Chinese mainlanders are flocking to Hong Kong and Macau for Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination&nbsp;as COVID-19 outbreak&nbsp;spreads rapidly throughout the country. This occurs at a time when China&nbsp;has not yet approved mRNA&nbsp;jabs, maufactured&nbsp;by the West, in its mainland.&nbsp;Let's take a deeper look&nbsp;at why the Chinese are rushing to Hong Kong, Macau, and even Thailand&nbsp;to purchase these really potent mRNA vaccines.&nbsp;

<h2>Where are the Chinese going for Covid jabs?</h2>

More and more Chinese are leaving the country as a result of China easing the requirement for quarantine upon arrival on the mainland.

Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand are the most frequently visited places by these tourists, according to Trip.com Group bookings. For individuals seeking long-haul flights, the US, UK, and Australia are the top destinations, according to a report by CNN.

Since their nation has reopened its borders after a three-year hiatus, some people have reasons other than mere vacations to go.

While the mainland has held off on certifying them, Hong Kong and Macau citizens have had unfettered access to the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-boeing-737-max-takes-first-flight-after-staying-grounded-for-four-years-552321">China: Boeing 737 MAX takes first flight after staying grounded for four years</a>

The first group of mainlanders arrived at Virtus Medical Centre, a private hospital in Hong Kong, on 12 January, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

A customer WHo spoke to Reuters said&nbsp;that she spent HK$ 1,888 ($241) for her first BioNTech COVID-19 booster dosage after receiving three doses of a domestic vaccination in China.

“I was very tempted to get the vaccine because of the border reopening. There is no bivalent vaccine available in mainland China,” Yoyo Liang, a 36-year-old Beijing resident, was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Reuters.

As per a&nbsp;CNBC report, a man from Shaanxi province wrote on Weibo – China’s equivalent of Twitter – a week back, “It’s been long since I went to Hong Kong. I can take a vacation, as well as get vaccinated. Won’t this be killing two birds with one stone? Without saying further, I have made my appointment and am getting ready.”

In an interview with CNBC, Sam Radwan, head of the management consulting firm Enhance International, expressed his opinion that Hong Kong is the "natural first destination of Chinese vaccine tourism."

“It will then spread to Asia and the US, maybe extend to Europe,” he added.

Additionally, travel agencies like&nbsp;Easson Holdings are also providing vaccination trip packages to Hong Kong that include hotel and flight reservations as well as shuttle facilities to vaccine clinics, as reported by the Financial Times.

Also watch |&nbsp;China's imports, exports plunge in warning sign for economy

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In recent months, mainland Chinese have also travelled to Macau for vaccinations.&nbsp;The Financial Times reported in late December, quoting a customer service representative at the Macau hospital, that the phone had been ringing "nonstop" since the COVID-19 infection waves in China began to pick up speed.

Furthermore, Singapore and Thailand are also potential destinations for mainland Chinese people&nbsp;needing Covid jabs.&nbsp;

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister stated last month that he was mulling a proposal to offer free vaccinations to foreigners who want booster doses, as per a CNBC report.

Since Beijing loosened its travel restrictions, Singaporean healthcare practitioners have also noticed an increase in requests from Chinese tourists for COVID-19 vaccinations.

<h2>How are western Covid vaccines better than Chinese home-grown&nbsp;CoronaVac?</h2>

In response to the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, China has increased vaccine coverage, particularly among the elderly. But, these vaccines have proven ineffective, particularly during major Covid outbreaks.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-900-million-in-china-infected-with-covid-chinese-university-study-552374">About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study</a>

Researchers from Hong Kong University found that CoronaVac did not work against the COVID-19 variation Omicron,&nbsp;even after two doses. On the other hand, the body was able to develop immunity to the variation after receiving two doses of Pfizer's mRNA vaccine, as reported by the&nbsp;Slate Magazine.

In the meanwhile, Business Insider claimed that China has stepped up attempts to create its own mRNA vaccinations despite its staunch refusal to accept mRNA vaccines made in the West.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese mainlanders are flocking to Hong Kong and Macau for Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination as COVID-19 outbreak spreads rapidly throughout the country. This occurs at a time when China has not yet approved mRNA jabs, maufactured by the West, in its mainland.

Chinese mainlanders are flocking to Hong Kong and Macau for Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination as COVID-19 outbreak spreads rapidly throughout the country. This occurs at a time when China has not yet approved mRNA jabs, maufactured by the West, in its mainland. Let's take a deeper look at why the Chinese are rushing to Hong Kong, Macau, and even Thailand to purchase these really potent mRNA vaccines. Where are the Chinese going for Covid jabs? More and more Chinese are leaving the country as a result of China easing the requirement for quarantine upon arrival on the mainland. Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand are the most frequently visited places by these tourists, according to Trip.com Group bookings. For individuals seeking long-haul flights, the US, UK, and Australia are the top destinations, according to a report by CNN. Since their nation has reopened its borders after a three-year hiatus, some people have reasons other than mere vacations to go. While the mainland has held off on certifying them, Hong Kong and Macau citizens have had unfettered access to the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA vaccine. Also read | China: Boeing 737 MAX takes first flight after staying grounded for four years The first group of mainlanders arrived at Virtus Medical Centre, a private hospital in Hong Kong, on 12 January, according to Reuters. A customer WHo spoke to Reuters said that she spent HK$ 1,888 ($241) for her first BioNTech COVID-19 booster dosage after receiving three doses of a domestic vaccination in China. “I was very tempted to get the vaccine because of the border reopening. There is no bivalent vaccine available in mainland China,” Yoyo Liang, a 36-year-old Beijing resident, was quoted as saying by Reuters. As per a CNBC report, a man from Shaanxi province wrote on Weibo – China’s equivalent of Twitter – a week back, “It’s been long since I went to Hong Kong. I can take a vacation, as well as get vaccinated. Won’t this be killing two birds with one stone? Without saying further, I have made my appointment and am getting ready.” In an interview with CNBC, Sam Radwan, head of the management consulting firm Enhance International, expressed his opinion that Hong Kong is the "natural first destination of Chinese vaccine tourism." “It will then spread to Asia and the US, maybe extend to Europe,” he added. Additionally, travel agencies like Easson Holdings are also providing vaccination trip packages to Hong Kong that include hotel and flight reservations as well as shuttle facilities to vaccine clinics, as reported by the Financial Times. Also watch | China's imports, exports plunge in warning sign for economy In recent months, mainland Chinese have also travelled to Macau for vaccinations. The Financial Times reported in late December, quoting a customer service representative at the Macau hospital, that the phone had been ringing "nonstop" since the COVID-19 infection waves in China began to pick up speed. Furthermore, Singapore and Thailand are also potential destinations for mainland Chinese people needing Covid jabs. Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister stated last month that he was mulling a proposal to offer free vaccinations to foreigners who want booster doses, as per a CNBC report. Since Beijing loosened its travel restrictions, Singaporean healthcare practitioners have also noticed an increase in requests from Chinese tourists for COVID-19 vaccinations. How are western Covid vaccines better than Chinese home-grown CoronaVac? In response to the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, China has increased vaccine coverage, particularly among the elderly. But, these vaccines have proven ineffective, particularly during major Covid outbreaks. Also read | About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study Researchers from Hong Kong University found that CoronaVac did not work against the COVID-19 variation Omicron, even after two doses. On the other hand, the body was able to develop immunity to the variation after receiving two doses of Pfizer's mRNA vaccine, as reported by the Slate Magazine. In the meanwhile, Business Insider claimed that China has stepped up attempts to create its own mRNA vaccinations despite its staunch refusal to accept mRNA vaccines made in the West. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: Why are the Chinese turning to Hong Kong and Macau for Covid jabs?

A 90-year-old cardinal from Hong Kong will be allowed by the authorities to attend the funeral of former pope Benedict XVI after he was arrested last year under the national security law, a source told AFP. Cardinal Joseph Zen was one of the highest-ranking Catholics in Asia but his passport was confiscated after his arrest for allegedly funding pro-democracy protestors. The funeral for Benedict will take place on Tuesday with the incumbent Pope Francis leading the proceedings.

Zen was promoted to the Catholic church’s College of Cardinals by Benedict back in 2006.

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According to the AFP report, Magistrate Peter Law ruled during a hearing on Tuesday that Zen could leave Hong Kong for five days and his passport will be returned temporarily. Zen has been facing a number of legal threats with the China-backed authorities pushing for stricter restrictions.

In the aftermath of Benedict’s death, Zen wrote an article after the former pope where he described him as "great defender of truth" and lauded his contributions to the Chinese church.

"He could not accept any compromise," Zen wrote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-look-like-domestic-terrorists-ex-white-house-aide-hope-hickss-angry-text-messages-released-548896">Ex-White House aide's angry text messages on January 6 released</a>

Zen was arrested in May 2021 for “collusion with foreign forces” – an offence can result in up to life imprisonment. While the fund was set up by five pro-democracy advocates to help protestors through medical and legal aid, it was fined by the court for not having proper registration.

The implementation of the national security law by the China-backed authorities has resulted in a war against pro-democracy activists who have found it difficult to continue their fight.

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A 90-year-old cardinal from Hong Kong will be allowed by the authorities to attend the funeral of former pope Benedict XVI after he was arrested last year under the national security law, a source told AFP.

