A major fire in Hong Kong spread rapidly along bamboo scaffolding surrounding a high-rise building, prompting an urgent rescue operation.

Hong Kong: Flames Spread Rapidly Along Bamboo Scaffolding, Rescue Operation Underway

A massive fire has engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, with many residents feared trapped. Firefighters are rushing to contain the blaze and carry out rescue operations amid dense smoke and structural hazards.

Hong Kong: Fire Engulfs Multiple High-Rise Blocks, Many Feared Trapped

Four people have died after a massive fire engulfed several high-rise towers of a residential complex in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district, with thick grey smoke billowing out as emergency services tackled the blaze.

Hong Kong: Fire Engulfs Multiple High-Rise Blocks in Tai Po; 4 Dead |

A fire engulfed multiple high-rise towers of a residential housing complex in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district on Wednesday, with plumes of thick grey smoke billowing out as emergency services battled to subdue the blaze.


Massive Fire Engulfs High-Rise Building, Blaze Spreads Through Bamboo Scaffoldings

Thousands of participants on Saturday crossed Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour in the annual swim race. Against the city's iconic skyline, thousands of swimmers splash into Victoria Harbour at daybreak to swim the one-kilometre course across to Kowloon in the annual race.


Hong Kong Celebrates Its Annual Swim Fest, Nearly 4,000 Swimmers Conquer The Harbour 

Hong Kong’s lucrative agarwood, or “black gold,” trade faces growing pressure as illegal poaching surges. New DNA research offers hope, helping authorities trace origins and strengthen global conservation efforts.


Hong Kong's 'black gold' agarwood under threat 

A cargo aircraft skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport, triggering a swift emergency response and disrupting airport operations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Initial reports suggest the incident may have been caused by wet runway conditions or mechanical failure, though investigations are ongoing.

Hong Kong plane crash: Cargo jet skids off runway into sea; two dead

Cargo Plane Skids Off Runway in Hong Kong | Emergency Response Underway | WION

Thousands of spectators packed the narrow streets of Hong Kong’s Tai Hang neighbourhood on Sunday (October 5) night to witness the century-old Fire Dragon Dance, a dazzling spectacle that lit up the city ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival.  

Hong Kong’s Fire Dragon Dance Ignites Festive Spirit Ahead Of Mid-Autumn


Hong Kong is holding steady as one of the world's top financial centers...Maintaining its third place ranking behind New York and London...The latest financial centres index shows the city is closing the gap with the leaders...

Hong Kong Closes Gap With London & New York In Global Finance 

Typhoon Ragasa has made landfall in China's Guangdong province, forcing millions to evacuate. As the storm moves west, Guangxi is now on high alert.

Deadly typhoon Ragasa churns through China: High alert raised

Hong Kong: Thousands of Hong Kong residents were evacuated overnight after construction workers unearthed a massive World War II–era U.S.-made bomb in Quarry Bay. The explosive, measuring roughly 1.5 meters and weighing about 450 kilograms, was found at a bustling residential and commercial site, prompting experts to carry out a controlled defusal operation.


Hong Kong: WWII-Era U.S.-Made Bomb Found in Hong Kong Prompts Mass Evacuation

South Korea has imposed a one-year ban on foreign homebuyers in a bid to cool down surging housing prices in Seoul and surrounding areas. The move comes after a sharp rise in property purchases by buyers from mainland China and Hong Kong, who now own nearly 97,000 properties across the country. The government hopes the measure will stabilize prices and improve affordability for local residents, many of whom face strict mortgage regulations.


South Korea bans foreign homebuyers to curb soaring housing prices

Hong Kong came alive with chirps, hoots, and melodies as it hosted its first-ever bird call contest. From mimicking koels to owls, participants wowed crowds while spreading awareness about protecting the environment and preserving bird habitats.


Hong Kong hosts first ever bird call contest to raise eco awareness 

Tropical Storm Podul drenched Hong Kong on 14 August 2025, prompting the Hong Kong Observatory to downgrade a Black rainstorm warning first to Red and then to Amber as heavy downpours eased. 


Storm Podul: amber rainstorm warning issued in Hong Kong 

Hong Kong issued its highest black rainstorm warning at 7:50 am on Thursday as Tropical Cyclone Podul approached, marking the fifth such alert in two weeks after last week’s record-breaking rainfall.


