China has said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) govt welcomes the UN high commissioner (for human rights Michelle Bachelet) to visit Xinjiang but she should not use this opportunity to engage in political operations to pressure the country.

Earlier, United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet had said that China is restricting the basic civil and political freedoms – including in Hong Kong – in the name of national security.

Activists and UN rights experts say at least one million Muslims are being detained in camps in the remote western region of Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labour and sterilisations.

China denies any human rights abuses in Xinjiang and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

“We also find it regrettable the High Commissioner made unsubstantiated accusations against China based on misinformation and political pressure,” China’s delegate Jiang Duan told the U.N. Human Rights Council.

"Issues of Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong are not in essence the so-called issues of human rights. Currently, people in Xinjiang and Tibet enjoy social stability, economic growth, national unity, religious cultural harmony, and cultural development and improvement in life. All ethnic groups enjoy wide-ranging freedoms. The door to Xinjiang is always open, and we welcome the high commissioner (for human rights Michelle Bachelet) to visit Xinjiang. Communication is kept up between the two sides, but the aim of the visit is to provide exchanges and cooperation rather than the so-called investigation based on 'guilty before proven.' We are firmly opposed to anyone using this to engage in political operations to pressure China'," China's delegation said.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) govt welcomes the UN high commissioner (for human rights Michelle Bachelet) to visit Xinjiang but she should not use this opportunity to engage in political operations to pressure the country.

China has said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) govt welcomes the UN high commissioner (for human rights Michelle Bachelet) to visit Xinjiang but she should not use this opportunity to engage in political operations to pressure the country. Earlier, United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet had said that China is restricting the basic civil and political freedoms – including in Hong Kong – in the name of national security. Activists and UN rights experts say at least one million Muslims are being detained in camps in the remote western region of Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labour and sterilisations. China denies any human rights abuses in Xinjiang and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. “We also find it regrettable the High Commissioner made unsubstantiated accusations against China based on misinformation and political pressure,” China’s delegate Jiang Duan told the U.N. Human Rights Council. "Issues of Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong are not in essence the so-called issues of human rights. Currently, people in Xinjiang and Tibet enjoy social stability, economic growth, national unity, religious cultural harmony, and cultural development and improvement in life. All ethnic groups enjoy wide-ranging freedoms. The door to Xinjiang is always open, and we welcome the high commissioner (for human rights Michelle Bachelet) to visit Xinjiang. Communication is kept up between the two sides, but the aim of the visit is to provide exchanges and cooperation rather than the so-called investigation based on 'guilty before proven.' We are firmly opposed to anyone using this to engage in political operations to pressure China'," China's delegation said. (With inputs from agencies)

Uighurs, Tibet and Hong Kong issues not in the essence of human rights: China

The hearing for 47 Hong Kong democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion resume on Tuesday, following a marathon hearing that extended well past midnight before it was adjourned after one of the defendants fainted.

Hong Kong: Hearing for democracy activists resumes after marathon session

'For democracy': Hong Kong comes out in support of detained democracy activists

In Hong Kong, the crackdown on the Democratic opposition has intensified. On Sunday 47 pro-democracy activists and lawmakers were detained on charges of conspiracy.

Hong Kong: 47 activists & lawmakers arrested on conspiracy charges

A few hours after Hong Kong authorities made mass arrests of several dozens of Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners, the US has voiced its concern over the matter.

On Sunday, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the immediate release of the Hong Kong dissidents who have been detained under the controversial national security law, which was imposed by China last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-hong-kong-democrats-charged-under-national-security-law-366752">Dozens of Hong Kong democrats charged under national security law</a>

"We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kong's elections and call for their immediate release," Blinken tweeted.

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We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kong's elections and call for their immediate release. Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The U.S. stands with the people of Hong Kong.
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"Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The US stands with the people of Hong Kong."

The statement has come after the Hong Kong officials charged nearly 47 pro-democracy activists with 'conspiracy to commit subversion', in what is being termed as the largest national security operation since the law was passed in June 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-denied-bail-due-to-risk-of-committing-further-offences-365659">Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail due to risk of 'committing further offences'</a>

Among the arrested activists, other names such as Benny Tai, co-organiser of the of an unofficial primary election held last summer, John Clancey, a US citizen and human rights lawyer, a group of younger “resistance camp” democratic activists including Lester Shum, Sam Cheung, Ventus Lau and Fergus Leung were summoned to the local police stations.

The democrats have denounced these mass arrests as political persecution for a 'peaceful' poll that saw nearly 600,000 votes.

"Democracy is never a gift from heaven. It must be earned by many with strong will," Jimmy Sham, a key organiser of 2019's huge protests, told reporters outside a police station. "We can tell the whole world, under the most painful system, Hong Kongers are the light of the city. We will remain strong and fight for what we want."

A few hours after Hong Kong authorities made mass arrests of several dozens of Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners, the US has voiced its concern over the matter.

A few hours after Hong Kong authorities made mass arrests of several dozens of Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners, the US has voiced its concern over the matter. On Sunday, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the immediate release of the Hong Kong dissidents who have been detained under the controversial national security law, which was imposed by China last year. Also read | Dozens of Hong Kong democrats charged under national security law "We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kong's elections and call for their immediate release," Blinken tweeted. We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kong's elections and call for their immediate release. Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The U.S. stands with the people of Hong Kong. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) March 1, 2021 × "Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The US stands with the people of Hong Kong." The statement has come after the Hong Kong officials charged nearly 47 pro-democracy activists with 'conspiracy to commit subversion', in what is being termed as the largest national security operation since the law was passed in June 2020. Also read | Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail due to risk of 'committing further offences' Among the arrested activists, other names such as Benny Tai, co-organiser of the of an unofficial primary election held last summer, John Clancey, a US citizen and human rights lawyer, a group of younger “resistance camp” democratic activists including Lester Shum, Sam Cheung, Ventus Lau and Fergus Leung were summoned to the local police stations. The democrats have denounced these mass arrests as political persecution for a 'peaceful' poll that saw nearly 600,000 votes. "Democracy is never a gift from heaven. It must be earned by many with strong will," Jimmy Sham, a key organiser of 2019's huge protests, told reporters outside a police station. "We can tell the whole world, under the most painful system, Hong Kongers are the light of the city. We will remain strong and fight for what we want."

US calls for 'immediate release' of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists

Forty-seven Hong Kong democrats and activists were charged on Sunday (February 28) with conspiracy to commit subversion, in the largest single crackdown on the democratic opposition under a China-imposed national security law.

Dozens of leading Hong Kong democrats charged with subversion in major national security crackdown

In another crackdown of pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, several dozen democrats have been charged with security crimes minutes after they were&nbsp;due to report to local police stations across the city on Sunday, as per local statements.

The democrats have been charged for violating the controversial national security law which was recently imposed by China in Hong Kong. "Police this afternoon laid a charge against 47 persons... with one count of 'conspiracy to commit subversion',"&nbsp;the city's police force said in a statement.

Nearly 50 democrats were asked to report to local police stations across the city for what is being termed as the largest national security operation since the law was passed in June 2020.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-denied-bail-due-to-risk-of-committing-further-offences-365659">Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail due to risk of 'committing further offences'</a>

"Democracy is never a gift from heaven. It must be earned by many with strong will,"&nbsp;Jimmy Sham, a key organiser of 2019's huge protests, told reporters outside a police station. "We can tell the whole world, under the most painful system, Hong Kongers are the light of the city. We will remain strong and fight for what we want."

The majority of these democrats were detained along with Benny Tai, one of the main organisers of an unofficial primary election held last summer.

All democrats, along with Tai, were detained, questioned and their mobile phones and laptops were confiscated at the time. However, the activists were released pending further investigation.

"My chance of bail won’t be too great," Tai wrote in a social media post hours before he is due at the police station. He has been accused by China of organising and participating in an unofficial "primary election" in July 2020, which aimed at selecting the strongest candidates for a legislative council election.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-begins-coronavirus-vaccination-with-chinas-sinovac-366339">Hong Kong begins coronavirus vaccination with China's Sinovac</a>

Along with Tai, John Clancey, a US citizen and human rights lawyer, a group of younger “resistance camp” democratic activists including Lester Shum, Sam Cheung, Ventus Lau and Fergus Leung have also been summoned to the local police stations.

The democrats have denounced these mass arrests as political persecution for a 'peaceful' poll that saw nearly 600,000 votes.

As of now, 99 people have been arrested on suspicion of violations of the security laws, the Hong Kong police reported. Of these, some have been denied bail — one of the known names being the entrepreneur and activist Jimmy Lai.

In another crackdown of pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, several dozen democrats have been charged with security crimes minutes after they were due to report to local police stations across the city on Sunday, as per local statements.