A 90-year-old cardinal from Hong Kong will be allowed by the authorities to attend the funeral of former pope Benedict XVI after he was arrested last year under the national security law, a source told AFP. Cardinal Joseph Zen was one of the highest-ranking Catholics in Asia but his passport was confiscated after his arrest for allegedly funding pro-democracy protestors. The funeral for Benedict will take place on Tuesday with the incumbent Pope Francis leading the proceedings. Zen was promoted to the Catholic church’s College of Cardinals by Benedict back in 2006. Also read | Another Russian found dead on a ship in India, third incident in a fortnight According to the AFP report, Magistrate Peter Law ruled during a hearing on Tuesday that Zen could leave Hong Kong for five days and his passport will be returned temporarily. Zen has been facing a number of legal threats with the China-backed authorities pushing for stricter restrictions. In the aftermath of Benedict’s death, Zen wrote an article after the former pope where he described him as "great defender of truth" and lauded his contributions to the Chinese church. "He could not accept any compromise," Zen wrote. Also read | Ex-White House aide's angry text messages on January 6 released Zen was arrested in May 2021 for “collusion with foreign forces” – an offence can result in up to life imprisonment. While the fund was set up by five pro-democracy advocates to help protestors through medical and legal aid, it was fined by the court for not having proper registration. The implementation of the national security law by the China-backed authorities has resulted in a war against pro-democracy activists who have found it difficult to continue their fight.

Hong Kong court allows Cardinal Zen to attend funeral of Pope Benedict XVI

China on Friday (December 30) gave Hong Kong leader John Lee power to bar foreign lawyers from trials related to national security law. Previously, even under the sweeping national security law, foreign lawyers were granted&nbsp;admission&nbsp;by Hong Kong courts to work in the city. This will no longer be as easy as before. &nbsp;

Critics of the latest decision say that this has created a "dual state" in Hong Kong's justice system &nbsp;and turned its national security committee, controlled by top Hong Kong and Beijing officials, into an "omnipotent authority" that could overthrow any national security rulings.&nbsp;

Beijing imposed the sweeping national security law in 2020 after huge, and sometimes violent, pro-democracy protests rocked the city a year earlier.&nbsp;

The law has since been used to crush dissent and transform Hong Kong's common law traditions that had differentiated it from China's opaque, party-controlled courts.&nbsp;

Beijing's National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) decided on Friday that Hong Kong's chief executive should now decide whether overseas lawyers working on cases involving the sweeping new law would pose a threat to national security.&nbsp;

The courts in Hong Kong will now have to obtain a certificate before considering admission for a foreign lawyer. If this is not done, it may invite action from the city's powerful national security committee. The committee is chaired by Lee and Beijing's liaison chief in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

The committee's decisions are immune from legal challenge.&nbsp;

Lee, a former police chief, welcomed the decision and argued that foreign lawyers could pose a threat because they came from "hostile" countries. He had previously said they could also be subject to coercion or manipulation.&nbsp;

The issue was sparked by jailed pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai hiring senior British lawyer Tim Owen to defend him at his upcoming national security trial.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China on Friday (December 30) gave Hong Kong leader John Lee power to bar foreign lawyers from trials related to national security law. Previously, even under the sweeping national security law, foreign lawyers were granted admission by Hong Kong courts to work in the city.

China on Friday (December 30) gave Hong Kong leader John Lee power to bar foreign lawyers from trials related to national security law. Previously, even under the sweeping national security law, foreign lawyers were granted admission by Hong Kong courts to work in the city. This will no longer be as easy as before. Critics of the latest decision say that this has created a "dual state" in Hong Kong's justice system and turned its national security committee, controlled by top Hong Kong and Beijing officials, into an "omnipotent authority" that could overthrow any national security rulings. Beijing imposed the sweeping national security law in 2020 after huge, and sometimes violent, pro-democracy protests rocked the city a year earlier. The law has since been used to crush dissent and transform Hong Kong's common law traditions that had differentiated it from China's opaque, party-controlled courts. Beijing's National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) decided on Friday that Hong Kong's chief executive should now decide whether overseas lawyers working on cases involving the sweeping new law would pose a threat to national security. The courts in Hong Kong will now have to obtain a certificate before considering admission for a foreign lawyer. If this is not done, it may invite action from the city's powerful national security committee. The committee is chaired by Lee and Beijing's liaison chief in Hong Kong. The committee's decisions are immune from legal challenge. Lee, a former police chief, welcomed the decision and argued that foreign lawyers could pose a threat because they came from "hostile" countries. He had previously said they could also be subject to coercion or manipulation. The issue was sparked by jailed pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai hiring senior British lawyer Tim Owen to defend him at his upcoming national security trial. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Hong Kong leader gets power to bar foreign lawyers

Hong Kong will end most of its strict Covid rules starting Thursday (December 29), meaning there will be no cap on public gatherings and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped.&nbsp; Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee said that all virus-related measures would be cancelled apart from wearing masks which still remains mandatory, a report by news agency Reuters said.&nbsp; 
 
"The city has reached a relatively high vaccination rate which builds an anti-epidemic barrier. Hong Kong has a sufficient amount of medicine to fight Covid, and healthcare workers have gained rich experience in facing the pandemic," Lee said and pointed out that authorities have been preparing for the scrapping of all restrictions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-further-easing-of-covid-19-curbs-544713">Hong Kong announces further easing of Covid-19 curbs</a>

The chief executive also said that Hong Kong will no longer require arrivals to undergo RT-PCR tests, though they would be recommended to do rapid tests for five days, adding close contacts of infected persons will not be required to quarantine, the Straits Times reported. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The news of ending the strict Covid rules comes days after John Lee said that Hong Kong will reopen its borders with mainland China by mid-January, despite China seeing a massive surge in infections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-bf7-outbreak-causes-blood-shortage-across-china-546600">New Covid BF.7 outbreak causes blood shortage across China</a>

Lee said last Saturday that authorities would aim to "gradually, orderly, and fully" re-open all entry points between the two sides, and coordinate with the government of Shenzhen to manage the flow of people.

Hong Kong and Beijing had shut their borders in 2020 when Covid first emerged and they remained closed since then.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Hong Kong will end most of its strict Covid rules starting Thursday (December 29), meaning there will be no cap on public gatherings and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped.

Hong Kong will end most of its strict Covid rules starting Thursday (December 29), meaning there will be no cap on public gatherings and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee said that all virus-related measures would be cancelled apart from wearing masks which still remains mandatory, a report by news agency Reuters said. "The city has reached a relatively high vaccination rate which builds an anti-epidemic barrier. Hong Kong has a sufficient amount of medicine to fight Covid, and healthcare workers have gained rich experience in facing the pandemic," Lee said and pointed out that authorities have been preparing for the scrapping of all restrictions. ALSO READ | Hong Kong announces further easing of Covid-19 curbs The chief executive also said that Hong Kong will no longer require arrivals to undergo RT-PCR tests, though they would be recommended to do rapid tests for five days, adding close contacts of infected persons will not be required to quarantine, the Straits Times reported. The news of ending the strict Covid rules comes days after John Lee said that Hong Kong will reopen its borders with mainland China by mid-January, despite China seeing a massive surge in infections. ALSO READ | New Covid BF.7 outbreak causes blood shortage across China Lee said last Saturday that authorities would aim to "gradually, orderly, and fully" re-open all entry points between the two sides, and coordinate with the government of Shenzhen to manage the flow of people. Hong Kong and Beijing had shut their borders in 2020 when Covid first emerged and they remained closed since then. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong to end most Covid rules apart from mandatory mask wearing

Hong Kong is set to cancel its stringent Covid19 norms, which means that arrivals are no longer required to do mandatory PCR Tests and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped. However, masks are still mandatory in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong scraps on-arrival PCR Test and vaccine pass

In the backdrop of the Chinese government's accelerated unwinding of tough Covid-19 rules which had stunted economic growth, Hong Kong is planning to re-open its borders with Beijing from mid-January, said city Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday.&nbsp;While addressing a press meet&nbsp;at the Hong Kong airport after returning from a trip to China, Lee said that the city will "gradually, orderly, and fully" be re-opened so that the border can attain normalcy like it was before the outbreak of coronavirus.

"Our goal is to quickly come to a consensus with the central government, submit our plan to the central government for review and execute on the plan before mid-January," Lee said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-further-easing-of-covid-19-curbs-544713">Hong Kong announces further easing of COVID-19 curbs</a>

“Hong Kong authorities will work with the governments of neighbouring Shenzhen city and Guangdong province to manage the flow of people crossing the border,” he added.

The authorities imposed restrictions on travelling across the border in early 2020. The border re-opening was postponed many times because of outbreaks in mainland China or Hong Kong.&nbsp;

China and Hong Kong have been lagging extremely behind other countries in easing curbs related to coronavirus. People living in Hong Kong's Chinese special administrative region had access to mainland China only through the airport of the city or two checkpoints — the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge or Shenzhen Bay.

WATCH| WION Business News | Hong Kong's property vacancies hit record

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According to local media, the authorities are preparing for the re-opening of the border which includes the deployment of officers in huge numbers from the custom department of the city and police services, local media reported.

On December 12, the government of Hong Kong said that cross-border truck drivers were permitted by the mainland authorities to collect and deliver goods directly to their designated addresses without using the checkpoints.

Since mid-December, Hong Kong's international passengers have not been subjected to movement controls related to Covid-19 and are not barred from entering certain places.