Storm Podul: Streets Turn Into Rivers, Skies Roar With Thunder | WION Climate Tracker

As AI rapidly transforms workplaces, schools and surveillance systems across Asia, Hong Kong find new itself at a crossroads-embracing cutting-edge technology without clear safeguards to protect its citizens.


Hong Kong’s AI Porn Scandal; Victims Speak Out | GRAVITAS

Typhoon Wipha has wreaked havoc in southern parts of the Chinese mainland as authorities issued flash flood and landslide warnings on Monday (Jul 21). A day earlier, the storm battered Hong Kong with torrential rains and strong winds, resulting in destruction. About 670,000 residents have been forced to evacuate in China on Sunday. The tropical storm has also hit Vietnam, Philippines, and South Korea with severe weather conditions.&nbsp;Several videos of the storm have been going viral on social media, showing people struggling to stand as the strong winds push them to their knees. In one of the viral clips, people can be seen falling to the ground as fierce winds of the typhoon result in devastating conditions.&nbsp;The video released on July 19 shows people seeking shelter from strong winds near the Zhuhai Opera House building, during typhoon Wipha, in China’s Zhuhai in southern Guangdong province. The clip was widely shared on social media.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A video released on July 19 shows people seeking shelter from strong winds near the Zhuhai Opera House building, during typhoon Wipha, in China&#39;s Zhuhai in southern Guangdong province . . . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TyphoonWipha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TyphoonWipha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/typhoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#typhoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guangdong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Guangdong</a> <a href="https://t.co/TDgiVt7cou">pic.twitter.com/TDgiVt7cou</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1947264433421726048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;At least 22 people have been killed in South Korea and the Philippines due to flooding and landslides caused by heavy downpours.&nbsp;In China, Typhoon Wipha made landfall in southern Guangdong province on Sunday evening with winds of over 118 kmph. The strong rains and winds uprooted trees, triggered landslides and left thousands of residents without electricity.&nbsp;The severe weather conditions also affected flight operations, with over 900 flights being grounded in Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Zhuhai.&nbsp;Maximum level typhoon warning was issued in Hong Kong briefly as the winds exceeded 167 kmph, causing destruction. According to authorities, 471 trees had fallen, and at least 26 injuries were reported due to the storm.&nbsp;Dark clouds were seen engulfing Victoria Harbour as Typhoon Wipha moved towards Hong Kong, and rough seas were observed. Public transport, including ferries, was also affected in the region.&nbsp;In one of the viral videos, massive dark clouds were seen rolling over the city of Zhuhai in China’s southern Guangdong province as the typhoon made landfall.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Timelapse: Massive dark clouds rolling over Southern <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zhuhai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zhuhai</a> as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TyphoonWipha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TyphoonWipha</a> makes landfall <a href="https://t.co/LNXgoLa6Ko">pic.twitter.com/LNXgoLa6Ko</a>&mdash; ShanghaiEye🚀official (@ShanghaiEye) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShanghaiEye/status/1947188165304787412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Another video captured a tunnel in Fuzhou, Fujian was blocked after heavy rains resulted in a landslide.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Landslide blocks a tunnel in Fuzhou, Fujian in China after heavy rain...<a href="https://t.co/CFdMahmlZt">pic.twitter.com/CFdMahmlZt</a>&mdash; Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1947255203289321747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Footage from Vietnam’s Hai Ha City in Quang Ninh Province showed enormous clouds. &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wow! Incredible shelf cloud seen from Hai Ha City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam today...<a href="https://t.co/zAxDPu0N1h">pic.twitter.com/zAxDPu0N1h</a>&mdash; Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1947272336178045140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In China, Typhoon Wipha made landfall in southern Guangdong province on Sunday evening with winds of over 118 kmph. The strong rains and winds uprooted trees, triggered landslides and left thousands of residents without electricity.



Typhoon Wipha has wreaked havoc in southern parts of the Chinese mainland as authorities issued flash flood and landslide warnings on Monday (Jul 21). A day earlier, the storm battered Hong Kong with torrential rains and strong winds, resulting in destruction. About 670,000 residents have been forced to evacuate in China on Sunday. The tropical storm has also hit Vietnam, Philippines, and South Korea with severe weather conditions. Several videos of the storm have been going viral on social media, showing people struggling to stand as the strong winds push them to their knees. In one of the viral clips, people can be seen falling to the ground as fierce winds of the typhoon result in devastating conditions. The video released on July 19 shows people seeking shelter from strong winds near the Zhuhai Opera House building, during typhoon Wipha, in China’s Zhuhai in southern Guangdong province. The clip was widely shared on social media.

