors await the U.S. response to China tightening control over the city of Hong Kong. China’s parliament on Thursday pressed ahead with national security legislation for the city, raising fears over the future of its democratic […]

Asia

The ‘guide and support’ of HK police promised by China public security ministry

Nia N May 29, 2020

SHANGHAI (Asia) – China’s public security ministry pledged to “guide and support” the Hong Kong police force after China’s parliament approved a decision to impose a national security law on the semi-autonomous territory, highlighting Beijing’s intention to take a more hands-on law-enforcement role in the city. China’s Ministry of

Asia

Rich Chinese skirt Hong Kong seeking asset safety elsewhere

Jim Stein May 28, 2020

HONG KONG (Asia) – Rich Chinese are expected to park fewer funds in Hong Kong on worries that Beijing’s proposed national security law for the city could allow mainland authorities to track and seize their wealth, bankers and other industry sources said. More than half of Hong Kong’s estimated private wealth of over $1 trillion […]

USA

U.S. business urge Trump to go slow on Hong Kong response

Jim Stein May 28, 2020

WASHINGTON (U.S.) – Business groups are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to go slowly in responding to Beijing’s planned imposition of new national security laws on Hong Kong, warning revoking the city’s special U.S. privileges will hurt the territory and its people. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared on Wednesday China’s actions had

Asia

Legislating ‘respect’ is the aim of Hong Kong’s China national anthem bill

Jim Stein May 27, 2020

HONG KONG (Asia) – Hong Kong’s legislature is moving forward on a controversial bill that would criminalise abuse of China’s national anthem. A second reading of the bill is being held in the legislature on Wednesday. Protests outside the legislature are expected. WHAT IS IT? Hong Kong’s National Anthem Bill if passed into law by […]

USA

This week, Trump shall be announcing his strong Hong Kong response

Jim Stein May 27, 2020

WASHINGTON (U.S.) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States was working on a strong response to China’s planned national security legislation for Hong Kong and it would be announced before the end of the week China’s parliament is expected to approve a proposed security law that would reduce Hong Kong’s separate […]

Asia

Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam says security laws will not affect its rights, freedoms

Jim Stein May 26, 2020

HONG KONG (Asia) – Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that Beijing’s proposed national security laws would not trample on the city’s rights and freedoms and called on citizens to wait to see the details of the legislation. Lam added her voice to an unprecedented barrage of statements by Beijing and local officials, […]