President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>is getting congratulatory messages from several world leaders for winning the presidency, but some democracy activists in Hong Kong and Taiwan are still hoping that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump </a>becomes the President of the United States.&nbsp;

Trump's refusal to accept America's mandate has caused divisions in the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong because of its connections with the Republican party.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-the-dream-of-hong-kong-democracy-was-dimmed-342665">How the dream of Hong Kong democracy was dimmed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

An op-ed with the headline: 'President Biden will stand with Hong Kong- more effectively than Trump ever did', published by The Hong Kong Free Press has been harshly criticised with comments such as Joe Biden was "in the CCP’s pocket" and the results are yet to be announced.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-china-of-additional-sanctions-for-flagrantly-violating-hong-kongs-autonomy-342516">US warns China of additional sanctions for 'flagrantly violating' Hong Kong's autonomy</a>

"I'm genuinely surprised at the level of right-wing disinformation that has influenced Hong Kong circles. The number of friends who have linked me to Breitbart articles or other easily-debunked misinformation is depressing," said Sasha Ramani, one of the co-authors of the article, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Last month, a YouGov poll found that Trump was most popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan, two regions where China has increased its authoritarian measures to suppress any Beijing-related dissent and strengthen democracy.&nbsp;

In the last several months, Trump has taken several measures against China after the coronavirus crisis began, which includes slapping sanctions and providing billions of dollars of weapons to Taiwan.&nbsp;

Though Biden has claimed that he will act tough on Beijing, some people in Hong Kong fear whether the president-elect will walk the talk.&nbsp;

Journalist Johan Nylander, who has lived in Hong Kong for a decade, said a lot of anger and aggression has risen since the US election, that includes claims that Biden stole the election.

A local reporter, who did not want to be identified over concerns of facing online abuse, said colleagues and media organisations had been called "pro-Biden or favouring Biden in their coverage".

"One example is Apple Daily – its owner Jimmy Lai was very clear that he supported Trump, he predicted Trump would win … and their own coverage was generally pro-Trump. But the [Apple Daily] journalists did what every journalist does and factchecked stories. And they were accused of 'showing their true colours', siding with Biden. There's this kind of conspiracy that keeps going on," he added.&nbsp;

President-elect Joe Biden is getting congratulatory messages from several world leaders for winning the presidency, but some democracy activists in Hong Kong and Taiwan are still hoping that Donald Trump becomes the President of the United States.

President-elect Joe Biden is getting congratulatory messages from several world leaders for winning the presidency, but some democracy activists in Hong Kong and Taiwan are still hoping that Donald Trump becomes the President of the United States. Trump's refusal to accept America's mandate has caused divisions in the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong because of its connections with the Republican party. Also read | How the dream of Hong Kong democracy was dimmed An op-ed with the headline: 'President Biden will stand with Hong Kong- more effectively than Trump ever did', published by The Hong Kong Free Press has been harshly criticised with comments such as Joe Biden was "in the CCP’s pocket" and the results are yet to be announced. Also read | US warns China of additional sanctions for 'flagrantly violating' Hong Kong's autonomy "I'm genuinely surprised at the level of right-wing disinformation that has influenced Hong Kong circles. The number of friends who have linked me to Breitbart articles or other easily-debunked misinformation is depressing," said Sasha Ramani, one of the co-authors of the article, as quoted by The Guardian. Last month, a YouGov poll found that Trump was most popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan, two regions where China has increased its authoritarian measures to suppress any Beijing-related dissent and strengthen democracy. In the last several months, Trump has taken several measures against China after the coronavirus crisis began, which includes slapping sanctions and providing billions of dollars of weapons to Taiwan. Though Biden has claimed that he will act tough on Beijing, some people in Hong Kong fear whether the president-elect will walk the talk. Journalist Johan Nylander, who has lived in Hong Kong for a decade, said a lot of anger and aggression has risen since the US election, that includes claims that Biden stole the election. A local reporter, who did not want to be identified over concerns of facing online abuse, said colleagues and media organisations had been called "pro-Biden or favouring Biden in their coverage". "One example is Apple Daily – its owner Jimmy Lai was very clear that he supported Trump, he predicted Trump would win … and their own coverage was generally pro-Trump. But the [Apple Daily] journalists did what every journalist does and factchecked stories. And they were accused of 'showing their true colours', siding with Biden. There's this kind of conspiracy that keeps going on," he added.

Why are some pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, Taiwan still hoping for Trump victory?