In China, Typhoon Wipha made landfall in southern Guangdong province on Sunday evening with winds of over 118 kmph. The strong rains and winds uprooted trees, triggered landslides and left thousands of residents without electricity.

Typhoon Wipha wreaks havoc in China: Viral videos capture destruction caused by tropical storm

In a landmark step towards internationalising its commodity markets and reducing reliance on the US dollar, China has rolled out its first offshore gold vault in Hong Kong. According to Bloomberg, the Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) launched the facility alongside two new yuan-denominated gold contracts, marking the exchange’s first physical expansion outside mainland China since its founding in 2002.&nbsp;The vault, operated by Bank of China’s Hong Kong unit, will allow settlement of trades in either cash or physical gold delivery. As per the Shanghai Gold Exchange’s statement quoted by Bloomberg, storage fees at the new vault will be waived until the end of this year to incentivise participation. Trading on the new contracts began Thursday.<h2>Why the move matters?</h2>The timing and location of the expansion are significant. As the world’s largest producer and consumer of gold, China has long sought greater influence in pricing the metal. The new offshore contracts, settled in yuan, are also part of Beijing’s broader goal of promoting the renminbi in international trade and reducing dependence on the greenback.&nbsp;Bloomberg reports that the move also strengthens Hong Kong’s role as a global financial centre. The city has long served as a gateway between China and international capital markets and is now being positioned as a logistics and trading hub for commodities not just finance.<h2>London still rules the global gold trade</h2>Despite the expansion, China still lags far behind the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), which remains the global centre for gold trading. According to the World Gold Council, trading volumes on the LBMA still vastly exceed those of the SGE.&nbsp;Here’s how trading volumes compare in the first five months of 2025:

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Month</td><td>LBMA (London) Volume</td><td>SGE (Shanghai) Volume</td></tr><tr><td>January</td><td>~$155 billion</td><td>~$10 billion</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>~$158 billion</td><td>~$11 billion</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>~$145 billion</td><td>~$9 billion</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>~$180 billion</td><td>~$12 billion</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>~$150 billion</td><td>~$10 billion</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Source: World Gold Council (2025). Volume includes over-the-counter trades.

&nbsp;While the Shanghai Gold Exchange is the single largest platform for physical bullion trading, the over-the-counter nature of London’s market ensures it remains the benchmark for institutional and wholesale activity.<h2>A quiet bid to de-dollarise</h2>As quoted by Bloomberg, China’s central bank has been a major gold buyer over the past three years, using the metal as a hedge against dollar volatility. Analysts believe the yuan-denominated offshore contracts are another step in Beijing’s ambition to reduce the dollar’s dominance in global commodity pricing.&nbsp;The Shanghai Futures Exchange, the country’s largest commodity bourse, is also preparing to open up to foreign investors. The trend points towards deeper yuan integration in energy and metals markets, building on China’s vast role in global supply chains.<h2>Will London’s dominance hold?</h2>London still accounts for the lion’s share of global gold trading, but competition is growing. Singapore is also making a play for bullion trade, while Hong Kong is sharpening its position in warehousing and logistics. However, as per analysts quoted by Bloomberg, trust, transparency, and global pricing infrastructure still favour Western markets.&nbsp;For now, the new Hong Kong vault gives Beijing a stronger foothold in global gold markets, but it is still playing catch-up in a centuries-old market. &nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies) &nbsp;

While London remains the global gold benchmark, China rising bullion purchases and yuan-based contracts signal ambition to challenge dollar dominance.

In a landmark step towards internationalising its commodity markets and reducing reliance on the US dollar, China has rolled out its first offshore gold vault in Hong Kong. According to Bloomberg, the Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) launched the facility alongside two new yuan-denominated gold contracts, marking the exchange’s first physical expansion outside mainland China since its founding in 2002. The vault, operated by Bank of China’s Hong Kong unit, will allow settlement of trades in either cash or physical gold delivery. As per the Shanghai Gold Exchange’s statement quoted by Bloomberg, storage fees at the new vault will be waived until the end of this year to incentivise participation. Trading on the new contracts began Thursday. Why the move matters? The timing and location of the expansion are significant. As the world’s largest producer and consumer of gold, China has long sought greater influence in pricing the metal. The new offshore contracts, settled in yuan, are also part of Beijing’s broader goal of promoting the renminbi in international trade and reducing dependence on the greenback. Bloomberg reports that the move also strengthens Hong Kong’s role as a global financial centre. The city has long served as a gateway between China and international capital markets and is now being positioned as a logistics and trading hub for commodities not just finance. London still rules the global gold trade Despite the expansion, China still lags far behind the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), which remains the global centre for gold trading. According to the World Gold Council, trading volumes on the LBMA still vastly exceed those of the SGE. Here’s how trading volumes compare in the first five months of 2025:

China strengthens gold market presence with new Hong Kong vault as part of long-term push to de-dollarise trade.