In another crackdown of pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, several dozen democrats have been charged with security crimes minutes after they were due to report to local police stations across the city on Sunday, as per local statements. The democrats have been charged for violating the controversial national security law which was recently imposed by China in Hong Kong. "Police this afternoon laid a charge against 47 persons... with one count of 'conspiracy to commit subversion'," the city's police force said in a statement. Nearly 50 democrats were asked to report to local police stations across the city for what is being termed as the largest national security operation since the law was passed in June 2020. Also read| Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail due to risk of 'committing further offences' "Democracy is never a gift from heaven. It must be earned by many with strong will," Jimmy Sham, a key organiser of 2019's huge protests, told reporters outside a police station. "We can tell the whole world, under the most painful system, Hong Kongers are the light of the city. We will remain strong and fight for what we want." The majority of these democrats were detained along with Benny Tai, one of the main organisers of an unofficial primary election held last summer. All democrats, along with Tai, were detained, questioned and their mobile phones and laptops were confiscated at the time. However, the activists were released pending further investigation. "My chance of bail won’t be too great," Tai wrote in a social media post hours before he is due at the police station. He has been accused by China of organising and participating in an unofficial "primary election" in July 2020, which aimed at selecting the strongest candidates for a legislative council election. Also read| Hong Kong begins coronavirus vaccination with China's Sinovac Along with Tai, John Clancey, a US citizen and human rights lawyer, a group of younger “resistance camp” democratic activists including Lester Shum, Sam Cheung, Ventus Lau and Fergus Leung have also been summoned to the local police stations. The democrats have denounced these mass arrests as political persecution for a 'peaceful' poll that saw nearly 600,000 votes. As of now, 99 people have been arrested on suspicion of violations of the security laws, the Hong Kong police reported. Of these, some have been denied bail — one of the known names being the entrepreneur and activist Jimmy Lai.

Dozens of Hong Kong democrats charged under national security law

Hong Kong on Friday began its coronavirus vaccination for the public as the financial hub kicked off its inoculation drive with the Chinese-made Sinovac coronavirus vaccine.

Hong Kong begins coronavirus vaccination with China's Sinovac

“Patriots” included those who loved China, its constitution and the Communist Party and excluded anti-China “troublemakers”, said Xia Baolong

Patriots must hold key roles in Hong Kong govt: Beijing

Germany on Tuesday claimed that China attempted to intimidate Hong Kong residents living in Germany after protests broke out in the semi-autonomous city two years ago. 
 
In a letter to a lawmaker on Tuesday, the German Interior Ministry claimed that China attempted to "influence public opinion in favour of the Chinese government" in the backdrop of protests in Hong Kong. 
 
The letter was sent to the head of the German parliament's human rights committee - Gyde Jensen in response to a request made to fetch further information on the subject. Critics hope that this could pressurise Chancellor Angela Merkel to take a stronger stand against China over reported human rights abuses.

"Since the start of the protests in Hong Kong, increasing attempts by Chinese state actors in Germany to influence public opinion in favour of the Chinese government, as well as actions against supporters of the protests, have been identified," the ministry said in the letter, which was first published in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Reuters reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/former-nazi-camp-guard-arrives-in-germany-after-removal-from-us-365077" hreflang="en">Former Nazi camp guard arrives in Germany after removal from US</a> 
 
The letter refers to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that took place on August 17, 2019. During the protests, pro-government demonstrators filmed the participants "presumably&nbsp;for the purpose of intimidation".

720 people from Hong Kong have a residency permit in Germany, the letter added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/germany-partially-closes-borders-despite-eu-criticism-363628" hreflang="en">Germany partially closes borders despite EU criticism</a>

Jensen, who is also a member of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) Party told Reuters the following - "It is about time that the German government realised that actors for the Chinese government could pose a threat to exiled Hong Kongers."

"I am unfortunately sceptical that the mechanisms used by our security agencies are sufficient to effectively protect those affected," she said. Reuters reported that a German interior ministry spokesman claimed that they were unaware of the letter, while the Chinese embassy in Berlin did not respond.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Germany on Tuesday claimed that China attempted to intimidate Hong Kong residents living in Germany after protests broke out in the semi-autonomous city two years ago.

Germany on Tuesday claimed that China attempted to intimidate Hong Kong residents living in Germany after protests broke out in the semi-autonomous city two years ago. In a letter to a lawmaker on Tuesday, the German Interior Ministry claimed that China attempted to "influence public opinion in favour of the Chinese government" in the backdrop of protests in Hong Kong. The letter was sent to the head of the German parliament's human rights committee - Gyde Jensen in response to a request made to fetch further information on the subject. Critics hope that this could pressurise Chancellor Angela Merkel to take a stronger stand against China over reported human rights abuses. "Since the start of the protests in Hong Kong, increasing attempts by Chinese state actors in Germany to influence public opinion in favour of the Chinese government, as well as actions against supporters of the protests, have been identified," the ministry said in the letter, which was first published in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Reuters reported. Also read: Former Nazi camp guard arrives in Germany after removal from US The letter refers to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that took place on August 17, 2019. During the protests, pro-government demonstrators filmed the participants "presumably for the purpose of intimidation". 720 people from Hong Kong have a residency permit in Germany, the letter added. Also read: Germany partially closes borders despite EU criticism Jensen, who is also a member of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) Party told Reuters the following - "It is about time that the German government realised that actors for the Chinese government could pose a threat to exiled Hong Kongers." "I am unfortunately sceptical that the mechanisms used by our security agencies are sufficient to effectively protect those affected," she said. Reuters reported that a German interior ministry spokesman claimed that they were unaware of the letter, while the Chinese embassy in Berlin did not respond. (With inputs from Reuters)

Berlin claims China attempted to indimidate Hong Kong activists in Germany

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences.

Hong Kong High Court Judge&nbsp;Anthea Pang rejected Lai's latest application last week but only made public the reasons for her decision on Tuesday.

The case is being closely watched as it shows how&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's independent judiciary resolves any conflicts between the security law drafted in Beijing, where courts come under the Communist Party&nbsp;and the city's common law traditions.

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Apple Daily, which is owned by&nbsp;Lai, reported that the 73-year-old was arrested inside Stanley Prison on Tuesday.

Lai&nbsp;is already in custody, having been charged in December under a national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year.&nbsp;

The new law puts the onus on the defendant to prove they would not be a national security threat if released on bail. Under&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's common law-based legal system, the onus has traditionally been on the prosecution to prove its case.

Beijing imposed the national security law on the former British colony last June after months of pro-democracy protests. The law punishes anything China considers subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Critics say it is aimed at crushing dissent and it erodes freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. Its supporters say it restores stability after months of unrest.

Prosecutors have accused Lai of breaching the law over statements he made on July 30 and Aug. 18, in which they allege he requested foreign interference in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's affairs.

Lai has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting with officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to rally support for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;democracy, prompting Beijing to label him a "traitor".

He is also among a group of nine leading dissidents currently on trial for organising one of the huge pro-democracy rallies that swept Hong Kong in 2019.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences. Hong Kong High Court Judge Anthea Pang rejected Lai's latest application last week but only made public the reasons for her decision on Tuesday. The case is being closely watched as it shows how Hong Kong's independent judiciary resolves any conflicts between the security law drafted in Beijing, where courts come under the Communist Party and the city's common law traditions. Apple Daily, which is owned by Lai, reported that the 73-year-old was arrested inside Stanley Prison on Tuesday. Lai is already in custody, having been charged in December under a national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year. The new law puts the onus on the defendant to prove they would not be a national security threat if released on bail. Under Hong Kong's common law-based legal system, the onus has traditionally been on the prosecution to prove its case. Beijing imposed the national security law on the former British colony last June after months of pro-democracy protests. The law punishes anything China considers subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Critics say it is aimed at crushing dissent and it erodes freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. Its supporters say it restores stability after months of unrest. Prosecutors have accused Lai of breaching the law over statements he made on July 30 and Aug. 18, in which they allege he requested foreign interference in Hong Kong's affairs. Lai has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting with officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to rally support for Hong Kong democracy, prompting Beijing to label him a "traitor". He is also among a group of nine leading dissidents currently on trial for organising one of the huge pro-democracy rallies that swept Hong Kong in 2019.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail due to risk of 'committing further offences'

After imposing the National Security Law in Hong Kong China now wants to control HK's electoral system and processes. A top Beijing official has signalled China-led electoral reforms for Hong Kong to ensure only patriots hold power.

WION Fineprint: Beijing plans to control Hong Kong's legislature

A top Chinese official on Monday talked about outlining plans that will ensure that Hong Kong would be run by 'patriots'. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, made this speech just two weeks ahead of the annual meeting of China's rubber-stamp parliament. There is speculation that China is planning further moves that will tighten its grip on Hong Kong.

"The most vital and pressing task to enforce rule by patriots is to improve the relevant systems, particularly the relevant electoral system," Xia said, according to a speech published by his office.

"Being patriotic means loving the People's Republic of China."

Formerly a British colony, Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997. During the handover, China agreed to grant a certain autonomy and liberty to Hong Kong for 50 years. This model was dubbed as "One Country, Two systems".

However, China has been criticised for not honouring the commitment in recent years.