The resignation of the 15 remaining pro-democracy lawmakers will ratchet up tensions over the future of Hong Kong

WION Dispatch: Hong Kong disqualifies 4 pro-democracy legislators

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s pro-democracy lawmakers said Wednesday that they would resign en masse to protest Beijing’s growing control over the local legislature, one of the last remaining centers of dissent in the Chinese city.

The 15 resignations were set off by a decision earlier in the day out of Beijing that forced the removal of four opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong.

The lawmakers’ departure comes amid Beijing’s intensifying efforts to silence Hong Kong’s political opposition and to curb a vast protest movement.

Here’s a look at key moments in the long showdown between pro-democratic forces and the Beijing-backed authorities who have chipped away at Hong Kong’s special status as a bastion for free speech and independent courts.

<h2>Extradition bill incites enormous protests.</h2>

In May 2019, Hong Kong lawmakers scuffled over a bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the ruling Communist Party. That was followed by huge street protests, with organizers estimating that 1 million people marched on June 9, 2019, in a city of about 7.5 million.

Three days later, police fired tear gas at protesters who had blocked a major highway outside the Legislative Council, Hong Kong’s legislature. The heavy-handed response prompted another June march that organizers said drew nearly 2 million people.

On July 21, after protesters vandalized Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, a mob attacked a group of protesters in a train station. Dozens were injured, including journalists and a pro-democracy legislator. The appearance of police inaction that night would fuel widespread anger toward the Hong Kong police force and suspicion that officers were unwilling to protect anti-government protesters.

In the months that followed, street clashes became routine between the police and black-clad protesters, who targeted symbols of authority, including local police stations and the city’s vaunted subway system.

Some protesters began carrying makeshift weapons, attacking opponents on the streets and vandalizing businesses seen as supporting the police and the government. A slogan from the “Hunger Games” films — “If we burn, you burn with us” — became a call to arms.

With Beijing’s support, the Hong Kong authorities began a no-compromise campaign of crowd suppression and arrests of demonstrators and pro-democracy activists.

<h2>A bill withdrawn, escalating violence and an election win.</h2>

Even as the arrests intensified, the protest movement claimed a major success: In September 2019, Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, withdrew the extradition bill.

The concession did not end the protests, though, and some began getting more intense. Confrontations on college campuses in mid-November began resembling medieval sieges, with students fortifying their campuses against police charges and sometimes even shooting arrows out toward riot police. The police continued their harsh tactics, using tear gas, batons, water cannons and rubber bullets.

But if Beijing officials were betting that the increase in violence would turn local opinion against the protest movement, they were wrong.

The movement earned a stunning victory in late November as pro-democracy candidates captured most of the seats in local elections for district councils. It was a vivid expression of defiance toward and anger with Beijing and their allies in Hong Kong’s leadership.

<h2>The pandemic strikes, and elections are put off.</h2>

After the pro-democracy movement’s election wins, a lull in protests set in for several weeks. Then, on New Year’s Day, demonstrators returned to the streets in full force in a protest that started peacefully but descended into violent clashes with the police.

But even as they marched, many protesters were expressing more trepidation than righteous anger. Mainland and Hong Kong officials had made clear they would not back down, and Hong Kong’s economy was showing signs of intense strain from the disruption.

The tone was already shifting, and then the coronavirus pandemic struck. As the new virus began spreading around the world, social-distancing rules and the imperative to stay home took even more steam out of the protest movement.

The Hong Kong government said the pandemic meant the legislative election scheduled for September would need to be postponed by a year. The opposition cried foul and said the government was afraid that establishment candidates would be defeated.

<h2>National security law imposed.</h2>

After a year of protests, and opposition election victories, Beijing had had enough.

In late June this year, the mainland government imposed an ominously vague and far-reaching national security bill on Hong Kong that targeted dissent and protest. Calls for Hong Kong to be independent were made illegal, and sabotaging transportation infrastructure, which became increasingly common during the protests, was designated as terrorism. A national security office was set up, and China’s state security apparatus, which had previously worked covertly in Hong Kong, was allowed to operate in public.

More than two dozen people have since been arrested under the new law. Most prominent among them was Jimmy Lai, founder of the city’s biggest pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily.

This week, Beijing officials went even further, granting the Hong Kong government broad powers to remove lawmakers from office who do not show clear loyalty to China.

Within minutes, Hong Kong officials removed the four lawmakers, prompting the other 15 members of the pro-democracy bloc to resign in protest. Their departures will leave the political opposition without a voice in the Hong Kong legislature, which had stood as a symbol of the “one country, two systems” framework intended to keep Hong Kong semi-autonomous until 2047.

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s pro-democracy lawmakers said Wednesday that they would resign en masse to protest Beijing’s growing control over the local legislature, one of the last remaining centers of dissent in the Chinese city.

