Asia

HK scientist invents retinal scan technology to trace early childhood autism

Editorial Bureau March 15, 2021

HONG KONG – A Hong Kong scientist has developed a method through which machine learning and artificial intelligence could be used to scan retinas of children as young as six to recognise signs of early autism or the risk of autism and aims to develop a commercial product this year.

Asia

Hong Kong court gives bail to three more activists in subversion case

Editorial Bureau March 15, 2021

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s High Court granted bail on Monday to three more activists in a case, which 47 people were accused of conspiracy against the government after conducting an informal 2020 poll to select candidates for legislative elections. The case is being closely monitored by foreign diplomats and rights groups concerned over trying […]

Asia

Australia criticises and expresses concern over Hong Kong electoral changes

Editorial Bureau March 12, 2021

SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA): Australian foreign minister Marise Payne on Friday expressed serious concern at changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system introduced by China, saying the reforms weakened Hong Kong’s democratic institutions. “It is essential that Hong Kong people have channels to exercise their fundamental freedom of political expression,” Payne said in a statement. A

Asia

Hong Kong’s electoral system to undergo a major revamp

Editorial Bureau March 11, 2021

BEIJING (CHINA) – A draft decision to change Hong Kong’s electoral system, which will further reduce democratic representation in the city’s institutions has been approved by the Chinese parliament. The decision is considered as a mechanism to vet politicians’ loyalty to Beijing. Consolidating Beijing’s authoritarian grip over the global

Asia

One activist released on bail in case involving 47 in Hong Kong

Editorial Bureau March 11, 2021

HONG KONG – One activist charged with conspiracy to commit subversion was released on bail by Hong Kong’s High Court on Thursday. The court, however, remanded another in a widely monitored case that saw the most sweeping use yet of the city’s national security law. Former opposition lawmaker Helena Wong was released on bail on […]

Asia

Hong Kong makes changes to prevent ‘dictatorship of the majority’, pro-Beijing lawmaker says

Editorial Bureau March 6, 2021

BEIJING (CHINA) – China’s proposal for Hong Kong electoral reforms could prevent a “dictatorship of the majority”, pro-Beijing Hong Kong lawmaker Martin Liao told Reuters on Saturday. The Chinese parliament is discussing plans to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system to ensure Beijing loyalists are in charge. Hong Kong representatives, in

Asia

China toughens grip on Hong Kong, charts moderates GDP target

Editorial Bureau March 5, 2021

BEIJING (CHINA) – China moved to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system on Friday in a further blow to democracy in the city and unexpectedly set an economic growth target for this year, albeit a modest one, as it kicked off its annual session of parliament. On a smoggy day in Beijing, Premier Li Keqiang touted […]

Asia

Two rights groups leave Hong Kong over draconian security law

Editorial Bureau February 26, 2021

HONG KONG – Two political rights groups championing democracy have left Hong Kong and moved abroad after they were unnerved by a national security law stoking fears of an erosion of freedoms under Beijing control. In the past, China-focused rights groups had valued the wide-ranging autonomy, including freedom of speech and assembly, guaranteed for Hong […]

Asia

Hong Kong drafts bill mandating “patriotic” oath for local councils

Editorial Bureau February 23, 2021

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s government will gazette a bill this week making it mandatory for community level district councils to take an oath of allegiance to the mini-constitution of the city. This could further stifle democratic opposition. Secretary for Mainland and Constitutional Affairs Eric Tsang said those politicians deemed insincere would not be allowed

Asia

Hong Kong leader receives China’s Sinovac vaccine to strengthen public confidence

Editorial Bureau February 22, 2021

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam got China’s Sinovac vaccine on Monday together with top officials during a live televised event to strengthen public confidence before the vaccine’s rollout in the global financial hub this week. Sinovac is the first COVID-19 vaccine that Hong Kong is introducing, ahead of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine likely