The city government said that the travellers arriving in Hong Kong can also directly head to Macau or mainland China as long as they fulfil the required criteria. Earlier, the travellers had to wait for three days before travelling to the mainland.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In the backdrop of the Chinese government's accelerated unwinding of tough Covid-19 rules which had stunted economic growth, Hong Kong is planning to re-open its borders with Beijing from mid-January, said city Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday.

In the backdrop of the Chinese government's accelerated unwinding of tough Covid-19 rules which had stunted economic growth, Hong Kong is planning to re-open its borders with Beijing from mid-January, said city Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday. While addressing a press meet at the Hong Kong airport after returning from a trip to China, Lee said that the city will "gradually, orderly, and fully" be re-opened so that the border can attain normalcy like it was before the outbreak of coronavirus. "Our goal is to quickly come to a consensus with the central government, submit our plan to the central government for review and execute on the plan before mid-January," Lee said. ALSO READ| Hong Kong announces further easing of COVID-19 curbs “Hong Kong authorities will work with the governments of neighbouring Shenzhen city and Guangdong province to manage the flow of people crossing the border,” he added. The authorities imposed restrictions on travelling across the border in early 2020. The border re-opening was postponed many times because of outbreaks in mainland China or Hong Kong. China and Hong Kong have been lagging extremely behind other countries in easing curbs related to coronavirus. People living in Hong Kong's Chinese special administrative region had access to mainland China only through the airport of the city or two checkpoints — the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge or Shenzhen Bay. WATCH| WION Business News | Hong Kong's property vacancies hit record According to local media, the authorities are preparing for the re-opening of the border which includes the deployment of officers in huge numbers from the custom department of the city and police services, local media reported. On December 12, the government of Hong Kong said that cross-border truck drivers were permitted by the mainland authorities to collect and deliver goods directly to their designated addresses without using the checkpoints. Since mid-December, Hong Kong's international passengers have not been subjected to movement controls related to Covid-19 and are not barred from entering certain places. The city government said that the travellers arriving in Hong Kong can also directly head to Macau or mainland China as long as they fulfil the required criteria. Earlier, the travellers had to wait for three days before travelling to the mainland. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong prepares to re-open border with mainland China from mid-January

Hong Kong has announced a further easing of its social distancing rules, additionally the previously mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT ( rapid antigen test) result is also set to be scrapped.

Talking to the press before his visit to the Chinese capital Beijing, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed the relaxation adding that details would be provided at a health briefing later in the day.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion?

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Lee who will be on a "duty visit" from Wednesday to Saturday will reportedly update President Xi Jinping on the latest situation of Covid and the city's economy.

The Hong Kong leader as per the Standard promised to reflect Hong Kongers' hopes to reopen the border with mainland China. However, he did not say when that would happen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hotels-charging-covid-positive-guests-hundreds-of-dollars-in-cleaning-fee-540560">Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'</a>

"I believe the central government understands very much about Hong Kong residents' longstanding hopes for reopening the border and having exchanges in a normal manner," said Lee.

While the particulars of the curb relaxation are not known citing sources the Standard reported that in addition to the possible scrapping of the mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT test for entry to bars, banquets or joining local group tours, other restrictions like the number of people allowed at venues like cinemas, performance venues, theme parks may also be removed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-takes-away-much-criticised-covid-restrictions-542509">Hong Kong takes away much-criticised Covid restrictions</a>

Currently, as per the Strati Times, in Hong Kong masks remain mandatory in public places, arrivals are still subject to PCR tests and people visiting a bar have to produce a negative rapid antigen test. Additionally, only 240 people are allowed to attend a banquet.

This comes as China and Hong Kong battle a sudden surge in the number of Covid cases after the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. On Monday, hong Kong reported 15,00 new daily cases and 39 deaths. Last week the city&nbsp;also scrapped a mandatory Covid mobile application that was required to check in to most venues such as gyms, beauty salons and schools.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hong Kong has announced a further easing of its social distancing rules, additionally the previously mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT ( rapid antigen test) result is also set to be scrapped.

Hong Kong has announced a further easing of its social distancing rules, additionally the previously mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT ( rapid antigen test) result is also set to be scrapped. Talking to the press before his visit to the Chinese capital Beijing, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed the relaxation adding that details would be provided at a health briefing later in the day. Watch | Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion? Lee who will be on a "duty visit" from Wednesday to Saturday will reportedly update President Xi Jinping on the latest situation of Covid and the city's economy. The Hong Kong leader as per the Standard promised to reflect Hong Kongers' hopes to reopen the border with mainland China. However, he did not say when that would happen. Also read | Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee' "I believe the central government understands very much about Hong Kong residents' longstanding hopes for reopening the border and having exchanges in a normal manner," said Lee. While the particulars of the curb relaxation are not known citing sources the Standard reported that in addition to the possible scrapping of the mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT test for entry to bars, banquets or joining local group tours, other restrictions like the number of people allowed at venues like cinemas, performance venues, theme parks may also be removed. Also read | Hong Kong takes away much-criticised Covid restrictions Currently, as per the Strati Times, in Hong Kong masks remain mandatory in public places, arrivals are still subject to PCR tests and people visiting a bar have to produce a negative rapid antigen test. Additionally, only 240 people are allowed to attend a banquet. This comes as China and Hong Kong battle a sudden surge in the number of Covid cases after the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. On Monday, hong Kong reported 15,00 new daily cases and 39 deaths. Last week the city also scrapped a mandatory Covid mobile application that was required to check in to most venues such as gyms, beauty salons and schools. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong announces further easing of COVID-19 curbs

A pair of Hong Kong ETFs investing in Bitcoin and Ether futures raised $79 million as the city pushes ahead with a plan to become a crypto hub even as the sector reels from the FTX collapse.

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Sotheby’s will open a property that will house its auctions and exhibitions in Hong Kong and move its headquarters in the city to cater to growth in Greater China following record sales.

World Business Watch: Sotheby’s gets new Hong Kong auction house after record sales

Google on Thursday said that it does not manipulate search results amid a row over the national anthem of Hong Kong. The controversy started when people searching for Hong Kong's anthem online, found that links to a protest song (song of the city's pro-democracy movement) ''Glory to Hong Kong'' appeared ahead of the Chinese national anthem "March of the Volunteers".

Speaking to news agency AFP, Google said that it handles ''billions of search queries every day'', so it builds ranking systems to automatically surface relevant, high-quality, and helpful information.&nbsp;

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"We do not manually manipulate organic web listings to determine the ranking of a specific page," Google said. The tech giant added it was in contact with the Hong Kong government to explain how its platforms and removal policies work.&nbsp;

"We do not remove web results except for specific reasons outlined in our global policy documentation," Google further said.&nbsp;

The clarification came two days after &nbsp;Hong Kong's security chief Chris Tang said that Google refused to change its search results to display China's national anthem rather than the protest song.&nbsp;

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"We've approached Google to request that they put the correct national anthem at the top of their search results, but unfortunately Google refused," Tang said on Monday, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Apart from Tang, Hong Kong leader John Lee said this week that the tech giant had a ''moral obligation'' to respect a nation's national anthem.&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign ministry, meanwhile, said that internet companies had a duty to deliver correct information to the public.&nbsp;

"Glory to Hong Kong", written in 2019, was accidentally played for Hong Kong athletes at two international sporting events in November this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Google on Thursday said that it does not manipulate search results amid a row over the national anthem of Hong Kong. The controversy started when people searching for Hong Kong's anthem online, found that links to a protest song (song of the city's pro-democracy movement) ''Glory to Hong Kong'' appeared ahead of the Chinese national anthem "March of the Volunteers".

Google on Thursday said that it does not manipulate search results amid a row over the national anthem of Hong Kong. The controversy started when people searching for Hong Kong's anthem online, found that links to a protest song (song of the city's pro-democracy movement) ''Glory to Hong Kong'' appeared ahead of the Chinese national anthem "March of the Volunteers". Speaking to news agency AFP, Google said that it handles ''billions of search queries every day'', so it builds ranking systems to automatically surface relevant, high-quality, and helpful information. ALSO READ | Hong Kong is back, but only for some "We do not manually manipulate organic web listings to determine the ranking of a specific page," Google said. The tech giant added it was in contact with the Hong Kong government to explain how its platforms and removal policies work. "We do not remove web results except for specific reasons outlined in our global policy documentation," Google further said. The clarification came two days after Hong Kong's security chief Chris Tang said that Google refused to change its search results to display China's national anthem rather than the protest song. ALSO READ | The hammer and sickle effect in Hong Kong "We've approached Google to request that they put the correct national anthem at the top of their search results, but unfortunately Google refused," Tang said on Monday, news agency Reuters reported. Apart from Tang, Hong Kong leader John Lee said this week that the tech giant had a ''moral obligation'' to respect a nation's national anthem. The Chinese foreign ministry, meanwhile, said that internet companies had a duty to deliver correct information to the public. "Glory to Hong Kong", written in 2019, was accidentally played for Hong Kong athletes at two international sporting events in November this year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Google says it does not change search results amid Hong Kong anthem row

A court in Hong Kong ruled on Wednesday that the police authorities’ decision to ban a Tiananmen vigil in 2021 was unlawful. As a result of the judgement, the conviction of democracy activist Chow Hang-tung was also overturned by the court. Chow was the organiser of the annual candlelight vigil to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests and was arrested by the authorities.

While the vigil took place every year to remember the 1989 crackdown by the Chinese government, the new Beijing-backed Hong Kong authorities did not take kindly to the demonstrations last year.