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s pro-democracy lawmakers said Wednesday that they would resign en masse to protest Beijing’s growing control over the local legislature, one of the last remaining centers of dissent in the Chinese city. The 15 resignations were set off by a decision earlier in the day out of Beijing that forced the removal of four opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong. The lawmakers’ departure comes amid Beijing’s intensifying efforts to silence Hong Kong’s political opposition and to curb a vast protest movement. Here’s a look at key moments in the long showdown between pro-democratic forces and the Beijing-backed authorities who have chipped away at Hong Kong’s special status as a bastion for free speech and independent courts. Extradition bill incites enormous protests. In May 2019, Hong Kong lawmakers scuffled over a bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the ruling Communist Party. That was followed by huge street protests, with organizers estimating that 1 million people marched on June 9, 2019, in a city of about 7.5 million. Three days later, police fired tear gas at protesters who had blocked a major highway outside the Legislative Council, Hong Kong’s legislature. The heavy-handed response prompted another June march that organizers said drew nearly 2 million people. On July 21, after protesters vandalized Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, a mob attacked a group of protesters in a train station. Dozens were injured, including journalists and a pro-democracy legislator. The appearance of police inaction that night would fuel widespread anger toward the Hong Kong police force and suspicion that officers were unwilling to protect anti-government protesters. In the months that followed, street clashes became routine between the police and black-clad protesters, who targeted symbols of authority, including local police stations and the city’s vaunted subway system. Some protesters began carrying makeshift weapons, attacking opponents on the streets and vandalizing businesses seen as supporting the police and the government. A slogan from the “Hunger Games” films — “If we burn, you burn with us” — became a call to arms. With Beijing’s support, the Hong Kong authorities began a no-compromise campaign of crowd suppression and arrests of demonstrators and pro-democracy activists. A bill withdrawn, escalating violence and an election win. Even as the arrests intensified, the protest movement claimed a major success: In September 2019, Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, withdrew the extradition bill. The concession did not end the protests, though, and some began getting more intense. Confrontations on college campuses in mid-November began resembling medieval sieges, with students fortifying their campuses against police charges and sometimes even shooting arrows out toward riot police. The police continued their harsh tactics, using tear gas, batons, water cannons and rubber bullets. But if Beijing officials were betting that the increase in violence would turn local opinion against the protest movement, they were wrong. The movement earned a stunning victory in late November as pro-democracy candidates captured most of the seats in local elections for district councils. It was a vivid expression of defiance toward and anger with Beijing and their allies in Hong Kong’s leadership. The pandemic strikes, and elections are put off. After the pro-democracy movement’s election wins, a lull in protests set in for several weeks. Then, on New Year’s Day, demonstrators returned to the streets in full force in a protest that started peacefully but descended into violent clashes with the police. But even as they marched, many protesters were expressing more trepidation than righteous anger. Mainland and Hong Kong officials had made clear they would not back down, and Hong Kong’s economy was showing signs of intense strain from the disruption. The tone was already shifting, and then the coronavirus pandemic struck. As the new virus began spreading around the world, social-distancing rules and the imperative to stay home took even more steam out of the protest movement. The Hong Kong government said the pandemic meant the legislative election scheduled for September would need to be postponed by a year. The opposition cried foul and said the government was afraid that establishment candidates would be defeated. National security law imposed. After a year of protests, and opposition election victories, Beijing had had enough. In late June this year, the mainland government imposed an ominously vague and far-reaching national security bill on Hong Kong that targeted dissent and protest. Calls for Hong Kong to be independent were made illegal, and sabotaging transportation infrastructure, which became increasingly common during the protests, was designated as terrorism. A national security office was set up, and China’s state security apparatus, which had previously worked covertly in Hong Kong, was allowed to operate in public. More than two dozen people have since been arrested under the new law. Most prominent among them was Jimmy Lai, founder of the city’s biggest pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily. This week, Beijing officials went even further, granting the Hong Kong government broad powers to remove lawmakers from office who do not show clear loyalty to China. Within minutes, Hong Kong officials removed the four lawmakers, prompting the other 15 members of the pro-democracy bloc to resign in protest. Their departures will leave the political opposition without a voice in the Hong Kong legislature, which had stood as a symbol of the “one country, two systems” framework intended to keep Hong Kong semi-autonomous until 2047.

How the dream of Hong Kong democracy was dimmed

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators said on Wednesday that they were resigning en-masse after Hong Kong government's move to expel four legislators in the exercise of the new powers given to it by China. These 15 lawmakers made this announcement in a press conference just hours after four legislators were expelled. China has given Hong Kong powers to disqualify politicians that are deemed to be a threat to national security. The resolution was passed by China on Thursday.