Hong Kong has never been a democracy -- something that has fuelled years of protests and resentment towards Beijing.

But until recently, the city had a veneer of choice that allowed a small and vibrant opposition to flourish at certain local elections.

After huge and often violent democracy protests swept the city in 2019 -- and opposition politicians won a landslide in district council elections -- Beijing responded with a major crackdown.

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At its last annual meeting, China's National People's Congress imposed a sweeping national security law that outlawed much dissent in Hong Kong and radically transformed its relationship with the authoritarian mainland.

Hong Kongers are therefore looking closely at what the next meeting might bring.

Xia's comments suggest Beijing is seeking to ensure no opposition candidates are able to stand in the city's limited elections and come after weeks of calls in China's state media for such a purge.

Authorities, he said, must "close loopholes" that allow "anti-China troublemakers" into politics.

"Improving the relevant electoral system must be led by the central government," he added.

Xia also laid out the criteria for what makes a "real patriot", which included love for the People's Republic of China, its constitution and the Communist Party of China.

He added that members of the judiciary must also be patriots -- a potentially ominous warning for those who fear Beijing is planning to overhaul Hong Kong's independent courts, one of the pillars of its success as a business hub.

(With AFP input)

A top Chinese official on Monday talked about outlining plans that will ensure that Hong Kong would be run by 'patriots'. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, made this speech just two weeks ahead of the annual meeting of China's rubber-stamp parliament.

A top Chinese official on Monday talked about outlining plans that will ensure that Hong Kong would be run by 'patriots'. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, made this speech just two weeks ahead of the annual meeting of China's rubber-stamp parliament. There is speculation that China is planning further moves that will tighten its grip on Hong Kong. "The most vital and pressing task to enforce rule by patriots is to improve the relevant systems, particularly the relevant electoral system," Xia said, according to a speech published by his office. "Being patriotic means loving the People's Republic of China." Formerly a British colony, Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997. During the handover, China agreed to grant a certain autonomy and liberty to Hong Kong for 50 years. This model was dubbed as "One Country, Two systems". However, China has been criticised for not honouring the commitment in recent years. Hong Kong has never been a democracy -- something that has fuelled years of protests and resentment towards Beijing. But until recently, the city had a veneer of choice that allowed a small and vibrant opposition to flourish at certain local elections. After huge and often violent democracy protests swept the city in 2019 -- and opposition politicians won a landslide in district council elections -- Beijing responded with a major crackdown. Also Read | India-China standoff: China detains bloggers for questioning official version of Galwan clash At its last annual meeting, China's National People's Congress imposed a sweeping national security law that outlawed much dissent in Hong Kong and radically transformed its relationship with the authoritarian mainland. Hong Kongers are therefore looking closely at what the next meeting might bring. Xia's comments suggest Beijing is seeking to ensure no opposition candidates are able to stand in the city's limited elections and come after weeks of calls in China's state media for such a purge. Authorities, he said, must "close loopholes" that allow "anti-China troublemakers" into politics. "Improving the relevant electoral system must be led by the central government," he added. Xia also laid out the criteria for what makes a "real patriot", which included love for the People's Republic of China, its constitution and the Communist Party of China. He added that members of the judiciary must also be patriots -- a potentially ominous warning for those who fear Beijing is planning to overhaul Hong Kong's independent courts, one of the pillars of its success as a business hub. (With AFP input)

Hong Kong: Top Chinese official talks of plans to let 'patriots' run the city

China's Sinovac delivered 1 million doses of its Covid vaccine CoronaVac to Hong Kong on Friday.

The semi-autonomous city is relying on three vaccines and has purchased 22.5 million doses in total. Sinovac's two-dose vaccine was approved on Thursday.

The Hong Kong government says the Sinovac vaccine has received unanimous approval from an expert panel of 12. The panel as well as the city's health officials reviewed Sinovac's early-stage trial data, as well as interim data from the last stage of clinical trials in Brazil.

Online appointments will begin on the coming Tuesday.

The city is also expecting 1 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine by the end of February. It has also purchased Astrazeneca's shots.

Sinovac's vaccine was approved for general use in China earlier in February.

China's Sinovac delivered 1 million doses of its Covid vaccine CoronaVac to Hong Kong on Friday. The semi-autonomous city is relying on three vaccines and has purchased 22.

China's Sinovac delivered 1 million doses of its Covid vaccine CoronaVac to Hong Kong on Friday. The semi-autonomous city is relying on three vaccines and has purchased 22.5 million doses in total. Sinovac's two-dose vaccine was approved on Thursday. The Hong Kong government says the Sinovac vaccine has received unanimous approval from an expert panel of 12. The panel as well as the city's health officials reviewed Sinovac's early-stage trial data, as well as interim data from the last stage of clinical trials in Brazil. Online appointments will begin on the coming Tuesday. The city is also expecting 1 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine by the end of February. It has also purchased Astrazeneca's shots. Sinovac's vaccine was approved for general use in China earlier in February.

China's Sinovac delivers 1 million doses to Hong Kong

Almost 5,000 Hong Kong citizens have applied for a British visa&nbsp;after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year.

London made changes to its visa rules to give millions of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents a chance to settle in Britain after China imposed a new security law that democracy activists say will end the freedoms promised to the territory in 1997.

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Under the rules,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents who hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport will be allowed to live in the United Kingdom for five years and then apply for "settled status" and citizenship.

Some 5.4 million&nbsp;Hongkongers could ultimately be eligible for British citizenship under the scheme.

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Those people had already been offered a temporary settlement in the United Kingdom after fleeing China's security crackdown while waiting for the visa change.

Britain and China have been arguing for months about what London and Washington say is an attempt to silence dissent in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;after pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020.

The British flag was lowered over&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;when the colony was handed back to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule - imposed after Britain defeated China in the First Opium War.

Hong&nbsp;Kong's autonomy was guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" agreement enshrined in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration signed by then Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

China says Britain's views on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;are clouded by an imperial hangover and that the territory needs the national security law to counter damaging unrest.

China and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;have said they will no longer recognise the BNO passport as a valid travel document from Jan. 31. BNO status was created by Britain in 1987 specifically for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents.

The British government has forecast the new visa could attract more than 300,000 people and their dependants to Britain. Beijing said it would make them second-class citizens.

Almost 5,000 Hong Kong citizens have applied for a British visa after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year. London made changes to its visa rules to give millions of Hong Kong residents a chance to settle in Britain after China imposed a new security law that democracy activists say will end the freedoms promised to the territory in 1997.

Almost 5,000 Hong Kong citizens have applied for a British visa after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year. London made changes to its visa rules to give millions of Hong Kong residents a chance to settle in Britain after China imposed a new security law that democracy activists say will end the freedoms promised to the territory in 1997. Under the rules, Hong Kong residents who hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport will be allowed to live in the United Kingdom for five years and then apply for "settled status" and citizenship. Some 5.4 million Hongkongers could ultimately be eligible for British citizenship under the scheme. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy activists stand trial for 2019 protests Those people had already been offered a temporary settlement in the United Kingdom after fleeing China's security crackdown while waiting for the visa change. Britain and China have been arguing for months about what London and Washington say is an attempt to silence dissent in Hong Kong after pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020. The British flag was lowered over Hong Kong when the colony was handed back to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule - imposed after Britain defeated China in the First Opium War. Hong Kong's autonomy was guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" agreement enshrined in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration signed by then Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. China says Britain's views on Hong Kong are clouded by an imperial hangover and that the territory needs the national security law to counter damaging unrest. China and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognise the BNO passport as a valid travel document from Jan. 31. BNO status was created by Britain in 1987 specifically for Hong Kong residents. The British government has forecast the new visa could attract more than 300,000 people and their dependants to Britain. Beijing said it would make them second-class citizens.

Thousands of Hong Kong citizens sign up for new UK visa

Nine veteran Hong Kong activists went to trial on Tuesday for allegedly organising one of the biggest pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Of these nine activists is also Martin Lee, the 82-year-old barrister who had once been chosen by China to help draft Hong Kong's mini-constitution. The list also involves Margaret Ng, a 73-year-old barrister and the famous media tycoon Jimmy Lai who is already in police custody under the controversial national security law. there are also several other leading members of the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) in this list.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-lawyers-express-concern-over-proposed-law-that-can-impose-travel-ban-on-anyone-363311">Hong Kong lawyers express concern over proposed law that can impose travel ban on anyone</a>

The activists are being charged with inciting violence in Hong Kong by organising pro-democracy protests in 2019 when the new and controversial national security law was introduced by China.

This protest was termed as one of the largest gatherings in the last few years with a turnout of nearly 1.7 million people on August 18, 2019, equipped with umbrellas as a sign of protest. The gathering was declared as an unauthorised assembly by the authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-tells-hong-kongers-to-keep-faith-in-democracy-362701">Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tells Hong Kongers to 'keep faith in democracy'</a>

If convicted, the nine activists may face up to five years in jail.