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In the judgement, High Court judge Judianna Barnes said that the decision to ban the vigil was not correct and said that the police did not "proactively and seriously consider ways to facilitate a public gathering” before ordering the disbanding and arrests of the people taking part in the programme.

"Although the organisers expressed willingness to follow any reasonable demands by the police, the police only raised questions... and did not propose measures or conditions that could obviously be considered," the judge said in the judgement according to AFP. &nbsp;

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The judge added that the government was not able to prove that the ban had any validity.

While the judgement did result in charges getting dropped against Chow, he still remains in police custody due to the other national security charges brought against him in the past.

The major accusation against Chow was that he authored several anti-government articles and as a result, he was sentenced to prison in Hong Kong for 15 months.

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A court in Hong Kong ruled on Wednesday that the police authorities’ decision to ban a Tiananmen vigil in 2021 was unlawful. As a result of the judgement, the conviction of democracy activist Chow Hang-tung was also overturned by the court.

A court in Hong Kong ruled on Wednesday that the police authorities’ decision to ban a Tiananmen vigil in 2021 was unlawful. As a result of the judgement, the conviction of democracy activist Chow Hang-tung was also overturned by the court. Chow was the organiser of the annual candlelight vigil to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests and was arrested by the authorities. While the vigil took place every year to remember the 1989 crackdown by the Chinese government, the new Beijing-backed Hong Kong authorities did not take kindly to the demonstrations last year. Also read | US slams China's LAC intrusion attempt, lauds India's de-escalation efforts In the judgement, High Court judge Judianna Barnes said that the decision to ban the vigil was not correct and said that the police did not "proactively and seriously consider ways to facilitate a public gathering” before ordering the disbanding and arrests of the people taking part in the programme. "Although the organisers expressed willingness to follow any reasonable demands by the police, the police only raised questions... and did not propose measures or conditions that could obviously be considered," the judge said in the judgement according to AFP. Also read | FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is denied bail after being charged with fraud The judge added that the government was not able to prove that the ban had any validity. While the judgement did result in charges getting dropped against Chow, he still remains in police custody due to the other national security charges brought against him in the past. The major accusation against Chow was that he authored several anti-government articles and as a result, he was sentenced to prison in Hong Kong for 15 months.

Hong Kong authorities were wrong to ban Tiananmen vigil in 2021, court rules

Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues.

Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime will also be taken away. Under&nbsp;this&nbsp;travellers were given an amber code on Hong Kong's&nbsp;app, which restricted their movement and they had to undergo a three-day medical surveillance period.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion?

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Instead, the city will now adopt a "0+0" arrangement, visitors will be allotted a blue code that does not restrict their movement.

On Tuesday, the city announced that the programme which has long been a key source of frustration for travellers who had been subjected to curbs the first three days of their visit will be stopped. &nbsp;

Announcing the new measures Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that residents will no longer have to scan QR codes with the app to record visits to different premises.

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However, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), they will still need to present their Covid vaccination proof at restaurants etc. Mask mandates, indoors and outdoors too will continue, as will the ban on public gatherings of more than 12 people.

Talkin to reporters he said, "We have made these two decisions because we have considered the data and the risks."&nbsp;

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As per AFP, the new measures will come into effect on Wednesday and further details will be announced later in the day by the city's health department.

The change comes after a similar move in mainland China and at a time when the city's businesses face the battering of a recession-mired economy after two years of self-imposed isolation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues. Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime will also be taken away.

Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues. Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime will also be taken away. Under this travellers were given an amber code on Hong Kong's app, which restricted their movement and they had to undergo a three-day medical surveillance period. Watch | Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion? Instead, the city will now adopt a "0+0" arrangement, visitors will be allotted a blue code that does not restrict their movement. On Tuesday, the city announced that the programme which has long been a key source of frustration for travellers who had been subjected to curbs the first three days of their visit will be stopped. Announcing the new measures Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that residents will no longer have to scan QR codes with the app to record visits to different premises. Also read | Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee' However, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), they will still need to present their Covid vaccination proof at restaurants etc. Mask mandates, indoors and outdoors too will continue, as will the ban on public gatherings of more than 12 people. Talkin to reporters he said, "We have made these two decisions because we have considered the data and the risks." Also read | In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert As per AFP, the new measures will come into effect on Wednesday and further details will be announced later in the day by the city's health department. The change comes after a similar move in mainland China and at a time when the city's businesses face the battering of a recession-mired economy after two years of self-imposed isolation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong takes away much-criticised Covid restrictions

Hong Kong scraps some its last Covid-19 restrictions that have crushed the city’s economy and undermined its status as a financial hub. Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime has also be taken away.

Hong Kong scraps Covid restrictions for arriving travellers

Hong Kong's media mogul Jimmy Lai, who founded the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was sentenced to five years and nine months on Saturday (December 10).&nbsp;Lai was found guilty of fraud in a contractual dispute and the district court also imposed a fine of US$256,850 (HK$2 million) for breaching land lease terms for the headquarters of a now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper.&nbsp;

The court said that the media tycoon played a significant role in the fraud as he helped to cover up the operations of a private company, Dico Consultants Ltd, at the headquarters of the newspaper he sued to run.&nbsp;

The 75-year-old is a prominent face, who has been raising his voice in support of Hong Kong's independence. He has been behind bars since December 2020 and has served 20 months for unauthorised assemblies.&nbsp;

In his ruling, Judge Stanley Chan Kwong-chi wrote that Jimmy had "acted under the protective umbrella of a media organization". Chan also said this prosecution of a media tycoon "wasn't equivalent to an attack on press freedom".&nbsp;

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Chan, an arbiter approved by the city’s leader to oversee national security proceedings, wrote in judgement: "If a media organisation, representing the so-called fourth power, allowed a firm to occupy its space without authorisation to carry out its businesses, was it not that such organisation did so under the aegis of its reputation as the media?"&nbsp;

The West raised concerns about the way Lai was treated, but Chan stressed that everyone is equal before the law. The judge also noted: "[Lai] had acted under the aegis of the media … This was a fraudulent act which was planned, organised and spanning many years."&nbsp;

Jimmy Lai was the head of Next Digital, the parent company of Apple Daily, which was shuttered after a police raid in June 2021. Another Next Digital executive, Wong Wai-keung, 61, was found guilty of fraud and jailed for 21 months.&nbsp;

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Hong Kong's media mogul Jimmy Lai, who founded the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was sentenced to five years and nine months on Saturday (December 10). Lai was found guilty of fraud in a contractual dispute and the district court also imposed a fine of US$256,850 (HK$2 million) for breaching land lease terms for the headquarters of a now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper.

Hong Kong's media mogul Jimmy Lai, who founded the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was sentenced to five years and nine months on Saturday (December 10). Lai was found guilty of fraud in a contractual dispute and the district court also imposed a fine of US$256,850 (HK$2 million) for breaching land lease terms for the headquarters of a now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. The court said that the media tycoon played a significant role in the fraud as he helped to cover up the operations of a private company, Dico Consultants Ltd, at the headquarters of the newspaper he sued to run. The 75-year-old is a prominent face, who has been raising his voice in support of Hong Kong's independence. He has been behind bars since December 2020 and has served 20 months for unauthorised assemblies. In his ruling, Judge Stanley Chan Kwong-chi wrote that Jimmy had "acted under the protective umbrella of a media organization". Chan also said this prosecution of a media tycoon "wasn't equivalent to an attack on press freedom". Watch this report: × Chan, an arbiter approved by the city’s leader to oversee national security proceedings, wrote in judgement: "If a media organisation, representing the so-called fourth power, allowed a firm to occupy its space without authorisation to carry out its businesses, was it not that such organisation did so under the aegis of its reputation as the media?" The West raised concerns about the way Lai was treated, but Chan stressed that everyone is equal before the law. The judge also noted: "[Lai] had acted under the aegis of the media … This was a fraudulent act which was planned, organised and spanning many years." Jimmy Lai was the head of Next Digital, the parent company of Apple Daily, which was shuttered after a police raid in June 2021. Another Next Digital executive, Wong Wai-keung, 61, was found guilty of fraud and jailed for 21 months. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai jailed for five years and seven months in fraud case

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to over five years in prison for lease fraud. Lai is the founder of now-defunct Apple Daily.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to over five years for lease fraud

A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee".

The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room. As per South China Morning Post, a Hong Konger Vivien Siu told them that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel had charged her Australian in-laws a 642 USD fee after her father-in-law tested positive for coronavirus.

The hotel apparently informed the guests of this charge only after they arrived from Sydney last month. During check-in, they were told that they will have to pay HK$5,000 if they tested positive for COVID-19.

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As per protocol, Siu's father-in-law was sent to the government’s Penny’s Bay isolation centre for quarantine, however, they still had to pay the "excessive" fee.

Under Hong Kong's current pandemic regime, instead of compulsory quarantine in hotels, foreign guests just have to undergo three days of medical surveillance during which they have to take two PCR tests.

Not only was the HK$5,000 cleaning fee excessive, but the fact that they only told their guests about the fee upon check-in was also completely unreasonable and felt very much like a trap for tourists,” said Siu.

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She said that they were charged the fee while checking in, which is a point where "it was simply impractical to refuse" because that would've meant that they had to scramble to find another hotel.

Following Siu's complaint, the hotel had to return the fee. however, it turns out that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel is not the only one charging this fee. Different hotels charge different amounts.