The resignations are the latest blow to the city's beleaguered pro-democracy movement, which has been under sustained attack since China imposed a sweeping national security law, including arrests for social media posts and activists fleeing overseas.

"We, from the pro-democracy camp, will stand with our colleagues. We will resign en masse," Wu Chi-wai, convener of the 15 remaining pro-democracy legislators, told a press conference.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Hong Kong government ousted four pro-democracy members minutes after one of China's top lawmaking committees ruled that authorities in the semi-autonomous city could remove any legislator deemed a threat to national security without going through the courts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-ousts-four-pro-democracy-lawmakers-for-endangering-security-342326">Hong Kong ousts four pro-democracy lawmakers for 'endangering security'</a> 
 
Hong Kong's leader is chosen by pro-Beijing committees, but half of its legislature's 70 seats are directly elected, offering the city's 7.5 million residents a rare chance to have their voices heard at the ballot box.

The mass resignation will leave the legislature composed almost entirely of those toeing Beijing's line.

The inability of Hong Kongers to elect their leaders and all of their lawmakers has been at the heart of swelling opposition to Beijing's rule that sparked months of huge and often violent protests last year.

China passed the security law in June to quell the protests, describing it as a "sword" hanging over the head of its critics.

(With AFP inputs)

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators said on Wednesday that they were resigning en-masse after Hong Kong government's move to expel four legislators in the exercise of the new powers given to it by China.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators said on Wednesday that they were resigning en-masse after Hong Kong government's move to expel four legislators in the exercise of the new powers given to it by China. These 15 lawmakers made this announcement in a press conference just hours after four legislators were expelled. China has given Hong Kong powers to disqualify politicians that are deemed to be a threat to national security. The resolution was passed by China on Thursday. The resignations are the latest blow to the city's beleaguered pro-democracy movement, which has been under sustained attack since China imposed a sweeping national security law, including arrests for social media posts and activists fleeing overseas. "We, from the pro-democracy camp, will stand with our colleagues. We will resign en masse," Wu Chi-wai, convener of the 15 remaining pro-democracy legislators, told a press conference. Earlier on Wednesday, the Hong Kong government ousted four pro-democracy members minutes after one of China's top lawmaking committees ruled that authorities in the semi-autonomous city could remove any legislator deemed a threat to national security without going through the courts. Also Read | Hong Kong ousts four pro-democracy lawmakers for 'endangering security' Hong Kong's leader is chosen by pro-Beijing committees, but half of its legislature's 70 seats are directly elected, offering the city's 7.5 million residents a rare chance to have their voices heard at the ballot box. The mass resignation will leave the legislature composed almost entirely of those toeing Beijing's line. The inability of Hong Kongers to elect their leaders and all of their lawmakers has been at the heart of swelling opposition to Beijing's rule that sparked months of huge and often violent protests last year. China passed the security law in June to quell the protests, describing it as a "sword" hanging over the head of its critics. (With AFP inputs)

Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers resign en masse to protest expulsion of four colleagues

Hong Kong disqualified four opposition members of its legislature on Wednesday for endangering security, raising the prospect of a walk-out by pro-democracy legislators who oppose what they see as Beijing's ever tighter grip on the city.

Hong Kong disqualifies four legislators for 'endangering security'

Hong Kong on Wednesday stripped four pro-democracy lawmakers of their seats, immediately after China gave the city the power to disqualify politicians deemed a threat to national security.

The ousting comes after 19 pro-democracy lawmakers in the semi-autonomous city's legislature threatened Monday to resign "en masse" if their colleagues were disqualified.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-lawmakers-threaten-mass-resignation-against-beijing-341908">Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers threaten mass resignation against Beijing</a>

The expulsion of the four from Hong Kong's Legislative Council, the former British colony's mini-parliament, deals a further blow to pro-democracy politicians in the region.

The 19 democratic members of the 70-seat city legislature on Monday threatened to resign en masse if any of them was disqualified, saying that would reflect their unity and show how far Beijing was willing to go to crush opposition.

While the assembly is controlled by the pro-Beijing camp, the opposition's resignation would turn it into a rubber stamp.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-sanctions-on-four-chinese-nationals-over-hong-kong-342055">US announces sanctions on four Chinese nationals over Hong Kong</a>

The opposition members have tried to make a stand against what many people in the former British colony see as Beijing's tightening grip over the financial hub, despite a promise of autonomy.