China opens first offshore gold vault in Hong Kong, but can it rival London’s dominance?

These architectural cut-outs, known locally as 'dragon gates', have long intrigued both residents and visitors.


These architectural cut-outs, known locally as 'dragon gates', have long intrigued both residents and visitors.

'Portal for dragons': Why do Hong Kong’s high-rise buildings have holes?

In an attempt to safeguard its religious and cultural heritage, the Government of India sent a legal notice to Sotheby's auction house and British national Chris Pepp&eacute; to halt the auction of Piprahwa gem relics associated with the Buddha.
The auction was scheduled for May 7, 2025, in Hong Kong. It had sparked outrage among Buddhist communities and heritage experts across the globe. 
These relics, referred to as &ldquo;duplicate jewels,&rdquo; constitute the &ldquo;inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India&rdquo;. Sales of these items violate Indian as well as international laws, also the conventions of the United Nations.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/jerusalems-menorah-adorned-stone-capital-unveiling-rejuvenates-the-debate-over-jewish-historical-claims-9029970" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jerusalem&rsquo;s menorah-adorned stone capital unveiling rejuvenates the debate over Jewish historical claims</a>
<div class="publive-dynamic-container dynamic-container"></div>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the artefacts?&nbsp;</h2>
At the heart of the controversy is a collection of bone fragments, soapstones, crystal caskets and sandstone coffers, ancient gems, ornaments, including gold garnets, amethysts and pearls. These items are believed to have been buried with the mortal remains of the Buddha.
These were discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Pepp&eacute;, a British colonial landowner, at the Piprahwa Stupa Site in the present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-does-trump-want-to-reopen-reopening-alcatraz-notorious-prison-closed-since-1963-9040899" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Why does Trump want to reopen Alcatraz, a notorious prison closed since 1963?</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the objections?</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Religious Significance- The relics were recognised as the earliest and most significant Buddhist archaeological discoveries of the Indian subcontinent. These are sacred to 500 million Buddhists around the world. Selling such items is a grave disrespect to religious sentiments.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Colonial context of acquisition-&nbsp;The relics were excavated by William Claxton Pepp&eacute; during British Colonial Rule. India argues that these were taken without legitimate ownership rights. By holding the auction, Sotheby's are perpetuating continued colonial exploitation.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Violations of Indian and International laws-&nbsp; The Ministry of Culture claims that the auction violates Indian Antiquities Laws, as well as international conventions like the 1970 United Nations Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Unethical Commodification- The Government argues that the buying and selling of such items is indulging in the commodification of faith and heritage. These items should be preserved in a public institution or places of worship.
</li>
</ul>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-box-for-earth-to-record-every-step-towards-climate-apocalypse-9040516" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">How did Earth die? The black box will answer future civilisations' questions about the 'climate apocalypse'</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">What is Next?</h2>
India has demanded that Sotheby&rsquo;s should immediately withdraw from the auction and return the items to India and issue a formal apology. The Ministry of Culture has also asked for the full provenance of all related items held by Pepp&eacute;&rsquo;s descendants. Failure to comply will result in legal ramifications in India and, Hong Kong Courts.&nbsp;
In response, Sotheby's has paused the auction, citing legal challenges.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/bag-made-from-t-rex-leather-two-biotech-firms-are-trying-to-create-dinosaur-leather-9040302" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bag made from T. rex leather? Two biotech firms think they can do it</a>

Explore how India's move to protect its heritage ignites the debate over colonial acquisition and the ethical implications of selling sacred artefacts. Trending