However, the activists still stood by their ideologies and belief. Many of them flashed a three-finger salute — a popular sign of protest across the Asian countries now — as they entered the court.&nbsp;

Some of the activists, meanwhile, stood behind a banner that read, "Peaceful assembly is not a crime, shame on political persecution."

The trial is supposed to continue for nearly ten days, with Tuesday being the day one. During Tuesday's court, except for&nbsp;two defendants, all other activists have pleaded 'not guilty'.&nbsp;Former CHRF&nbsp;convenor Au Nok-hin pleaded guilty to two charges of organising and taking part in an unlawful assembly while former lawmaker Leung Yiu-chung pleaded guilty to taking part in the march but not guilty to organising it.

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;prosecutors are accusing the group of defying instructions from the police departments and encouraging locals to march on Hong Kong streets, leading to disruption of traffic, day-to-day lives and inciting violence.

Nine veteran Hong Kong activists went to trial on Tuesday for allegedly organising one of the biggest pro-democracy protests in 2019. Of these nine activists is also Martin Lee, the 82-year-old barrister who had once been chosen by China to help draft Hong Kong's mini-constitution.

Nine veteran Hong Kong activists went to trial on Tuesday for allegedly organising one of the biggest pro-democracy protests in 2019. Of these nine activists is also Martin Lee, the 82-year-old barrister who had once been chosen by China to help draft Hong Kong's mini-constitution. The list also involves Margaret Ng, a 73-year-old barrister and the famous media tycoon Jimmy Lai who is already in police custody under the controversial national security law. there are also several other leading members of the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) in this list. Also read| Hong Kong lawyers express concern over proposed law that can impose travel ban on anyone The activists are being charged with inciting violence in Hong Kong by organising pro-democracy protests in 2019 when the new and controversial national security law was introduced by China. This protest was termed as one of the largest gatherings in the last few years with a turnout of nearly 1.7 million people on August 18, 2019, equipped with umbrellas as a sign of protest. The gathering was declared as an unauthorised assembly by the authorities. Also read | Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tells Hong Kongers to 'keep faith in democracy' If convicted, the nine activists may face up to five years in jail. However, the activists still stood by their ideologies and belief. Many of them flashed a three-finger salute — a popular sign of protest across the Asian countries now — as they entered the court. Some of the activists, meanwhile, stood behind a banner that read, "Peaceful assembly is not a crime, shame on political persecution." The trial is supposed to continue for nearly ten days, with Tuesday being the day one. During Tuesday's court, except for two defendants, all other activists have pleaded 'not guilty'. Former CHRF convenor Au Nok-hin pleaded guilty to two charges of organising and taking part in an unlawful assembly while former lawmaker Leung Yiu-chung pleaded guilty to taking part in the march but not guilty to organising it. Meanwhile, the prosecutors are accusing the group of defying instructions from the police departments and encouraging locals to march on Hong Kong streets, leading to disruption of traffic, day-to-day lives and inciting violence.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activists stand trial for 2019 protests

Out of 9 have been pleaded guilty in Hong Kong and have been sent on trial. Jimmy Lai, a newspaper publisher is being held on bail on other charges for his Pro-democracy activities. Lee Chuk Yan, democracy advocate and defendant said that Hong Kong's rule of law is deteriorating and is quickly becoming a rule of fear.

Hong Kong: Martin Lee, Jimmy Lai on trial

Hong Kong lawyers have expressed concerns over a government proposal, which if approved could bar anyone from leaving the city. The proposed immigration law once approved will give unrestricted power to hong kong's immigration director to stop anyone from leaving the autonomous region.

Hong Kong lawyers have expressed concerns over Proposed immigration law

Hong Kong's lawyers have expressed concern over a government proposal which if approved could bar anyone from leaving the city.&nbsp;

A paper has been submitted by the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) to the legislative council on Friday expressing alarm over the law that can prevent anyone, Hong Kong resident&nbsp;or not from leaving the region.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|

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"It is particularly troubling that the grounds on which such an intrusive power may be exercised are not stated in the proposed legislation, and no explanation for why such a power is&nbsp;necessary, or even how it is intended to be used, is set out," the association said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-tells-hong-kongers-to-keep-faith-in-democracy-362701">Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tells Hong Kongers to 'keep faith in democracy'</a>

Hong Kong city's government proposed amending a law in late January that will give rights to the director of immigration to impose a travel ban on any individual without seeking&nbsp;permission from the court.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The bar association said if travel curbs need to be taken, the courts must decide it, and not the director when it is "proportionate" and "necessary".&nbsp;

"If a new power to prevent Hong Kong residents and others from leaving the region is to be conferred... It should be for the courts, not the director, to decide when it is necessary and&nbsp;proportionate to impose a travel ban," the HKBA said.&nbsp;

After the imposition of a new security law by China last June, several pro-democracy activists and leaders have gone into exile from the region as China continues its muscular&nbsp;approach.

Hong Kong's lawyers have expressed concern over a government proposal which if approved could bar anyone from leaving the city. A paper has been submitted by the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) to the legislative council on Friday expressing alarm over the law that can prevent anyone, Hong Kong resident or not from leaving the region.

Hong Kong's lawyers have expressed concern over a government proposal which if approved could bar anyone from leaving the city. A paper has been submitted by the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) to the legislative council on Friday expressing alarm over the law that can prevent anyone, Hong Kong resident or not from leaving the region. Watch | "It is particularly troubling that the grounds on which such an intrusive power may be exercised are not stated in the proposed legislation, and no explanation for why such a power is necessary, or even how it is intended to be used, is set out," the association said. Also read | Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tells Hong Kongers to 'keep faith in democracy' Hong Kong city's government proposed amending a law in late January that will give rights to the director of immigration to impose a travel ban on any individual without seeking permission from the court. The bar association said if travel curbs need to be taken, the courts must decide it, and not the director when it is "proportionate" and "necessary". "If a new power to prevent Hong Kong residents and others from leaving the region is to be conferred... It should be for the courts, not the director, to decide when it is necessary and proportionate to impose a travel ban," the HKBA said. After the imposition of a new security law by China last June, several pro-democracy activists and leaders have gone into exile from the region as China continues its muscular approach.

Hong Kong lawyers express concern over proposed law that can impose travel ban on anyone

Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been denied bail by Hong Kong's top court in a national security case.

Hong Kong top court denied Jimmy Lai's bail plea

Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been denied bail in a National Security case. The anti-China activist had been in custody since December 3, except for when he was released on bail for about a week late last year.

News Alert: Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail in National Security case

Hong Kong has decided against using a jury for the first trial under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing, a report has said.

According to AFP, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng informed the defendant's legal team in early February, citing "the personal safety of jurors and their family members".

The jury will reportedly be replaced by a panel of three judges who have been appointed to try national security cases.

Trial by jury has been used by Hong Kong's common law legal system for 176 years and is described by the city's own justice department as one of the judiciary's "most important features". But the new national security law allows for trials to be heard by dedicated national security judges in some circumstances.

The first person to face trial is Tong Ying-kit, a 23-year old man arrested the day after the law came in to effect for allegedly driving his motorbike into a crowd of police officers while flying a protest flag. He is charged with terrorism and inciting secession -- two new national security crimes -- and faces up to life in prison if convicted. He is currently on remand.

His case is being handled by the High Court's Court of First Instance, where trials are usually heard by a judge alongside seven to nine jurors.

Hong Kong's internationally respected legal system has come under sustained pressure in the politically charged wake of 2019's huge pro-democracy protests and Beijing's subsequent crackdown.

The national security law imposed by Beijing has silenced dissent and dented the legal firewall between the business hub and the mainland.

According to the legal source, the Secretary for Justice invoked Article 46 of the national security law, which states three instances where juries can be scrapped for national security crimes.&nbsp;They are protecting state secrets, cases involving foreign forces and protecting the personal safety of jurors and their families.

Hong Kong's Bar Association had previously raised concerns about that provision.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

Hong Kong has decided against using a jury for the first trial under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing, a report has said. According to AFP, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng informed the defendant's legal team in early February, citing "the personal safety of jurors and their family members".

Hong Kong has decided against using a jury for the first trial under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing, a report has said. According to AFP, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng informed the defendant's legal team in early February, citing "the personal safety of jurors and their family members". The jury will reportedly be replaced by a panel of three judges who have been appointed to try national security cases. Trial by jury has been used by Hong Kong's common law legal system for 176 years and is described by the city's own justice department as one of the judiciary's "most important features". But the new national security law allows for trials to be heard by dedicated national security judges in some circumstances. The first person to face trial is Tong Ying-kit, a 23-year old man arrested the day after the law came in to effect for allegedly driving his motorbike into a crowd of police officers while flying a protest flag. He is charged with terrorism and inciting secession -- two new national security crimes -- and faces up to life in prison if convicted. He is currently on remand. His case is being handled by the High Court's Court of First Instance, where trials are usually heard by a judge alongside seven to nine jurors. Hong Kong's internationally respected legal system has come under sustained pressure in the politically charged wake of 2019's huge pro-democracy protests and Beijing's subsequent crackdown. The national security law imposed by Beijing has silenced dissent and dented the legal firewall between the business hub and the mainland. According to the legal source, the Secretary for Justice invoked Article 46 of the national security law, which states three instances where juries can be scrapped for national security crimes. They are protecting state secrets, cases involving foreign forces and protecting the personal safety of jurors and their families. Hong Kong's Bar Association had previously raised concerns about that provision. (with inputs from AFP)

No jury for Hong Kong's first national security trial, report says

A second Hong Kong internet radio host was arrested on Sunday under a sedition law that authorities have begun to wield against China's critics.