China denies encroaching on Hong Kong's freedoms but authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing have moved swiftly to stifle dissent after anti-government protests flared in June last year and plunged the city into crisis.

The city government said in a statement the four legislators - Alvin Yeung, Dennis Kwok, Kwok Ka-ki and Kenneth Leung - were expelled from the assembly for endangering national security. It did not elaborate.

They were among 12 legislators who were earlier disqualified from standing in a legislative election, now postponed, for various reasons including collusion with foreign forces and opposition to the new national security law.

The disqualifications are likely to add to concern in the West about Hong Kong's autonomy, promised under a "one country, two systems" formula when Britain handed it to China in 1997, as Joe Biden prepares to take over from Donald Trump as U.S. president, promising to promote democracy around the world.

The decision by the Chinese parliament's top decision-making body comes amid frustration in pro-Beijing circles in Hong Kong over what they see as opposition "delay tactics" to obstruct legislation.

Filibustering has long been common in Hong Kong where only half of the 70 seats in the legislature are elected and the other half stacked with pro-Beijing figures.

Hong Kong on Wednesday stripped four pro-democracy lawmakers of their seats, immediately after China gave the city the power to disqualify politicians deemed a threat to national security.

Hong Kong on Wednesday stripped four pro-democracy lawmakers of their seats, immediately after China gave the city the power to disqualify politicians deemed a threat to national security. The ousting comes after 19 pro-democracy lawmakers in the semi-autonomous city's legislature threatened Monday to resign "en masse" if their colleagues were disqualified. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers threaten mass resignation against Beijing The expulsion of the four from Hong Kong's Legislative Council, the former British colony's mini-parliament, deals a further blow to pro-democracy politicians in the region. The 19 democratic members of the 70-seat city legislature on Monday threatened to resign en masse if any of them was disqualified, saying that would reflect their unity and show how far Beijing was willing to go to crush opposition. While the assembly is controlled by the pro-Beijing camp, the opposition's resignation would turn it into a rubber stamp. Also read: US announces sanctions on four Chinese nationals over Hong Kong The opposition members have tried to make a stand against what many people in the former British colony see as Beijing's tightening grip over the financial hub, despite a promise of autonomy. China denies encroaching on Hong Kong's freedoms but authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing have moved swiftly to stifle dissent after anti-government protests flared in June last year and plunged the city into crisis. The city government said in a statement the four legislators - Alvin Yeung, Dennis Kwok, Kwok Ka-ki and Kenneth Leung - were expelled from the assembly for endangering national security. It did not elaborate. They were among 12 legislators who were earlier disqualified from standing in a legislative election, now postponed, for various reasons including collusion with foreign forces and opposition to the new national security law. The disqualifications are likely to add to concern in the West about Hong Kong's autonomy, promised under a "one country, two systems" formula when Britain handed it to China in 1997, as Joe Biden prepares to take over from Donald Trump as U.S. president, promising to promote democracy around the world. The decision by the Chinese parliament's top decision-making body comes amid frustration in pro-Beijing circles in Hong Kong over what they see as opposition "delay tactics" to obstruct legislation. Filibustering has long been common in Hong Kong where only half of the 70 seats in the legislature are elected and the other half stacked with pro-Beijing figures.

Hong Kong ousts four pro-democracy lawmakers for 'endangering security'

When Harry Wu, a professor of medical humanities at the University of Hong Kong, gave a lesson last fall about doctors’ responsibilities in society, he focused on a real-world example: the volunteer medics treating protesters and police in the anti-government demonstrations convulsing the city.

But this semester, after China imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong, Wu hastily reworked his lesson plan. He included photographs of the protests in his lecture slides, but did not explicitly address them. Before uploading the slides to a university portal after class, he deleted the photographs altogether.

“It’s right in front of your eyes, but you don’t have any opportunity to talk about this in class,” he said.

As China tries to quell the political upheaval in Hong Kong, the city’s universities — ranked among the best in Asia, if not the world — have become potent symbols of the shrinking space for dissent or even discussion.

Politically active professors have been fired or denied contracts, in what they call retribution for their criticism of the government. Students are requesting more secure platforms for submitting assignments. Scholars are reconsidering whether Hong Kong is a viable home for their careers.

Even seemingly politically neutral fields, like medicine, have become potential minefields. Wu plans to move to Taiwan next year.

The new law, which gives Beijing the broad power to crack down on political dissent, has even altered universities’ physical landscapes.

The University of Hong Kong recently dismantled a wall of protest posters that students erected last summer. At the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a thicket of barbed wire now envelops a bridge where clashes had erupted between students and police.