In an attempt to safeguard its religious and cultural heritage, the Government of India sent a legal notice to Sotheby's auction house and British national Chris Peppé to halt the auction of Piprahwa gem relics associated with the Buddha. The auction was scheduled for May 7, 2025, in Hong Kong. It had sparked outrage among Buddhist communities and heritage experts across the globe. These relics, referred to as “duplicate jewels,” constitute the “inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India”. Sales of these items violate Indian as well as international laws, also the conventions of the United Nations. Read Also: Jerusalem’s menorah-adorned stone capital unveiling rejuvenates the debate over Jewish historical claims What are the artefacts? At the heart of the controversy is a collection of bone fragments, soapstones, crystal caskets and sandstone coffers, ancient gems, ornaments, including gold garnets, amethysts and pearls. These items are believed to have been buried with the mortal remains of the Buddha. These were discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé, a British colonial landowner, at the Piprahwa Stupa Site in the present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. Read Also: Why does Trump want to reopen Alcatraz, a notorious prison closed since 1963? What are the objections? Religious Significance- The relics were recognised as the earliest and most significant Buddhist archaeological discoveries of the Indian subcontinent. These are sacred to 500 million Buddhists around the world. Selling such items is a grave disrespect to religious sentiments. Colonial context of acquisition- The relics were excavated by William Claxton Peppé during British Colonial Rule. India argues that these were taken without legitimate ownership rights. By holding the auction, Sotheby's are perpetuating continued colonial exploitation. Violations of Indian and International laws- The Ministry of Culture claims that the auction violates Indian Antiquities Laws, as well as international conventions like the 1970 United Nations Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Unethical Commodification- The Government argues that the buying and selling of such items is indulging in the commodification of faith and heritage. These items should be preserved in a public institution or places of worship. Read Also: How did Earth die? The black box will answer future civilisations' questions about the 'climate apocalypse' What is Next? India has demanded that Sotheby’s should immediately withdraw from the auction and return the items to India and issue a formal apology. The Ministry of Culture has also asked for the full provenance of all related items held by Peppé’s descendants. Failure to comply will result in legal ramifications in India and, Hong Kong Courts. In response, Sotheby's has paused the auction, citing legal challenges. Read Also: Bag made from T. rex leather? Two biotech firms think they can do it

A battle over cultural heritage : India moves to stop auction of sacred Buddha relics in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s once-powerful Democratic Party, a symbol of pro-democracy resistance, is now on the verge of shutting down. After three decades of activism, over 90% of members voted in favor of initiating party dissolution—citing political pressure and shrinking space for opposition in the city.

Hong Kong’s Democratic party moves closer to dissolution after 30 years

British MP Wera Hobhouse was denied entry into Hong Kong during a personal visit to see her grandson. The Liberal Democrat MP, who is part of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, called the incident “upsetting.” The UK government has demanded answers, raising concerns over growing diplomatic tensions with China.

UK MP Wera Hobhouse denied entry to Hong Kong, sparks diplomatic tensions with China

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong's police chief and five other officials over human rights concerns after China clamped down in the financial hub.
The sanctions on Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and the others will block any interests they hold in the United States and generally criminalize financial transactions with them under US law.
The sanctions mark a rare action invoking human rights by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has described China as an adversary but has shown no reluctance to ally with autocrats.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-backfire-elon-musk-slams-marine-le-pen-election-ban-as-abuse-of-power-compare-it-to-trump-trials-8911192">&lsquo;This will backfire&rsquo;: Elon Musk slams Marine Le Pen election ban as &lsquo;abuse of power&rsquo;, compares it to Trump trials</a>
The sanctions "demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to hold to account those responsible for depriving people in Hong Kong of protected rights and freedoms or who commit acts of transnational repression on US soil or against US persons," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
Other officials targeted in the latest sanctions include Paul Lam, the city's secretary of justice.
Hong Kong's top official, Chief Executive John Lee, is already under US sanctions.
The officials were targeted in line with a US law that champions Hong Kong democracy.
The State Department also pointed to some of the officials' roles in efforts to "intimidate, silence and harass 19 pro-democracy activists" who fled overseas, including one US citizen and four US residents.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-zelensky-of-trying-to-back-out-of-rare-earth-deal-8910941">'He&rsquo;s got big, big problems': Trump accuses Zelensky of trying to 'back out' of rare earth deal</a>
Rubio has been outspoken on China's human rights record dating back to his time as a senator.
Rubio earlier also imposed sanctions on officials in Thailand over their deportations back to China of members of the Uyghur minority.
Beijing promised a separate system to Hong Kong when Britain handed over the financial hub in 1997.
China then cracked down hard against dissent, imposing a draconian national security law, after massive and at times destructive protests in favor of democracy swept the city in 2019.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: The sanctions on Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and the others will block any interests they hold in the United States and generally criminalize financial transactions with them under US law.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong's police chief and five other officials over human rights concerns after China clamped down in the financial hub. The sanctions on Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and the others will block any interests they hold in the United States and generally criminalize financial transactions with them under US law. The sanctions mark a rare action invoking human rights by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has described China as an adversary but has shown no reluctance to ally with autocrats. Also read: ‘This will backfire’: Elon Musk slams Marine Le Pen election ban as ‘abuse of power’, compares it to Trump trials The sanctions "demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to hold to account those responsible for depriving people in Hong Kong of protected rights and freedoms or who commit acts of transnational repression on US soil or against US persons," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. Other officials targeted in the latest sanctions include Paul Lam, the city's secretary of justice. Hong Kong's top official, Chief Executive John Lee, is already under US sanctions. The officials were targeted in line with a US law that champions Hong Kong democracy. The State Department also pointed to some of the officials' roles in efforts to "intimidate, silence and harass 19 pro-democracy activists" who fled overseas, including one US citizen and four US residents. Also read: 'He’s got big, big problems': Trump accuses Zelensky of trying to 'back out' of rare earth deal Rubio has been outspoken on China's human rights record dating back to his time as a senator. Rubio earlier also imposed sanctions on officials in Thailand over their deportations back to China of members of the Uyghur minority. Beijing promised a separate system to Hong Kong when Britain handed over the financial hub in 1997. China then cracked down hard against dissent, imposing a draconian national security law, after massive and at times destructive protests in favor of democracy swept the city in 2019. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US sanctions Hong Kong police chief and top officials over human rights crackdown