When the SCMP reached out to Consumer Council, they were told that they have received two such complaints however hotels are generally allowed to charge additional fees, but they have to inform the guests up front. Once the guests accept the liability only then these extra charges can be incurred.&nbsp;

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The representative advised that consumers should carefully check for additional charges at the time of booking itself.

"If the amount of the additional fee is not expressed in the terms and conditions, the hotel may only charge an amount that is reasonable. Whether the customer has agreed to pay for the additional fee or incurred liability to do so, and what amounts to a reasonable fee, is fact sensitive."(With inputs from agencies)

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A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee". The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room.

A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee". The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room. As per South China Morning Post, a Hong Konger Vivien Siu told them that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel had charged her Australian in-laws a 642 USD fee after her father-in-law tested positive for coronavirus. The hotel apparently informed the guests of this charge only after they arrived from Sydney last month. During check-in, they were told that they will have to pay HK$5,000 if they tested positive for COVID-19. Watch | Indonesia passes new criminal code, bans sex outside marriage As per protocol, Siu's father-in-law was sent to the government’s Penny’s Bay isolation centre for quarantine, however, they still had to pay the "excessive" fee. Under Hong Kong's current pandemic regime, instead of compulsory quarantine in hotels, foreign guests just have to undergo three days of medical surveillance during which they have to take two PCR tests. Not only was the HK$5,000 cleaning fee excessive, but the fact that they only told their guests about the fee upon check-in was also completely unreasonable and felt very much like a trap for tourists,” said Siu. Also read | Japan confirms over 47,000 new Covid cases as country battles eighth wave of pandemic She said that they were charged the fee while checking in, which is a point where "it was simply impractical to refuse" because that would've meant that they had to scramble to find another hotel. Following Siu's complaint, the hotel had to return the fee. however, it turns out that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel is not the only one charging this fee. Different hotels charge different amounts. When the SCMP reached out to Consumer Council, they were told that they have received two such complaints however hotels are generally allowed to charge additional fees, but they have to inform the guests up front. Once the guests accept the liability only then these extra charges can be incurred. Also read | Chinese not keen to travel abroad, even if Covid restrictions ease: Study The representative advised that consumers should carefully check for additional charges at the time of booking itself. "If the amount of the additional fee is not expressed in the terms and conditions, the hotel may only charge an amount that is reasonable. Whether the customer has agreed to pay for the additional fee or incurred liability to do so, and what amounts to a reasonable fee, is fact sensitive."(With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'

In jade waters off Hong Kong's eastern shoreline, scientists are thrilled to spot a cuttlefish protecting her eggs inside an artificial, 3D-printed clay seabed helping to restore the city's fragile coral reefs.

On postcards and in the popular imagination Hong Kong is a byword for urban density, a thicket of towering skyscrapers crammed along the harbour or clinging to the vertiginous hillsides above.&nbsp;

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Yet it is circled by a surprising array of nature and the small number of coral reefs are some of the city's best-kept secrets.

Around 84 species of coral are found in Hong Kong's waters, scientists say, more diverse than those found in the Caribbean Sea.

Most can be found on remote inlets, far from the sediment-filled Pearl River Delta and its busy shipping channels.

But like all reefs in a rapidly warming world, they are under enormous pressure.&nbsp;

Which is where Vriko Yu and her team of fellow marine scientists come in.&nbsp;

They have begun using 3D printed tiles that work as an artificial bed for corals to latch onto and thrive, with promising results.

"The first time we put down the tiles, there were a few fish around," she said on a recent inspection by University of Hong Kong (HKU) researchers.

Now the artificially produced reef laid down last summer is teeming with wildlife, including the cuttlefish, something Yu described as "very, very exciting".

Terracotta warriors

Hong Kong's government-commissioned research into local coral ecosystems after the reefs at Hoi Ha Wan marine park were struck by bleaching and mass die-offs.

Corals are colonies of billions of living polyp invertebrates and are hugely sensitive to temperature changes.&nbsp;

When they get too hot, they lose their vibrant colour and die.

Repopulating a dead or damaged reef requires suitable ground for the remaining coral larvae to latch onto and build a new home -- and the printed tiles have so far proven dependable.

Hong Kong's government commissioned research into local coral ecosystems after the reefs at Hoi Ha Wan marine park were struck by bleaching and mass die-offs.

Corals are colonies of billions of living polyp invertebrates and are hugely sensitive to temperature changes.&nbsp;

When they get too hot, they lose their vibrant colour and die.

Repopulating a dead or damaged reef requires suitable ground for the remaining coral larvae to latch onto and build a new home -- and the printed tiles have so far proven dependable.

"3D printing allows us to customise a tile or a solution for any type of environment and I think that's the real potential that the technology brings," said David Baker, an associate professor at HKU's School of Biological Sciences who led development of the technology.

Tiles carrying 400 coral fragments have been laid on a 40 square-metre (430 square-foot) section of sea floor in the marine park.

"The corals now on the tiles definitely survive better than the traditional way of transplantation," said Yu, putting the success rate at around 90 percent.

Some projects around the world have deliberately sunk ships or concrete onto the sea floor to encourage coral growth. And while those methods have had some success, they can change the chemistry of the water.

The tiles used in the Hong Kong project are made with terracotta, minimising the environmental impact.

"Clay is basically soil, so soil you can find everywhere on earth," said Christian Lange, an associate professor from HKU's Department of Architecture.

It leaves water chemistry unchanged, Lange added, and if a tile fails to spawn a new colony it will simply erode without leaving a trace.

Tougher colonies

Marine biologists pay close attention to successful reef repopulation programmes because corals are at risk of disappearing.

Rising sea temperatures have decimated reefs around the world, especially those in warmer tropical waters.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef -- the world's largest coral system -- is now so badly damaged that it is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as "critical", the worst category.

Corals that exist in subtropical waters are of particular interest to scientists because they form generally hardier colonies that are better able to withstand a greater range of temperatures.

A recent Royal Society paper found some evidence that some subtropical corals were thriving in warmer oceans, compared with their tropical cousins.

"The Great Barrier Reef... has many corals living offshore in clear tropical waters, they're not used to change," explained Baker.&nbsp;

"So just having a little extra warmth is going to push them over the edge faster than we think our local corals would succumb to bleaching."

Baker said the tiles are not a panacea for the mass bleachings.

But he hopes the project can identify species with the genetic resilience to endure future environmental stress and buy time for corals "to adapt and to migrate into more suitable areas".

"We might actually be creating a new potential home for corals as they try to escape climate change from equatorial regions," he said.

In jade waters off Hong Kong's eastern shoreline, scientists are thrilled to spot a cuttlefish protecting her eggs inside an artificial, 3D-printed clay seabed helping to restore the city's fragile coral reefs.

In jade waters off Hong Kong's eastern shoreline, scientists are thrilled to spot a cuttlefish protecting her eggs inside an artificial, 3D-printed clay seabed helping to restore the city's fragile coral reefs. On postcards and in the popular imagination Hong Kong is a byword for urban density, a thicket of towering skyscrapers crammed along the harbour or clinging to the vertiginous hillsides above. WATCH | 'We need to rethink our role on planet if corals cannot be saved' × Yet it is circled by a surprising array of nature and the small number of coral reefs are some of the city's best-kept secrets. Around 84 species of coral are found in Hong Kong's waters, scientists say, more diverse than those found in the Caribbean Sea. Most can be found on remote inlets, far from the sediment-filled Pearl River Delta and its busy shipping channels. But like all reefs in a rapidly warming world, they are under enormous pressure. Which is where Vriko Yu and her team of fellow marine scientists come in. They have begun using 3D printed tiles that work as an artificial bed for corals to latch onto and thrive, with promising results. "The first time we put down the tiles, there were a few fish around," she said on a recent inspection by University of Hong Kong (HKU) researchers. Now the artificially produced reef laid down last summer is teeming with wildlife, including the cuttlefish, something Yu described as "very, very exciting". Terracotta warriors Hong Kong's government-commissioned research into local coral ecosystems after the reefs at Hoi Ha Wan marine park were struck by bleaching and mass die-offs. Corals are colonies of billions of living polyp invertebrates and are hugely sensitive to temperature changes. When they get too hot, they lose their vibrant colour and die. Repopulating a dead or damaged reef requires suitable ground for the remaining coral larvae to latch onto and build a new home -- and the printed tiles have so far proven dependable. Hong Kong's government commissioned research into local coral ecosystems after the reefs at Hoi Ha Wan marine park were struck by bleaching and mass die-offs. Corals are colonies of billions of living polyp invertebrates and are hugely sensitive to temperature changes. When they get too hot, they lose their vibrant colour and die. Repopulating a dead or damaged reef requires suitable ground for the remaining coral larvae to latch onto and build a new home -- and the printed tiles have so far proven dependable. "3D printing allows us to customise a tile or a solution for any type of environment and I think that's the real potential that the technology brings," said David Baker, an associate professor at HKU's School of Biological Sciences who led development of the technology. Tiles carrying 400 coral fragments have been laid on a 40 square-metre (430 square-foot) section of sea floor in the marine park. "The corals now on the tiles definitely survive better than the traditional way of transplantation," said Yu, putting the success rate at around 90 percent. Some projects around the world have deliberately sunk ships or concrete onto the sea floor to encourage coral growth. And while those methods have had some success, they can change the chemistry of the water. The tiles used in the Hong Kong project are made with terracotta, minimising the environmental impact. "Clay is basically soil, so soil you can find everywhere on earth," said Christian Lange, an associate professor from HKU's Department of Architecture. It leaves water chemistry unchanged, Lange added, and if a tile fails to spawn a new colony it will simply erode without leaving a trace. Tougher colonies Marine biologists pay close attention to successful reef repopulation programmes because corals are at risk of disappearing. Rising sea temperatures have decimated reefs around the world, especially those in warmer tropical waters. Australia's Great Barrier Reef -- the world's largest coral system -- is now so badly damaged that it is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as "critical", the worst category. Corals that exist in subtropical waters are of particular interest to scientists because they form generally hardier colonies that are better able to withstand a greater range of temperatures. A recent Royal Society paper found some evidence that some subtropical corals were thriving in warmer oceans, compared with their tropical cousins. "The Great Barrier Reef... has many corals living offshore in clear tropical waters, they're not used to change," explained Baker. "So just having a little extra warmth is going to push them over the edge faster than we think our local corals would succumb to bleaching." Baker said the tiles are not a panacea for the mass bleachings. But he hopes the project can identify species with the genetic resilience to endure future environmental stress and buy time for corals "to adapt and to migrate into more suitable areas". "We might actually be creating a new potential home for corals as they try to escape climate change from equatorial regions," he said.