Hong Kong's sedition law is different from a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed in June 2020

According to a police statement, officers from the police's national security department arrested 52-year-old Wan Yiu-sing on a charge of "seditious intent" -- without disclosing what Wan had said or did that was potentially seditious.

The radio personality, better known by his DJ name "Giggs", has hosted programmes discussing anti-government demonstrations and previously called for donations to support young Hong Kongers who have fled to nearby Taiwan.

Last September another pro-democracy radio host, Tam Tak-chi, became the first person to be charged with sedition since the handover.&nbsp;He is currently in custody awaiting trial.

Hong Kong's sedition law is separate to a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed on the city last summer in a bid to stamp out dissent.&nbsp;Instead it dates back to the mid-19th century during British colonial rule.

It remained on the books after the 1997 handover to China but was never used in a city that has enjoyed political freedoms unseen on the Chinese mainland.

But after 2019's huge and often violent democracy protests, prosecutors dusted off the law.&nbsp;

Prosecutors allege that popular protest slogans he uttered, such as "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" and "Disband the police", were seditious.

Beijing's national security law&nbsp;has peeled back on those liberties. It has quashed protests and effectively outlawed a host of peaceful political views, including advocating for independence, greater autonomy or full democracy in Hong Kong.

Wan was previously arrested on a national security charge last year, one of more than 100 dissidents investigated under the new powers since they came into force in June.

Tam's coming trial will be a legal test case for how sedition sits with the freedoms of speech supposedly guaranteed by Hong Kong's mini-constitution and its bill of rights.

A second Hong Kong internet radio host was arrested on Sunday under a sedition law that authorities have begun to wield against China's critics. Hong Kong's sedition law is different from a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed in June 2020 According to a police statement, officers from the police's national security department arrested 52-year-old Wan Yiu-sing on a charge of "seditious intent" -- without disclosing what Wan had said or did that was potentially seditious.

A second Hong Kong internet radio host was arrested on Sunday under a sedition law that authorities have begun to wield against China's critics. Hong Kong's sedition law is different from a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed in June 2020 According to a police statement, officers from the police's national security department arrested 52-year-old Wan Yiu-sing on a charge of "seditious intent" -- without disclosing what Wan had said or did that was potentially seditious. The radio personality, better known by his DJ name "Giggs", has hosted programmes discussing anti-government demonstrations and previously called for donations to support young Hong Kongers who have fled to nearby Taiwan. Last September another pro-democracy radio host, Tam Tak-chi, became the first person to be charged with sedition since the handover. He is currently in custody awaiting trial. Hong Kong's sedition law is separate to a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed on the city last summer in a bid to stamp out dissent. Instead it dates back to the mid-19th century during British colonial rule. It remained on the books after the 1997 handover to China but was never used in a city that has enjoyed political freedoms unseen on the Chinese mainland. But after 2019's huge and often violent democracy protests, prosecutors dusted off the law. Prosecutors allege that popular protest slogans he uttered, such as "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" and "Disband the police", were seditious. Beijing's national security law has peeled back on those liberties. It has quashed protests and effectively outlawed a host of peaceful political views, including advocating for independence, greater autonomy or full democracy in Hong Kong. Wan was previously arrested on a national security charge last year, one of more than 100 dissidents investigated under the new powers since they came into force in June. Tam's coming trial will be a legal test case for how sedition sits with the freedoms of speech supposedly guaranteed by Hong Kong's mini-constitution and its bill of rights.

Second Hong Kong radio host arrested for sedition

Sweeping new restrictions have been imposed on schools in Hong Kong. Children as young as 6 now must learn the definition of terms like 'subversion', 'succession', 'terrorism' & 'collusion' - as defined by the National Security Law.

Gravitas: China goes after the young minds of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has unveiled controversial guidelines for schools in the Chinese-ruled city that include teaching students as young as six about colluding with foreign forces and subversion as part of a new national security curriculum.

Hong Kong unveils controversial school curriculum

First come the colorful visuals: an animation of Hong Kong’s skyline, like the opening sequence of a children’s show. Then, a grinning girl and boy pop up on screen, sandwiching a cartoon owl wearing a graduation cap and round spectacles. Together, they deliver an unusual exhortation.

“Let’s learn about national security!”

So begins a chipper video unveiled by the Hong Kong government this week to instill patriotism, loyalty and a strict love for the law in its youngest residents.

Over the next seven minutes, the boy and girl, led by “Uncle Owl,” take a whirlwind tour through dangers facing Hong Kong, such as terrorism and hostile foreign powers. They learn about the forces guarding them from those dangers: Hong Kong police and, ultimately, the central Chinese government.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-masculinity-crisis-china-says-the-boys-are-not-all-right-361640" hreflang="en">A ‘masculinity crisis’? China says the boys are not all right.</a>

“We are still young. How can we contribute to our society and country?” the boy asks, a thought bubble floating over his head.

“I know! We must be law abiding,” the girl responds as a lightbulb pops up above her with a ding.

The video, which officials said would be used to teach primary school students, is part of a broader push to overhaul school curriculum after months of fierce anti-government protests in 2019.

Students made up nearly 40% of those arrested during the height of the demonstrations, and many officials accused teachers of corrupting young minds and turning them against Hong Kong and China. The Education Bureau promised to root out “black sheep,” especially after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June.

Now, it has shown how it plans to do so — starting with students as young as 6.

“Kind of speechless,” Carson Tsang, a high school student and spokesman for Hong Kong Ideologist, a student activism group, said of the video, adding that he did not see the need to teach students that young about national security.

The video was released late Thursday alongside dozens of pages of guidelines for how schools are advised to offer instruction on the new national security law. The rules specify that elementary school students should learn about how the People’s Liberation Army protects them and the importance of central government agencies operating directly in the city — a new provision under the law.

Previously, Chinese authorities had remained largely in the background in Hong Kong, a former British colony that was promised a high degree of autonomy when it returned to China in 1997.

Secondary school students will study the particulars of the law, with national security education bundled into subjects as wide-ranging as biology and geography. Teachers are told to emphasize that “the campus is not a place for expressing political aspirations,” and to tell students that “as far as national security is concerned, there is no room for debate or compromise.”

School officials should call the police on students or teachers if a situation became “grave,” the guidelines say. Activities that could prompt law enforcement intervention include chanting slogans, singing political songs and wearing clothing with political messages.

“It is definitely not too early to start from primary school,” Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong’s education secretary, told reporters Friday. “We can start from simple things first. In middle school, we can study further.”

He continued: “In general, we are pointing to the concept of national security and hope to train students to consciously take up the responsibility of upholding national security.”

Compared to the stern admonitions of the guidelines, the video — with its whimsical sound effects, pastel hues and cutesy animations — appears approachable, even mild. But its message for its young viewers is no less clear about China’s vision for Hong Kong.

The owl opens by affirming that “we all know Hong Kong is an inalienable part of our country” — a rebuttal to activists who have called for Hong Kong to become independent. The owl then gestures to a map of China, with a dotted line also claiming Taiwan and contested parts of the South China Sea as Chinese territory.

Next, the owl outlines the crimes that the security law lays out: Subversion, it says, without defining the term. Terrorism, with an animation of exploding dynamite. Collusion with a foreign country, which is illustrated by a silhouette of a person holding money bags and being controlled by puppet strings.

Throughout, the soundtrack — vaguely electronic, relentlessly upbeat, somewhat reminiscent of corporate hold music — never stops.

Later, the owl uses terms that his young audience might better understand. “Imagine if some students did whatever they wanted in the school, like skipping classes and running around here and there,” it suggests. “What would the lesson be like?”

The owl also compares the national security law, which defines crimes that could be punished with life sentences, to the expectation that people will not blast music at night. “While we are enjoying rights and freedoms, we must consider the impact on others,” it says. The girl, who has been bobbing happily in front of speakers, dutifully puts on headphones.

On social media, some mocked the video for expecting elementary school students to understand words such as inalienable and promulgation. Others worried that it could still be highly effective.

Tsang, the student activist, said young children who were exposed to materials like the video would not learn to question official narratives.

“Eventually, the government trains the minds of primary students,” he said, adding that teachers would be loath to push back for fear of violating the law themselves.

Ip Kin-yuen, a former lawmaker who represented the education sector, denounced the guidelines more broadly, asking why there had been no public consultation period.

Ip said he was not opposed to the idea of teaching students about national security. But he said the government guidelines appeared aimed at indoctrination rather than instruction.