Hong Kong is facing its toughest fiscal test in three decades, with annual deficits exceeding $20 billion in three of the past four years. The city’s finance chief, Paul Chan, has announced a plan to restore fiscal balance by mid-2027. The government will cut recurrent spending by 7%. The government has also announced plans to slash 10,000 civil service jobs.

Hong Kong aims to cut spending by 7% to balance budget

Hong Kong's Democratic Party is bringing down the curtains after 30 years of being politically active. On Thursday, the leader of the pro-democracy party announced that preparations are underway to shut down the operations. The party says that Hong Kong's changing political landscape has pushed them to disband.

Hong Kong's oldest democratic party decides to end operations

Hong Kong’s interbank liquidity is severely strained as local banks borrowed a record $707 million, the highest amount in over five years. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the city’s de facto central bank, stepped in to offer temporary cash through its discount window. This surge in borrowing comes as demand for Hong Kong equities has increased significantly. The rally has put pressure on the financial system. The city's funding costs have spiked to a near six-week high of 4.07%.

Hong Kong interbank liquidity hits 5-year low

Hong Kong’s interbank liquidity is severely strained as local banks borrowed a record $707 million, the highest amount in over five years. The Hong Kong monetary authority, the city’s de-facto central bank, stepped in to offer temporary cash through its discount window. This surge in borrowing comes as demand for Hong Kong equities has increased significantly. The rally has put pressure on the financial system. The city's funding costs have spiked to a near six-week high of 4. 07%.

Hong Kong banks borrow record $707 mn amid stock surge

Hong Kong's youngest stars, the twin six-month-old panda cubs, have made their first public appearance before adoring fans, attracting hundreds of people. The pair are the city's first locally born giant panda cubs. Watch in for more details!

Hong Kong's twin panda cubs make public debut, steal the spotlight

Baidu’s Hong Kong shares plunged on Monday, wiping out $2.4 billion from its market value. The company’s stock dropped as much as 8.8%, before closing down 7%. Baidu became the biggest loser on both the Hang Seng index and the Hang Seng Tech index. The sharp decline followed speculation triggered by the absence of Baidu’s founder, robin li, at a rare symposium hosted by President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Baidu's market value drops $2.4 bn amid speculation

Hong Kong's famous twin panda cubs are set to make their public debut on Sunday after being born six months ago. The city is hoping the pandas will help revive the tourism industry. Ahead of their reveal, a greeting ceremony was held, where the panda twins were shown to the media for the first time. Watch in for more details!

Hong Kong's twin panda cubs in spotlight

hong-kong

Hong Kong, News on Hong Kong, stories on Hong Kong, articles on Hong Kong, Hong Kong stories at Wion, Hong Kong news, Hong Kong latest news

hong kong