Scientists are boosting Hong Kong's fragile coral reefs by 3D printing

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday that the so-called "golden era" of relations with China was over, saying Beijing's systemic challenge to Britain's interests and values was growing more acute.

Rishi Sunak speaks on Xinjiang & Hong Kong while saying UK's 'golden era' with China is over

A 90-year-old Catholic Cardinal and five others have been fined by a Hong Kong Court after they were found guilty of failing to register a now-defunct fund.

Hong Kong court finds Cardinal Joseph Zen, five others guilty over relief fund

A Roman Catholic cardinal and five others were fined in Hong Kong after being found guilty of failing to register a now-defunct fund. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong court convicts Cardinal Zen over fund

In Hong Kong, six former members of staff at defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit collusion foreign forces in a closely watched national security case.

Hong Kong: Apple Daily ex-staff plead guilty to collusion

Six senior employees of the defunct pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily in Hong Kong pleaded guilty to conspiring with foreign forces on Tuesday.

Their convictions were a result of a historic case in which Beijing's broad national security statute, which was implemented in the city in 2020 to quell dissent, was for the first time applied against a journalistic organisation and its workers. They could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Apple Daily supported the pro-democracy demonstrations that shook Hong Kong in 2019 and has been harsh in its criticism of the Chinese government for years.&nbsp;

It failed last year after having its assets frozen and numerous senior employees, including founder Jimmy Lai, being accused of violating national security.

At the Hong Kong High Court on Tuesday, four former senior editors and two former executives pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security."&nbsp;

Senior writers Fung Wai-kong and Yeung Ching-kee were among the ex-employees, in addition to chief executive Cheung Kim-hung, associate publisher Chan Pui-man, chief editor Law Wai-Kwong, executive editor Lam Man-Chung, and chief editor Law Wai-Kwong.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rare-dinosaur-specimen-pulled-out-of-auction-after-questions-over-authenticity-536424">Rare Dinosaur skeleton pulled out of auction after questions over authenticity</a>

More than 160 pieces that Apple Daily had published since April 2019 were presented as evidence in the prosecution's accusation that they had exploited it to promote information that called for foreign sanctions against China.

It took until June 30, 2020, for the national security statute that&nbsp;criminalised&nbsp;foreign collaboration to go into effect.&nbsp;

In exchange for the defendant's guilty plea to cooperation, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, the prosecution dropped its allegations of sedition.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Six senior employees of the defunct pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily in Hong Kong pleaded guilty to conspiring with foreign forces on Tuesday. Their convictions were a result of a historic case in which Beijing's broad national security statute, which was implemented in the city in 2020 to quell dissent, was for the first time applied against a journalistic organisation and its workers.

Six senior employees of the defunct pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily in Hong Kong pleaded guilty to conspiring with foreign forces on Tuesday. Their convictions were a result of a historic case in which Beijing's broad national security statute, which was implemented in the city in 2020 to quell dissent, was for the first time applied against a journalistic organisation and its workers. They could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison. Apple Daily supported the pro-democracy demonstrations that shook Hong Kong in 2019 and has been harsh in its criticism of the Chinese government for years. It failed last year after having its assets frozen and numerous senior employees, including founder Jimmy Lai, being accused of violating national security. At the Hong Kong High Court on Tuesday, four former senior editors and two former executives pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security." Senior writers Fung Wai-kong and Yeung Ching-kee were among the ex-employees, in addition to chief executive Cheung Kim-hung, associate publisher Chan Pui-man, chief editor Law Wai-Kwong, executive editor Lam Man-Chung, and chief editor Law Wai-Kwong. Also Read: Rare Dinosaur skeleton pulled out of auction after questions over authenticity More than 160 pieces that Apple Daily had published since April 2019 were presented as evidence in the prosecution's accusation that they had exploited it to promote information that called for foreign sanctions against China. It took until June 30, 2020, for the national security statute that criminalised foreign collaboration to go into effect. In exchange for the defendant's guilty plea to cooperation, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, the prosecution dropped its allegations of sedition. (with inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Six from pro-democracy tabloid plead guilty to foreign collusion

China is finally loosening its zero covid policy but this comes at an odd time as COVID infections are on the rise. Hong Kong is also removing COVID curbs but the conflicting nature of the rules has critics questioning the rationale behind them. Priyanka Sharma reports.

Gravitas: China & Hong Kong ease COVID curbs amid rising cases

From new supersonic jets making a comeback to having a new journey from the mountains in the United Arab Emirates to the eagerly anticipated flight token system at Hong Kong airport, join Sumit and discover the most recent news and trends in the aviation industry on WION Wings.

Promo: WION Wings

In Hong Kong, the slowing property market, rising interest rates and pandemic effects, have hit luxury housing market. The number of luxury home sales transactions is expected to hit a nine-year low in 2022.

World Business Watch: Hong Kong luxury home sales to hit a 9-yr low

On Monday, the Hong Kong government in a strongly worded statement criticised and demanded an investigation after a popular democracy protest song was played instead of the Chinese national anthem at a rugby seven seas tournament game that the city was a part of in South Korea.&nbsp;

In a statement, the city’s government said that it “strongly deplores and opposes the playing of a song closely associated with violent protests and the 'independence' movement”, in place of China's national anthem. It added, “The National Anthem is a symbol of our country. The organiser of the tournament has a duty to ensure that the National Anthem receives the respect it warranted.”

The song “Glory to Hong Kong” is considered an unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement in the city which is now becoming increasingly controversial amid China’s crackdown on the democracy movement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-meet-live-updates-us-president-will-seek-to-establish-red-lines-in-face-to-face-talks-with-xi-533875">G20 Summit 2022 in Bali Live Updates | Xi lands in Indonesia, to hold face-to-face talks with Biden</a>

While authorities did not name the song, the widely circulated footage of Sunday’s match shows that it was played before the Asia Rugby Sevens Series finals between Hong Kong and South Korea in Incheon. A government spokesperson also wrote to the Hong Kong Rugby Union demanding them “to deal with this matter seriously, launch a full and in-depth investigation and submit a detailed report, and convey our strong objection”, to the organisers.&nbsp;

However, the city’s authorities said that Asia Rugby has already apologised to the union for the incident and confirmed that the recording of China’s national anthem submitted by the Hong Kong team’s coach was the correct one and that the incident occurred was a mistake “caused by human error of a junior staff”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-hong-kong-reclaim-its-lost-glory-518188">Gravitas: Can Hong Kong reclaim its lost glory?</a>

The statement added, the Hong Kong team noticed the mistake and brought it to the organiser’s attention who then made a public announcement conveying its apology after the game China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was played during the prize ceremony after Hong Kong won the final.&nbsp;

On Monday, the city’s rugby union expressed “extreme dissatisfaction” over the incident and said that the organisers, Asia Rugby, have “expressed their sincere apologies” and assured them that such a mistake will not be repeated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-anti-graft-agency-charged-four-people-for-reposting-election-boycott-calls-532606">Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency charges four people for reposting election boycott calls</a> 
 
The city has a law against disrespecting the Chinese national anthem which was enacted in 2020 after sports fans had started booing, March of the Volunteers when it was played during football matches. Notably, while Glory to Hong Kong has not been banned in the city, earlier this year, a harmonica player was detained after playing the tune to a crowd outside the British consulate.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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On Monday, the Hong Kong government in a strongly worded statement criticised and demanded an investigation after a popular democracy protest song was played instead of the Chinese national anthem at a rugby seven seas tournament game that the city was a part of in South Korea.