Government officials have been open about their intent to subdue the once-freewheeling campuses, even as they insist that academic freedom remains intact. Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said last month that the city’s education secretary would meet with university presidents to discuss how they would roll out the law at their institutions.

“If they no longer have the ability to meet the requirements, then law enforcement of course will have to go in and resolve it,” she said.

The scrutiny is part of a wider campaign to control education. The Education Bureau has offered to review textbooks, and last month it stripped a primary schoolteacher of his teaching credentials for discussing Hong Kong independence. Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong has called on the government to bolster “patriotic education.”

The impact on universities could be particularly important to the government given their historical role as incubators of social movements.

Student unions led the monthslong pro-democracy protests in 2014 known as Occupy Central. The idea of occupying Central, the city’s business district, was proposed by a University of Hong Kong law professor, Benny Tai, who was fired for his involvement in that movement this July.

Students were also among the most devoted protesters during last year’s demonstrations, which were sparked by a now abandoned bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Two of the most violent confrontations between protesters and police unfolded on college campuses, including a two-week siege at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Academics are increasingly worried about Beijing’s influence.

Even before this year, professors who supported democracy were denied promotion. In late 2019, the government retracted $200 million in funding for three universities, which one of the schools’ leaders said was retribution for student involvement in the protests.

The security law, enacted this summer, specifically orders the government to increase supervision over universities. Lam has promised to root out “black sheep” who “bring politics into the classroom.”

“The message is loud and clear that the government is watching what the universities are doing,” said Johannes Chan, the former dean of the University of Hong Kong law school.

The result is a pervasive air of suspicion. As some faculty and students feel increasingly observed, they themselves have turned a more distrustful eye on their institutions.

More than 4,000 people signed a petition last month opposing the University of Hong Kong’s selection of two professors from Tsinghua University in Beijing for top administrative posts, citing fears the appointments would erode academic independence. They pointed to a Tsinghua webpage that listed one of the nominees as a Communist Party member, which was scrubbed after media inquiries.

A University of Hong Kong official called the allegations unsubstantiated.

The coronavirus pandemic has heightened the unease by forcing most classes to be held online. Some students and professors worry the format leaves them vulnerable to surveillance.

When Chow Po Chung, a professor of political philosophy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, gave a recent online talk on the philosopher John Rawls’ book, “A Theory of Justice,” none of the several hundred attendees turned their cameras on. Many used false names.

A student asked if she could submit a paper to him directly, rather than uploading it to a portal used to detect plagiarism. She said she didn’t know if the portal was secure.

While he believed it was, he has concerns of his own. In previous years he has taught a class that explored the feasibility of secession, drawing on Quebec or Scotland. Now he wonders whether those conversations might be forbidden.

“Before, you thought of this as an academic discussion,” he said. “It didn’t have that kind of meaning.”

The sensitivities can cut both ways in this highly polarized atmosphere. Some academics described fears of offending students with different political views.

Petula Ho, a professor of social work at the University of Hong Kong, said she found it difficult to offer critiques — even supportive ones — of the protest movement. She said students had castigated her for discouraging clashes with police.

Some professors have looked outside the classroom to teach more freely. Since being fired, Tai has begun hosting private talks on how to defend the rule of law.

“If you do not allow people to talk about these sensitive concepts in universities, in schools, then students will not just learn from schools and formal curriculums,” he said. “What we can do is to use social media, civil society, to continue the work.”

When Harry Wu, a professor of medical humanities at the University of Hong Kong, gave a lesson last fall about doctors’ responsibilities in society, he focused on a real-world example: the volunteer medics treating protesters and police in the anti-government demonstrations convulsing the city.