“If we are going to have national security education, it should be education,” he said. “It should be real, genuine education that is for opening up the minds of the students, not to suppress them.”

First come the colorful visuals: an animation of Hong Kong’s skyline, like the opening sequence of a children’s show. Then, a grinning girl and boy pop up on screen, sandwiching a cartoon owl wearing a graduation cap and round spectacles.

First come the colorful visuals: an animation of Hong Kong’s skyline, like the opening sequence of a children’s show. Then, a grinning girl and boy pop up on screen, sandwiching a cartoon owl wearing a graduation cap and round spectacles. Together, they deliver an unusual exhortation. “Let’s learn about national security!” So begins a chipper video unveiled by the Hong Kong government this week to instill patriotism, loyalty and a strict love for the law in its youngest residents. Over the next seven minutes, the boy and girl, led by “Uncle Owl,” take a whirlwind tour through dangers facing Hong Kong, such as terrorism and hostile foreign powers. They learn about the forces guarding them from those dangers: Hong Kong police and, ultimately, the central Chinese government. Also read| A ‘masculinity crisis’? China says the boys are not all right. “We are still young. How can we contribute to our society and country?” the boy asks, a thought bubble floating over his head. “I know! We must be law abiding,” the girl responds as a lightbulb pops up above her with a ding. The video, which officials said would be used to teach primary school students, is part of a broader push to overhaul school curriculum after months of fierce anti-government protests in 2019. Students made up nearly 40% of those arrested during the height of the demonstrations, and many officials accused teachers of corrupting young minds and turning them against Hong Kong and China. The Education Bureau promised to root out “black sheep,” especially after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June. Now, it has shown how it plans to do so — starting with students as young as 6. “Kind of speechless,” Carson Tsang, a high school student and spokesman for Hong Kong Ideologist, a student activism group, said of the video, adding that he did not see the need to teach students that young about national security. The video was released late Thursday alongside dozens of pages of guidelines for how schools are advised to offer instruction on the new national security law. The rules specify that elementary school students should learn about how the People’s Liberation Army protects them and the importance of central government agencies operating directly in the city — a new provision under the law. Previously, Chinese authorities had remained largely in the background in Hong Kong, a former British colony that was promised a high degree of autonomy when it returned to China in 1997. Secondary school students will study the particulars of the law, with national security education bundled into subjects as wide-ranging as biology and geography. Teachers are told to emphasize that “the campus is not a place for expressing political aspirations,” and to tell students that “as far as national security is concerned, there is no room for debate or compromise.” School officials should call the police on students or teachers if a situation became “grave,” the guidelines say. Activities that could prompt law enforcement intervention include chanting slogans, singing political songs and wearing clothing with political messages. “It is definitely not too early to start from primary school,” Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong’s education secretary, told reporters Friday. “We can start from simple things first. In middle school, we can study further.” He continued: “In general, we are pointing to the concept of national security and hope to train students to consciously take up the responsibility of upholding national security.” Compared to the stern admonitions of the guidelines, the video — with its whimsical sound effects, pastel hues and cutesy animations — appears approachable, even mild. But its message for its young viewers is no less clear about China’s vision for Hong Kong. The owl opens by affirming that “we all know Hong Kong is an inalienable part of our country” — a rebuttal to activists who have called for Hong Kong to become independent. The owl then gestures to a map of China, with a dotted line also claiming Taiwan and contested parts of the South China Sea as Chinese territory. Next, the owl outlines the crimes that the security law lays out: Subversion, it says, without defining the term. Terrorism, with an animation of exploding dynamite. Collusion with a foreign country, which is illustrated by a silhouette of a person holding money bags and being controlled by puppet strings. Throughout, the soundtrack — vaguely electronic, relentlessly upbeat, somewhat reminiscent of corporate hold music — never stops. Later, the owl uses terms that his young audience might better understand. “Imagine if some students did whatever they wanted in the school, like skipping classes and running around here and there,” it suggests. “What would the lesson be like?” The owl also compares the national security law, which defines crimes that could be punished with life sentences, to the expectation that people will not blast music at night. “While we are enjoying rights and freedoms, we must consider the impact on others,” it says. The girl, who has been bobbing happily in front of speakers, dutifully puts on headphones. On social media, some mocked the video for expecting elementary school students to understand words such as inalienable and promulgation. Others worried that it could still be highly effective. Tsang, the student activist, said young children who were exposed to materials like the video would not learn to question official narratives. “Eventually, the government trains the minds of primary students,” he said, adding that teachers would be loath to push back for fear of violating the law themselves. Ip Kin-yuen, a former lawmaker who represented the education sector, denounced the guidelines more broadly, asking why there had been no public consultation period. Ip said he was not opposed to the idea of teaching students about national security. But he said the government guidelines appeared aimed at indoctrination rather than instruction. “If we are going to have national security education, it should be education,” he said. “It should be real, genuine education that is for opening up the minds of the students, not to suppress them.”

A talking owl and cheery sounds: Children’s video targets dissent in Hong Kong

In a decision that may start a debate, Hong Kong has released controversial guidelines for schools. These guidelines include teaching students as young as six about colluding with foreign forces and subversion as part of new national security curriculum.

The Education Bureau's guidelines, released late on Thursday, show that Beijing's plans for semi-autonomous Hong Kong go beyond quashing dissent and aim for a societal overhaul to bring its most restive city more in line with the Communist Party-ruled mainland.

"National security is of great importance. Teachers should not treat it as if it is a controversial issue for discussion as usual," the guidelines said.

National security law was imposed on Hong Kong by China in June 2020. The development came after months of anti-government and anti-China protests in 2019.

The education guidelines said that teachers should "clearly point out that safeguarding national security is the responsibility of all nationals and that as far as national security is concerned, there is no room for debate or compromise"

After the 2019 protests in which many of the demonstrators were teenagers, Chinese leaders turned to re-education in a bid to tame the city's youth and make them citizens loyal to China.

Children in primary schools will learn how to sing and respect the national anthem, learn about police and the People's Liberation Army as protectors of Hong Kong, as well as about the four main offences in the security law, including terrorism and secessionism.

In secondary schools, pupils will learn what constitutes the four main offences, which can carry sentences of up to life in prison.

Some legal scholars have said the law's language is broad and vague, and the range of activities authorities might see as potential threats to national security was unclear and fluid.

An educational cartoon video released by the government shows an owl wearing glasses and a graduation hat explaining Hong Kong's institutional architecture, its duties to the central government in Beijing and the national security law.

At one point the video says "national security affairs are of utmost importance to the whole country," while showing smiling faces of a student, a chef and an engineer.

(With AFP inputs)

In a decision that may start a debate, Hong Kong has released controversial guidelines for schools. These guidelines include teaching students as young as six about colluding with foreign forces and subversion as part of new national security curriculum.

In a decision that may start a debate, Hong Kong has released controversial guidelines for schools. These guidelines include teaching students as young as six about colluding with foreign forces and subversion as part of new national security curriculum. The Education Bureau's guidelines, released late on Thursday, show that Beijing's plans for semi-autonomous Hong Kong go beyond quashing dissent and aim for a societal overhaul to bring its most restive city more in line with the Communist Party-ruled mainland. "National security is of great importance. Teachers should not treat it as if it is a controversial issue for discussion as usual," the guidelines said. National security law was imposed on Hong Kong by China in June 2020. The development came after months of anti-government and anti-China protests in 2019. The education guidelines said that teachers should "clearly point out that safeguarding national security is the responsibility of all nationals and that as far as national security is concerned, there is no room for debate or compromise" After the 2019 protests in which many of the demonstrators were teenagers, Chinese leaders turned to re-education in a bid to tame the city's youth and make them citizens loyal to China. Children in primary schools will learn how to sing and respect the national anthem, learn about police and the People's Liberation Army as protectors of Hong Kong, as well as about the four main offences in the security law, including terrorism and secessionism. In secondary schools, pupils will learn what constitutes the four main offences, which can carry sentences of up to life in prison. Some legal scholars have said the law's language is broad and vague, and the range of activities authorities might see as potential threats to national security was unclear and fluid. An educational cartoon video released by the government shows an owl wearing glasses and a graduation hat explaining Hong Kong's institutional architecture, its duties to the central government in Beijing and the national security law. At one point the video says "national security affairs are of utmost importance to the whole country," while showing smiling faces of a student, a chef and an engineer. (With AFP inputs)

Hong Kong releases national security guidelines for schoolkids

Nearly 11,000 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan in 2020 after Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on the city. The figure is almost double the number of a year earlier. &nbsp;

Hong Kong people seeking an alternative to the city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents have been attracted by democratic Taiwan for a long time. &nbsp;

The new security law has just accelerated an exodus. According to Taiwan's National Immigration Agency, the number of Hong Kongers granted short-term residency soared to 10,813 from 5,858 in 2019. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The previous record was 7,506 in 2014 during the financial hub's pro-democracy 'Umbrella Movement'. &nbsp;

The number of arrivals would have been higher if there wouldn’t have been border restrictions due to coronavirus scare, Taiwan's Liberty Times newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying. &nbsp;

Fearful of a potential influx from the authoritarian mainland, Taiwan does not have an asylum or refugee law, nor does it accept refugee applications. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hong Kongers can, however, apply to live on the island through other channels, including investment visas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

President Tsai Ing-wen's government has vowed support for Hong Kong's democracy movement and launched a new office last year to deal with Hong Kongers seeking to stay on the island. &nbsp;&nbsp;

An increasing number of Hong Kong people, including some prominent activists, have gone into exile after local authorities stepped up prosecutions based on the national security law. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A dozen activists were also arrested by the Chinese coast guard in late August when they tried to flee the city to Taiwan by boat. &nbsp;

Most of those aboard the vessel had been charged in Hong Kong for alleged offences linked to last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. &nbsp;

Canada has also emerged as a favourite destination, aided by a network of activists, who have helped people escape Beijing ever since the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Britain has also extended residency rights for nearly three million Hong Kongers eligible for British National (Overseas) passports, those born before the former colony's 1997 handover.&nbsp;

Nearly 11,000 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan in 2020 after Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on the city. The figure is almost double the number of a year earlier.