On Monday, the Hong Kong government in a strongly worded statement criticised and demanded an investigation after a popular democracy protest song was played instead of the Chinese national anthem at a rugby seven seas tournament game that the city was a part of in South Korea. In a statement, the city’s government said that it “strongly deplores and opposes the playing of a song closely associated with violent protests and the 'independence' movement”, in place of China's national anthem. It added, “The National Anthem is a symbol of our country. The organiser of the tournament has a duty to ensure that the National Anthem receives the respect it warranted.” The song “Glory to Hong Kong” is considered an unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement in the city which is now becoming increasingly controversial amid China’s crackdown on the democracy movement. ALSO READ: G20 Summit 2022 in Bali Live Updates | Xi lands in Indonesia, to hold face-to-face talks with Biden While authorities did not name the song, the widely circulated footage of Sunday’s match shows that it was played before the Asia Rugby Sevens Series finals between Hong Kong and South Korea in Incheon. A government spokesperson also wrote to the Hong Kong Rugby Union demanding them “to deal with this matter seriously, launch a full and in-depth investigation and submit a detailed report, and convey our strong objection”, to the organisers. However, the city’s authorities said that Asia Rugby has already apologised to the union for the incident and confirmed that the recording of China’s national anthem submitted by the Hong Kong team’s coach was the correct one and that the incident occurred was a mistake “caused by human error of a junior staff”. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas: Can Hong Kong reclaim its lost glory? The statement added, the Hong Kong team noticed the mistake and brought it to the organiser’s attention who then made a public announcement conveying its apology after the game China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was played during the prize ceremony after Hong Kong won the final. On Monday, the city’s rugby union expressed “extreme dissatisfaction” over the incident and said that the organisers, Asia Rugby, have “expressed their sincere apologies” and assured them that such a mistake will not be repeated. ALSO READ: Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency charges four people for reposting election boycott calls The city has a law against disrespecting the Chinese national anthem which was enacted in 2020 after sports fans had started booing, March of the Volunteers when it was played during football matches. Notably, while Glory to Hong Kong has not been banned in the city, earlier this year, a harmonica player was detained after playing the tune to a crowd outside the British consulate. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong demands probe after protest song replaced Chinese anthem at rugby match in South Korea

On Wednesday, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), detained four people who allegedly urged others to cast blank votes or not vote during the Legislative Council elections in December last year. The move was seen as a violation of the elections ordinance amended last year which makes it illegal to incite others to boycott a poll.&nbsp;

According to the ICAC, those detained were between the ages of 29 to 58 and had supposedly reposted or displayed on their respective social media pages posts from democracy activists like former lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung, ex-district councillor Yau Man-chun or activist Sunny Cheung Kwan-yang.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hong-kong-is-back-but-only-for-some-531775">Hong Kong is back, but only for some</a>

The agency added that the material had “incited others to cast blank votes or not to vote.” Notably, democracy activist Cheung and former district councillor Man-chun are overseas. Among the four suspects detained are physiotherapist Wong Chi-yan (42) and Mabel Yick (58) are accused of sharing content by former legislator Hui.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the 44-year-old graphic designer, Wu Hong-ki and the 29-year-old, finance dealer Kwok Kin-chiu shared the content originally posted by the two activists overseas.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/low-voter-turnout-witnessed-for-hong-kongs-first-patriots-only-election-438421">Low voter turnout witnessed for Hong Kong's first 'patriots only' election</a>

In 2021, the Legco passed an amendment which reads, “inciting another person not to vote, or to cast an invalid vote, by activity in public during [an] election period”. If convicted the four people, in line with this amendment, can face up to three years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$200,000 ($25,000).&nbsp;

This came after China’s overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system in a bid to ensure only “patriots” were in positions of power in the city, reported the South China Morning Post. The December elections were the first city-wide election since the amendment was passed. In a statement, the IACA said that arrest warrants were issued against the three original authors last year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-hong-kong-election-under-revamped-system-to-be-largely-uncontested-405219">First Hong Kong election under revamped system to be largely uncontested</a>

Notably, it is not illegal for people to cast a void ballot or even refuse to vote. However, since Beijing’s new system has been imposed all candidates are required to be vetted for political loyalty prior to the election, effectively barring anyone from the city’s traditional pro-democracy opposition to contest. The turnout at last year’s overhauled “patriots” hit a record low amid crackdowns on the city’s freedoms by China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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On Wednesday, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), detained four people who allegedly urged others to cast blank votes or not vote during the Legislative Council elections in December last year.

On Wednesday, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), detained four people who allegedly urged others to cast blank votes or not vote during the Legislative Council elections in December last year. The move was seen as a violation of the elections ordinance amended last year which makes it illegal to incite others to boycott a poll. According to the ICAC, those detained were between the ages of 29 to 58 and had supposedly reposted or displayed on their respective social media pages posts from democracy activists like former lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung, ex-district councillor Yau Man-chun or activist Sunny Cheung Kwan-yang. ALSO READ: Hong Kong is back, but only for some The agency added that the material had “incited others to cast blank votes or not to vote.” Notably, democracy activist Cheung and former district councillor Man-chun are overseas. Among the four suspects detained are physiotherapist Wong Chi-yan (42) and Mabel Yick (58) are accused of sharing content by former legislator Hui. On the other hand, the 44-year-old graphic designer, Wu Hong-ki and the 29-year-old, finance dealer Kwok Kin-chiu shared the content originally posted by the two activists overseas. ALSO WATCH: Low voter turnout witnessed for Hong Kong's first 'patriots only' election In 2021, the Legco passed an amendment which reads, “inciting another person not to vote, or to cast an invalid vote, by activity in public during [an] election period”. If convicted the four people, in line with this amendment, can face up to three years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$200,000 ($25,000). This came after China’s overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system in a bid to ensure only “patriots” were in positions of power in the city, reported the South China Morning Post. The December elections were the first city-wide election since the amendment was passed. In a statement, the IACA said that arrest warrants were issued against the three original authors last year. ALSO READ: First Hong Kong election under revamped system to be largely uncontested Notably, it is not illegal for people to cast a void ballot or even refuse to vote. However, since Beijing’s new system has been imposed all candidates are required to be vetted for political loyalty prior to the election, effectively barring anyone from the city’s traditional pro-democracy opposition to contest. The turnout at last year’s overhauled “patriots” hit a record low amid crackdowns on the city’s freedoms by China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency charges four people for reposting election boycott calls

Hong Kong is back, the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative region of China declared last week. John Lee's optimism was rooted in the fact that the city played host to hundreds of top financiers from across the world, and soon after, the globally followed Rugby Sevens tournament also made a reappearance after a gap of three years.

The financial summit attracted more than 200 leaders from around 120 global financial institutions though there were a few notable absentees. Financial Secretary Paul Chan offered plenty of carrots to the assembled bankers, venture capitalists and hedge fund bosses through multi-billion dollar plans to retain the city’s status as an economic hub and promised even more in the pipeline under the planned Greater Bay Area (GBA) project.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/hong-kong-plays-up-china-advantage-with-an-aim-to-become-financial-hub-once-again-530472">As Hong Kong reopens, Lee plays up 'China advantage' to charm foreign banks</a>

For the uninitiated, the GBA is a grand economic plan pursued by Beijing to link Hong Kong and Macau with nine cities in the adjacent Guangdong province and by 2035 create an economic powerhouse that will rival the likes of California – the US state that would rank as the sixth biggest economy if it were a separate nation.

GBA figures are enough for any financier to salivate as the area boasted of a domestic product worth US$1.67 trillion by 2020 and is a market populated by 86.2 million people. Moreover, most of the hi-tech industries, including future growth engines like robotics, drones and AI, are concentrated in that part of China. As the designated role of Hong Kong is to be GBA’s financial engine, it is no surprise that financiers eager to get a piece of that action made a beeline to the city.

The lure of big bucks is what Beijing and Hong Kong are banking on to paper over the criticisms about the authoritarian approach of the government and lack of rights for its own people. And they are being proved right as the Beijing visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz illustrates. The German leader arrived with a planeload of business leaders despite rising scepticism in Europe about overt economic reliance on China and uneasiness about the direction the country is taking under President Xi Jinping.

The mandarins in Beijing know they are holding a trump card as they offer a vast industrial infrastructure that no one can easily replace and offer a market that can seduce any multinational company. These two baits are powerful enough to lure in countries and Western companies who are willing to focus on economic benefits and overlook inconvenient facts like politics and clampdown on freedoms. All Beijing has to do is ease their drastic Covid restrictions, and those with dollar signs on their eyes will flow back in.

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Things were different in Hong Kong as many multinationals and banks saw the city’s rule of law and judiciary based on common law system offered them an environment they were familiar with, unlike the mainland China where everything is controlled by the Communist Party, including the courts. But that is changing in Hong Kong, which is now run by “patriots” handpicked by Beijing.

In his weekly Sunday blog, Financial Secretary Chan trumpeted the success of the financial summit which ended on Thursday, saying “it has also achieved another goal – to show the world Hong Kong’s openness and its return to normality”. But cast a glance at the events running up to the start of the summit and you will see a different picture from what Chan sought to portray.

Visitors arriving in the city are now required to stay home for three days and undergo medical surveillance every day during which they carry amber codes on their Covid monitoring app, effectively barring them many public places including restaurants and pubs. But all this was waived for the money bags arriving for the summit who were allowed to host dinner and lunch to meet their “colleagues and clients”.

The summit seemed to be running into more trouble as Chan, who was touring the Middle East, tested positive for Covid while in Saudi Arabia and it looked like the financial secretary will have to stay away from the event. But after obtaining a negative RAT test, he arrived back in Hong Kong, only to be caught positive during a mandatory PCR test.

Still he was allowed to join the event and address the summit without a mask after the authorities said his viral load was minimal and he was not infectious. Both Chan and the government issued statements denying any rules were bent for him and justifying their actions though for most of the residents, it looked like Covid rules were not applicable for some.