When Harry Wu, a professor of medical humanities at the University of Hong Kong, gave a lesson last fall about doctors’ responsibilities in society, he focused on a real-world example: the volunteer medics treating protesters and police in the anti-government demonstrations convulsing the city. But this semester, after China imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong, Wu hastily reworked his lesson plan. He included photographs of the protests in his lecture slides, but did not explicitly address them. Before uploading the slides to a university portal after class, he deleted the photographs altogether. “It’s right in front of your eyes, but you don’t have any opportunity to talk about this in class,” he said. As China tries to quell the political upheaval in Hong Kong, the city’s universities — ranked among the best in Asia, if not the world — have become potent symbols of the shrinking space for dissent or even discussion. Politically active professors have been fired or denied contracts, in what they call retribution for their criticism of the government. Students are requesting more secure platforms for submitting assignments. Scholars are reconsidering whether Hong Kong is a viable home for their careers. Even seemingly politically neutral fields, like medicine, have become potential minefields. Wu plans to move to Taiwan next year. The new law, which gives Beijing the broad power to crack down on political dissent, has even altered universities’ physical landscapes. The University of Hong Kong recently dismantled a wall of protest posters that students erected last summer. At the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a thicket of barbed wire now envelops a bridge where clashes had erupted between students and police. Government officials have been open about their intent to subdue the once-freewheeling campuses, even as they insist that academic freedom remains intact. Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said last month that the city’s education secretary would meet with university presidents to discuss how they would roll out the law at their institutions. “If they no longer have the ability to meet the requirements, then law enforcement of course will have to go in and resolve it,” she said. The scrutiny is part of a wider campaign to control education. The Education Bureau has offered to review textbooks, and last month it stripped a primary schoolteacher of his teaching credentials for discussing Hong Kong independence. Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong has called on the government to bolster “patriotic education.” The impact on universities could be particularly important to the government given their historical role as incubators of social movements. Student unions led the monthslong pro-democracy protests in 2014 known as Occupy Central. The idea of occupying Central, the city’s business district, was proposed by a University of Hong Kong law professor, Benny Tai, who was fired for his involvement in that movement this July. Students were also among the most devoted protesters during last year’s demonstrations, which were sparked by a now abandoned bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Two of the most violent confrontations between protesters and police unfolded on college campuses, including a two-week siege at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Academics are increasingly worried about Beijing’s influence. Even before this year, professors who supported democracy were denied promotion. In late 2019, the government retracted $200 million in funding for three universities, which one of the schools’ leaders said was retribution for student involvement in the protests. The security law, enacted this summer, specifically orders the government to increase supervision over universities. Lam has promised to root out “black sheep” who “bring politics into the classroom.” “The message is loud and clear that the government is watching what the universities are doing,” said Johannes Chan, the former dean of the University of Hong Kong law school. The result is a pervasive air of suspicion. As some faculty and students feel increasingly observed, they themselves have turned a more distrustful eye on their institutions. More than 4,000 people signed a petition last month opposing the University of Hong Kong’s selection of two professors from Tsinghua University in Beijing for top administrative posts, citing fears the appointments would erode academic independence. They pointed to a Tsinghua webpage that listed one of the nominees as a Communist Party member, which was scrubbed after media inquiries. A University of Hong Kong official called the allegations unsubstantiated. The coronavirus pandemic has heightened the unease by forcing most classes to be held online. Some students and professors worry the format leaves them vulnerable to surveillance. When Chow Po Chung, a professor of political philosophy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, gave a recent online talk on the philosopher John Rawls’ book, “A Theory of Justice,” none of the several hundred attendees turned their cameras on. Many used false names. A student asked if she could submit a paper to him directly, rather than uploading it to a portal used to detect plagiarism. She said she didn’t know if the portal was secure. While he believed it was, he has concerns of his own. In previous years he has taught a class that explored the feasibility of secession, drawing on Quebec or Scotland. Now he wonders whether those conversations might be forbidden. “Before, you thought of this as an academic discussion,” he said. “It didn’t have that kind of meaning.” The sensitivities can cut both ways in this highly polarized atmosphere. Some academics described fears of offending students with different political views. Petula Ho, a professor of social work at the University of Hong Kong, said she found it difficult to offer critiques — even supportive ones — of the protest movement. She said students had castigated her for discouraging clashes with police. Some professors have looked outside the classroom to teach more freely. Since being fired, Tai has begun hosting private talks on how to defend the rule of law. “If you do not allow people to talk about these sensitive concepts in universities, in schools, then students will not just learn from schools and formal curriculums,” he said. “What we can do is to use social media, civil society, to continue the work.”

Fear grips universities in Hong Kong as law muzzles political debate

China's Vice Premier Han Zheng today hailed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for rising to "challenges" while "controlling the pandemic" and "implementing the national security law".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-envisions-a-new-hong-kong-firmly-under-its-control-340596">Also Read:&nbsp;China envisions a new Hong Kong, firmly under its control</a>

"This year, under the central government's strong leadership, the chief executive has led the government of the special administrative region to conquer different difficulties," Zheng said, adding, "the central government firmly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam."

Hong Kong's economy has been in a downturn since last year due to COVID-19 and strident anti-government protests.&nbsp;

"The central government firmly supports the government of the special administrative region to govern in accordance to the law," the Chinese vice premier added.

Last month, Lam had travelled to Shenzhen, which celebrating its 40th anniversary as a special economic trade zone.

Hong Kong was managed by China under the "One Country, Two Systems" model after the British left the island nation in 1997 and handed it back to China, however, last year pro-democracy activists challenged authorities in the financial hub riling Beijing.