Nearly 11,000 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan in 2020 after Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on the city. The figure is almost double the number of a year earlier. Hong Kong people seeking an alternative to the city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents have been attracted by democratic Taiwan for a long time. The new security law has just accelerated an exodus. According to Taiwan's National Immigration Agency, the number of Hong Kongers granted short-term residency soared to 10,813 from 5,858 in 2019. The previous record was 7,506 in 2014 during the financial hub's pro-democracy 'Umbrella Movement'. The number of arrivals would have been higher if there wouldn’t have been border restrictions due to coronavirus scare, Taiwan's Liberty Times newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying. Fearful of a potential influx from the authoritarian mainland, Taiwan does not have an asylum or refugee law, nor does it accept refugee applications. Hong Kongers can, however, apply to live on the island through other channels, including investment visas. President Tsai Ing-wen's government has vowed support for Hong Kong's democracy movement and launched a new office last year to deal with Hong Kongers seeking to stay on the island. An increasing number of Hong Kong people, including some prominent activists, have gone into exile after local authorities stepped up prosecutions based on the national security law. A dozen activists were also arrested by the Chinese coast guard in late August when they tried to flee the city to Taiwan by boat. Most of those aboard the vessel had been charged in Hong Kong for alleged offences linked to last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. Canada has also emerged as a favourite destination, aided by a network of activists, who have helped people escape Beijing ever since the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. Britain has also extended residency rights for nearly three million Hong Kongers eligible for British National (Overseas) passports, those born before the former colony's 1997 handover.

Around 11,000 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan in 2020

Some days, Cathy Yau wanders down dark alleys looking for rats to poison. Other days, she helps food banks deliver meals to older people. Often her phone rings with calls from constituents: neighbors asking about their rights during a police stop-and-frisk, or how to best navigate the city’s welfare bureaucracy.

Such is life for a Hong Kong district councilor.

“I do things that nobody’s directed you to do, but which no one else would do if I didn’t,” she said.

Yau, a 37-year-old former police officer, is among the hundreds of pro-democracy candidates who were elected to local government offices in Hong Kong in November 2019 on a wave of anti-establishment sentiment that followed months of street protests.

As the political climate in Hong Kong has rapidly changed, the councilors’ advocacy for the Chinese territory’s fragile democratic institutions has made them the latest target of Communist Party officials in Beijing. In recent months, about 50 of the city’s 392 opposition councilors have been arrested on charges related to the 2019 protests, campaign finances and violations of a contentious anti-sedition law.

Since the passage in June of the national security law — legislation that grants Beijing broad powers to crack down on political crimes in Hong Kong — pro-democracy activists have been surveilled and arrested. In November, Beijing forced the ouster of four elected pro-democracy lawmakers from the city’s main legislative body, a purge that prompted the rest of the opposition to resign en masse.

The job of district councilor, the lowest rung of public office in Hong Kong, was never a particularly political position. Councilors typically tended to mundane neighborhood matters like pest control and the locations of new bus stops.

Now, they are the last line of defense in keeping the city’s pro-democracy opposition alive. And Beijing does not plan to make it easy.

“When the opposition walked out of the legislature, the district councils became one of the last remaining institutions that could voice public interests,” said Edmund Cheng, an associate professor of public policy at the City University of Hong Kong. “What happens to them will put to the test Hong Kong’s resilience as a pluralistic society and how it’s governed.”

Since taking up their posts a year ago, many district councilors have sought to redefine the office — with mixed results. They have boycotted meetings with senior officials, accused the city’s police chief of lying and extracted information about the surveillance infrastructure in their neighborhoods. In turn, government representatives have staged walkouts when the councilors tried to discuss political issues at meetings.

Next month, for the first time, all 452 district councilors will have to swear a loyalty oath, a new requirement under the national security law and the latest test for the remaining elected opposition leaders.

Some pro-establishment district councilors have grown impatient with the pro-democracy bloc’s tactics. “If they refuse to communicate with the government, are they still carrying out their duties?” asked Frankie Ngan, a pro-Beijing councilor. “I’m doubtful.”

The campaign by the pro-democracy councilors to take on the government underscores a sense that everything today in Hong Kong — from maintaining the streets to collecting garbage — is political.

Yau, the district councilor, works out of a cluttered office in the downtown district of Causeway Bay, a stone’s throw from Victoria Park. In the early days of the 2019 protests, she patrolled the neighborhood as a police officer. That June, Yau watched as a sea of protesters calling for democracy and police accountability streamed past, shouting: “Corrupt cops! Corrupt cops!”

At the time, Yau thought to herself: “This isn’t who I am. And if I didn’t have to work, I think I’d be marching with you.” As the police cracked down on the protesters that summer, she resigned, feeling disillusioned.

Tear gas and barricades have not been seen on the streets of Causeway Bay in more than a year, but the area still bears the scars of the protests. Holes in the pavement left as demonstrators removed bricks to throw at the police have been filled with concrete, creating a patchwork of red and gray. The streets remain devoid of trash cans after the authorities hauled them away when protesters used them to build roadblocks. Yau lobbied to have the trash cans returned, and the government replaced them with less imposing plastic bags.

Leung Ming-yu, a Causeway Bay resident who sells backpacks at a neighborhood street market, said he expected district councilors to prioritize serving residents’ everyday needs over politics. But he also said he was disappointed to see some establishment-backed officials “acting as yes-men” and approving costly government projects that did not benefit the community.

“Of course it’s a good thing to have a very competent councilor who can solve all of our problems,” Leung said. “But we want a genuine councilor, so we can feel like we have a higher level of participation.”

Yau said she had tried to walk the line between striving for democracy and making sure she can survive to work another day for her constituents. As a result, she has shied away from more sensitive political issues. When a group of fugitive Hong Kong activists were captured at sea last year by the mainland authorities — a case that touched a raw nerve in the city — she left the work to other lawmakers who had the institutional standing and resources to advocate for the activists’ rights in custody.

Despite the divisions between the pro-democracy and pro-establishment camps, Yau said she planned to focus on the little common ground the groups still share.

“Despite our clashes with the authorities in the council meetings, we still need to work with government departments on everyday issues,” she said. “I just hope to work on things that the authorities think make sense and that actually benefit the community.”

Some days, Cathy Yau wanders down dark alleys looking for rats to poison. Other days, she helps food banks deliver meals to older people. Often her phone rings with calls from constituents: neighbors asking about their rights during a police stop-and-frisk, or how to best navigate the city’s welfare bureaucracy.