Outside of the summit, courts continued the crack down under the National Security Law, jailing more people for offences like posting “seditious” messages on social media while newspaper editors were charged over publication of columns that were critical of the authorities. Just a few days before the summit, 14 school students were suspended for not attending a flag raising ceremony while pro-Beijing politicians continued their call for more steps to instill patriotism in students.

With the economy taking severe hits, linked mostly to the Covid restrictions, more pain was in store for the 4.6 million workers in the city as their Mandatory Provident Fund recorded one of the steepest falls, a loss of HK$258.9 billion in the first nine months, wiping out on average HK$56,000 from their pension funds.

Still the finance chief of the city claims normality has returned to Hong Kong and has vowed to hold more financial summits to “boost our driving force in investment and economic development and attracting firms and talent”.

Yes, Hong Kong is back. But only for some.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Hong Kong is back, the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative region of China declared last week. John Lee's optimism was rooted in the fact that the city played host to hundreds of top financiers from across the world, and soon after, the globally followed Rugby Sevens tournament also made a reappearance after a gap of three years.

Hong Kong is back, the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative region of China declared last week. John Lee's optimism was rooted in the fact that the city played host to hundreds of top financiers from across the world, and soon after, the globally followed Rugby Sevens tournament also made a reappearance after a gap of three years. The financial summit attracted more than 200 leaders from around 120 global financial institutions though there were a few notable absentees. Financial Secretary Paul Chan offered plenty of carrots to the assembled bankers, venture capitalists and hedge fund bosses through multi-billion dollar plans to retain the city’s status as an economic hub and promised even more in the pipeline under the planned Greater Bay Area (GBA) project. Also Read | As Hong Kong reopens, Lee plays up 'China advantage' to charm foreign banks For the uninitiated, the GBA is a grand economic plan pursued by Beijing to link Hong Kong and Macau with nine cities in the adjacent Guangdong province and by 2035 create an economic powerhouse that will rival the likes of California – the US state that would rank as the sixth biggest economy if it were a separate nation. GBA figures are enough for any financier to salivate as the area boasted of a domestic product worth US$1.67 trillion by 2020 and is a market populated by 86.2 million people. Moreover, most of the hi-tech industries, including future growth engines like robotics, drones and AI, are concentrated in that part of China. As the designated role of Hong Kong is to be GBA’s financial engine, it is no surprise that financiers eager to get a piece of that action made a beeline to the city. The lure of big bucks is what Beijing and Hong Kong are banking on to paper over the criticisms about the authoritarian approach of the government and lack of rights for its own people. And they are being proved right as the Beijing visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz illustrates. The German leader arrived with a planeload of business leaders despite rising scepticism in Europe about overt economic reliance on China and uneasiness about the direction the country is taking under President Xi Jinping. The mandarins in Beijing know they are holding a trump card as they offer a vast industrial infrastructure that no one can easily replace and offer a market that can seduce any multinational company. These two baits are powerful enough to lure in countries and Western companies who are willing to focus on economic benefits and overlook inconvenient facts like politics and clampdown on freedoms. All Beijing has to do is ease their drastic Covid restrictions, and those with dollar signs on their eyes will flow back in. × Things were different in Hong Kong as many multinationals and banks saw the city’s rule of law and judiciary based on common law system offered them an environment they were familiar with, unlike the mainland China where everything is controlled by the Communist Party, including the courts. But that is changing in Hong Kong, which is now run by “patriots” handpicked by Beijing. In his weekly Sunday blog, Financial Secretary Chan trumpeted the success of the financial summit which ended on Thursday, saying “it has also achieved another goal – to show the world Hong Kong’s openness and its return to normality”. But cast a glance at the events running up to the start of the summit and you will see a different picture from what Chan sought to portray. Visitors arriving in the city are now required to stay home for three days and undergo medical surveillance every day during which they carry amber codes on their Covid monitoring app, effectively barring them many public places including restaurants and pubs. But all this was waived for the money bags arriving for the summit who were allowed to host dinner and lunch to meet their “colleagues and clients”. The summit seemed to be running into more trouble as Chan, who was touring the Middle East, tested positive for Covid while in Saudi Arabia and it looked like the financial secretary will have to stay away from the event. But after obtaining a negative RAT test, he arrived back in Hong Kong, only to be caught positive during a mandatory PCR test. Still he was allowed to join the event and address the summit without a mask after the authorities said his viral load was minimal and he was not infectious. Both Chan and the government issued statements denying any rules were bent for him and justifying their actions though for most of the residents, it looked like Covid rules were not applicable for some. Outside of the summit, courts continued the crack down under the National Security Law, jailing more people for offences like posting “seditious” messages on social media while newspaper editors were charged over publication of columns that were critical of the authorities. Just a few days before the summit, 14 school students were suspended for not attending a flag raising ceremony while pro-Beijing politicians continued their call for more steps to instill patriotism in students. With the economy taking severe hits, linked mostly to the Covid restrictions, more pain was in store for the 4.6 million workers in the city as their Mandatory Provident Fund recorded one of the steepest falls, a loss of HK$258.9 billion in the first nine months, wiping out on average HK$56,000 from their pension funds. Still the finance chief of the city claims normality has returned to Hong Kong and has vowed to hold more financial summits to “boost our driving force in investment and economic development and attracting firms and talent”. Yes, Hong Kong is back. But only for some. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hong Kong is back, but only for some

Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area can expect to see substantial growth in investment inflows from Saudi Arabia and its oil-rich neighbours, a top Bahrain-based fund manager has predicted.

WION Business News | Gulf investments in Hong Kong set to rise: Reports

According to land registry records, lender China Construction Bank (Asia) has seized the property of the chairman of the troubled China Evergrande Group's property in Hong Kong's exclusive 'The Peak'&nbsp;neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The bank appointed receivers to take control of the 5,000-square-foot (465 square metres) property on November 1.&nbsp;

Chairman Hui Ka Yan of Evergrande declined to comment, and was not reachable. When contacted for comment, CCB (Asia) remained silent.

The failed Chinese property developer has already had many of its assets in mainland China and Hong Kong seized by creditors due to its burdensome total obligations of more than $300 billion.&nbsp;

The opulent home's foreclosure was first reported by online news source HK01 on Thursday. According to the publication, the home is currently valued at HK$700 million ($89 million). According to the report, this may be the first instance in which Hui's personal property in Hong Kong has been taken.&nbsp;

According to HK01's story from last year, the property, which boasts expansive vistas of the city's shining skyscrapers, had been committed to raising roughly HK$300 million to pay back an overdue Evergrande bond.

Although it did not specify a dollar amount, a document with Hong Kong's Land Registry in October 2021 indicated that the property had been pledged for a loan from CCB (Asia).&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dida-africas-largest-female-tusker-dies-in-kenya-530788">Dida, Africa’s ‘largest’ female tusker and iconic matriarch, dies of old age in Kenya</a>

According to the Land Registry, Hui owns two other mansions in the same neighbourhood of The Peak that were pledged to Orix Asia Capital Ltd in November 2021 for an undisclosed sum.&nbsp;

The latest records show the two properties have not yet been seized.

This year, creditors seized the two largest pieces of land and Evergrande's headquarters in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

While US&nbsp;asset firm Oaktree Capital Management acquired the land in Yuen Long district earlier this year, Chinese state-owned China Citic Bank Corp Ltd, a lender to the office tower, gained control of the asset in September and placed it up for auction last month.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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According to land registry records, lender China Construction Bank (Asia) has seized the property of the chairman of the troubled China Evergrande Group's property in Hong Kong's exclusive 'The Peak' neighbourhood.

According to land registry records, lender China Construction Bank (Asia) has seized the property of the chairman of the troubled China Evergrande Group's property in Hong Kong's exclusive 'The Peak' neighbourhood. The bank appointed receivers to take control of the 5,000-square-foot (465 square metres) property on November 1. Chairman Hui Ka Yan of Evergrande declined to comment, and was not reachable. When contacted for comment, CCB (Asia) remained silent. The failed Chinese property developer has already had many of its assets in mainland China and Hong Kong seized by creditors due to its burdensome total obligations of more than $300 billion. The opulent home's foreclosure was first reported by online news source HK01 on Thursday. According to the publication, the home is currently valued at HK$700 million ($89 million). According to the report, this may be the first instance in which Hui's personal property in Hong Kong has been taken. According to HK01's story from last year, the property, which boasts expansive vistas of the city's shining skyscrapers, had been committed to raising roughly HK$300 million to pay back an overdue Evergrande bond. Although it did not specify a dollar amount, a document with Hong Kong's Land Registry in October 2021 indicated that the property had been pledged for a loan from CCB (Asia). Also Read: Dida, Africa’s ‘largest’ female tusker and iconic matriarch, dies of old age in Kenya According to the Land Registry, Hui owns two other mansions in the same neighbourhood of The Peak that were pledged to Orix Asia Capital Ltd in November 2021 for an undisclosed sum. The latest records show the two properties have not yet been seized. This year, creditors seized the two largest pieces of land and Evergrande's headquarters in Hong Kong. While US asset firm Oaktree Capital Management acquired the land in Yuen Long district earlier this year, Chinese state-owned China Citic Bank Corp Ltd, a lender to the office tower, gained control of the asset in September and placed it up for auction last month. (with inputs from agencies)

China: Evergrande chairman Hui Ka Yan's Hong Kong mansion seized by CCB over dues

From All Souls Day’ in Hyderabad to Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong, here are some impactful images from around the world on 02 November, 2022.

World in Pictures: ‘All Souls Day’ in Hyderabad; Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit

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