Some days, Cathy Yau wanders down dark alleys looking for rats to poison. Other days, she helps food banks deliver meals to older people. Often her phone rings with calls from constituents: neighbors asking about their rights during a police stop-and-frisk, or how to best navigate the city’s welfare bureaucracy. Such is life for a Hong Kong district councilor. “I do things that nobody’s directed you to do, but which no one else would do if I didn’t,” she said. Yau, a 37-year-old former police officer, is among the hundreds of pro-democracy candidates who were elected to local government offices in Hong Kong in November 2019 on a wave of anti-establishment sentiment that followed months of street protests. As the political climate in Hong Kong has rapidly changed, the councilors’ advocacy for the Chinese territory’s fragile democratic institutions has made them the latest target of Communist Party officials in Beijing. In recent months, about 50 of the city’s 392 opposition councilors have been arrested on charges related to the 2019 protests, campaign finances and violations of a contentious anti-sedition law. Since the passage in June of the national security law — legislation that grants Beijing broad powers to crack down on political crimes in Hong Kong — pro-democracy activists have been surveilled and arrested. In November, Beijing forced the ouster of four elected pro-democracy lawmakers from the city’s main legislative body, a purge that prompted the rest of the opposition to resign en masse. The job of district councilor, the lowest rung of public office in Hong Kong, was never a particularly political position. Councilors typically tended to mundane neighborhood matters like pest control and the locations of new bus stops. Now, they are the last line of defense in keeping the city’s pro-democracy opposition alive. And Beijing does not plan to make it easy. “When the opposition walked out of the legislature, the district councils became one of the last remaining institutions that could voice public interests,” said Edmund Cheng, an associate professor of public policy at the City University of Hong Kong. “What happens to them will put to the test Hong Kong’s resilience as a pluralistic society and how it’s governed.” Since taking up their posts a year ago, many district councilors have sought to redefine the office — with mixed results. They have boycotted meetings with senior officials, accused the city’s police chief of lying and extracted information about the surveillance infrastructure in their neighborhoods. In turn, government representatives have staged walkouts when the councilors tried to discuss political issues at meetings. Next month, for the first time, all 452 district councilors will have to swear a loyalty oath, a new requirement under the national security law and the latest test for the remaining elected opposition leaders. Some pro-establishment district councilors have grown impatient with the pro-democracy bloc’s tactics. “If they refuse to communicate with the government, are they still carrying out their duties?” asked Frankie Ngan, a pro-Beijing councilor. “I’m doubtful.” The campaign by the pro-democracy councilors to take on the government underscores a sense that everything today in Hong Kong — from maintaining the streets to collecting garbage — is political. Yau, the district councilor, works out of a cluttered office in the downtown district of Causeway Bay, a stone’s throw from Victoria Park. In the early days of the 2019 protests, she patrolled the neighborhood as a police officer. That June, Yau watched as a sea of protesters calling for democracy and police accountability streamed past, shouting: “Corrupt cops! Corrupt cops!” At the time, Yau thought to herself: “This isn’t who I am. And if I didn’t have to work, I think I’d be marching with you.” As the police cracked down on the protesters that summer, she resigned, feeling disillusioned. Tear gas and barricades have not been seen on the streets of Causeway Bay in more than a year, but the area still bears the scars of the protests. Holes in the pavement left as demonstrators removed bricks to throw at the police have been filled with concrete, creating a patchwork of red and gray. The streets remain devoid of trash cans after the authorities hauled them away when protesters used them to build roadblocks. Yau lobbied to have the trash cans returned, and the government replaced them with less imposing plastic bags. Leung Ming-yu, a Causeway Bay resident who sells backpacks at a neighborhood street market, said he expected district councilors to prioritize serving residents’ everyday needs over politics. But he also said he was disappointed to see some establishment-backed officials “acting as yes-men” and approving costly government projects that did not benefit the community. “Of course it’s a good thing to have a very competent councilor who can solve all of our problems,” Leung said. “But we want a genuine councilor, so we can feel like we have a higher level of participation.” Yau said she had tried to walk the line between striving for democracy and making sure she can survive to work another day for her constituents. As a result, she has shied away from more sensitive political issues. When a group of fugitive Hong Kong activists were captured at sea last year by the mainland authorities — a case that touched a raw nerve in the city — she left the work to other lawmakers who had the institutional standing and resources to advocate for the activists’ rights in custody. Despite the divisions between the pro-democracy and pro-establishment camps, Yau said she planned to focus on the little common ground the groups still share. “Despite our clashes with the authorities in the council meetings, we still need to work with government departments on everyday issues,” she said. “I just hope to work on things that the authorities think make sense and that actually benefit the community.”

How Hong Kong’s lowliest politicians became its champions of freedom

A second Chinese lawyer involved in defending a Hong Kong democracy activist has had his license revoked.

According to AFP, Ren Quanniu, who represented one of 12 people caught attempting to flee Hong Kong to Taiwan by boat last August, said he received a court notice revoking his right to practice.

Lu Siwei, who was served alongside Ren on the case, had his licence stripped last month.

Ren received the notice from the Henan Provincial Department of Justice after a hearing in the central province last Friday related to a 2018 case when he represented a member of the Falun Gong, a religious group banned in mainland China.

Authorities found that Ren had "disrupted the normal order of criminal proceedings" and had been "severely damaging the image of the lawyer industry and causing a negative impact on society".

Ren told AFP that the accusations against him were "groundless".

He and Lu have both said that representing the members of the so-called "Hong Kong 12" was the trigger that stripped them of the right to practice.

The 12 activists attempted to flee after China imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong. Some on the boat already faced prosecution for alleged crimes linked to the huge and often violent pro-democracy protests of 2019.

Both lawyers faced difficulties reaching their clients in the Hong Kong 12 case and authorities did not recognise their appointment by families of the defendants.

(with inputs)

A second Chinese lawyer involved in defending a Hong Kong democracy activist has had his license revoked. According to AFP, Ren Quanniu, who represented one of 12 people caught attempting to flee Hong Kong to Taiwan by boat last August, said he received a court notice revoking his right to practice.

A second Chinese lawyer involved in defending a Hong Kong democracy activist has had his license revoked. According to AFP, Ren Quanniu, who represented one of 12 people caught attempting to flee Hong Kong to Taiwan by boat last August, said he received a court notice revoking his right to practice. Lu Siwei, who was served alongside Ren on the case, had his licence stripped last month. Ren received the notice from the Henan Provincial Department of Justice after a hearing in the central province last Friday related to a 2018 case when he represented a member of the Falun Gong, a religious group banned in mainland China. Authorities found that Ren had "disrupted the normal order of criminal proceedings" and had been "severely damaging the image of the lawyer industry and causing a negative impact on society". Ren told AFP that the accusations against him were "groundless". He and Lu have both said that representing the members of the so-called "Hong Kong 12" was the trigger that stripped them of the right to practice. The 12 activists attempted to flee after China imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong. Some on the boat already faced prosecution for alleged crimes linked to the huge and often violent pro-democracy protests of 2019. Both lawyers faced difficulties reaching their clients in the Hong Kong 12 case and authorities did not recognise their appointment by families of the defendants. (with inputs)

Another lawyer, who defended one of 'Hong Kong 12', has license revoked

Hong Kong's leader defended her administration's use of "ambush lockdowns" on Tuesday after a spate of overnight operations to conduct surprise mandatory coronavirus tests uncovered no new cases.

The new tactic involves authorities giving no warning of an impending lockdown, sealing off buildings where cases are detected and then ensuring everyone inside is tested, usually overnight.

But the operations have had limited success.

Overnight on Monday police cordoned off designated areas in four densely populated districts. Authorities conducted some 1,700 tests but found zero new infections.

On Tuesday, city leader Carrie Lam said the ambush lockdowns were "not a waste of manpower and money but instead well worth" the resources.

"We can't take the number of confirmed cases as the sole or decisive standard," Lam told reporters.&nbsp;

"Efficacy does not only concern recovery rate, but also prevention of the disease."

Hong Kong's government are taking a much more proactive approach to testing similar to tactics used on the authoritarian mainland as it struggles to contain a winter wave of infections.

On Tuesday morning, the government warned authorities would forcibly break into their apartments if law enforcement suspected people were hiding in their homes or refusing to submit a mandatory test.

Lam's de facto deputy &nbsp;Matthew Cheung said officials would use "wider and more frequent" lockdowns as the city heads into the Lunar New Year holidays next week.

Hong Kong was one of the first places to be struck by the coronavirus after it spilled out of central China.

It has recorded nearly 10,500 infections with some 170 deaths by imposing effective but economically ruinous social distancing measures for much of the last year.

Hong Kong's leader defended her administration's use of "ambush lockdowns" on Tuesday after a spate of overnight operations to conduct surprise mandatory coronavirus tests uncovered no new cases.

Hong Kong's leader defended her administration's use of "ambush lockdowns" on Tuesday after a spate of overnight operations to conduct surprise mandatory coronavirus tests uncovered no new cases. The new tactic involves authorities giving no warning of an impending lockdown, sealing off buildings where cases are detected and then ensuring everyone inside is tested, usually overnight. But the operations have had limited success. Overnight on Monday police cordoned off designated areas in four densely populated districts. Authorities conducted some 1,700 tests but found zero new infections. On Tuesday, city leader Carrie Lam said the ambush lockdowns were "not a waste of manpower and money but instead well worth" the resources. "We can't take the number of confirmed cases as the sole or decisive standard," Lam told reporters. "Efficacy does not only concern recovery rate, but also prevention of the disease." Hong Kong's government are taking a much more proactive approach to testing similar to tactics used on the authoritarian mainland as it struggles to contain a winter wave of infections. On Tuesday morning, the government warned authorities would forcibly break into their apartments if law enforcement suspected people were hiding in their homes or refusing to submit a mandatory test. Lam's de facto deputy Matthew Cheung said officials would use "wider and more frequent" lockdowns as the city heads into the Lunar New Year holidays next week. Hong Kong was one of the first places to be struck by the coronavirus after it spilled out of central China. It has recorded nearly 10,500 infections with some 170 deaths by imposing effective but economically ruinous social distancing measures for much of the last year.

Hong Kong leader defends 'ambush lockdown' tactics

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