As a result, the Chinese government threw its full support behind Lam as protests escalated.

After the national security law was passed in China, authorities resorted to mass arrests. The protests faded after the coronavirus pandemic hit the city and authorities clampdown on movement and put measures in place to stop unrest amid the upheaval.

China's Vice Premier Han Zheng today hailed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for rising to "challenges" while "controlling the pandemic" and "implementing the national security law".

China's Vice Premier Han Zheng today hailed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for rising to "challenges" while "controlling the pandemic" and "implementing the national security law". Also Read: China envisions a new Hong Kong, firmly under its control "This year, under the central government's strong leadership, the chief executive has led the government of the special administrative region to conquer different difficulties," Zheng said, adding, "the central government firmly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam." Hong Kong's economy has been in a downturn since last year due to COVID-19 and strident anti-government protests. "The central government firmly supports the government of the special administrative region to govern in accordance to the law," the Chinese vice premier added. Last month, Lam had travelled to Shenzhen, which celebrating its 40th anniversary as a special economic trade zone. Hong Kong was managed by China under the "One Country, Two Systems" model after the British left the island nation in 1997 and handed it back to China, however, last year pro-democracy activists challenged authorities in the financial hub riling Beijing. As a result, the Chinese government threw its full support behind Lam as protests escalated. After the national security law was passed in China, authorities resorted to mass arrests. The protests faded after the coronavirus pandemic hit the city and authorities clampdown on movement and put measures in place to stop unrest amid the upheaval.

China applauds Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for 'rising' to challenges of security law, COVID-19

Low taxes. Duty-free shopping. Sandy beaches. The Communist Party even wants to put people on yachts.

China wants to turn Hainan province, an island the size of Maryland in the South China Sea, into a free-trade port and international commercial hub. The island, with 9.5 million full-time residents, is offering new incentives to transform the snowbird haven into a destination for global companies, jet-setting financiers and sophisticated shoppers alike.

China already has a place like that: Hong Kong, with 7.5 million people. But the future of the former British colony has been thrown into doubt. After last year’s pro-democracy protests, the Chinese government has brought Hong Kong to heel with a stringent national security law and a crackdown on dissenters. It is not clear whether the events have permanently damaged the longtime bastion of economic liberty.

Transforming Hainan would give China a financial and corporate Plan B. Still, copying Hong Kong will not be easy. Much of Hong Kong’s success comes from its laissez-faire regulation, independent judicial system, unfettered movement of money across its borders and the free exchange of information — liberties all lacking in the mainland.

Beijing has shown little inclination to relax its control in a way that would allow Hainan to fully match Hong Kong. Hainan also lacks Hong Kong’s educated, often worldly workforce and Hong Kong’s proximity to China’s Guangdong province manufacturing belt.

Still, in areas like shopping or luring corporate offices, Hainan is starting to compete.

“You don’t need a visa, it’s easy to get there and the COVID situation may drag on for months or a few years before they fully reopen the border with Hong Kong,” said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a professor of political science at Hong Kong Baptist University. “What’s happening in Hainan is adding to the sense of marginalization in Hong Kong.”

Chinese officials say they want to complement Hong Kong, not replace it. And in any case, making Hainan a free-trade mecca will not be easy. Over the past few years, at least 21 free-trade zones have been introduced in places like Tianjin, Shanghai and elsewhere. Most never took off.

Efforts specific to Hainan have faltered in the past, too. Local officials have for years looked for a way to further develop the province, which is more famous in China for property booms and busts than for finance or shopping. They have repeatedly explored gambling, only to be told no each time by Beijing.

Local officials say their new campaign is different. Rather than catering to importers and exporters, they have unveiled efforts to appeal to shoppers, the wealthy and even those seeking face-lifts.

“The level of Hainan’s opening up is much greater than the mainland free-trade zones,” said Xia Feng, a professor at Hainan University who studies free-trade areas.

Shopping is a big part. New rules allow anyone from the mainland to buy about $15,000 a year worth of goods on Hainan without paying China’s usual import, sales and luxury taxes. The previous limit was only $5,000.

By contrast, tariffs and other taxes raise the price of imported cosmetics on the mainland by half.

Tourists like Xu Yang, a 33-year-old from Qingdao, have been mobbing Hainan stores for brands like Lancôme, SK-II, La Mer and Dior. Xu said Estée Lauder liquid makeup foundation costs about one-third less at the duty-free store in the Hainan capital, Haikou, than at home.

That was worth enduring the crowds of shoppers. Tourist visits jumped by nearly two-thirds after the policy changed July 1 compared with a year ago.

“It’s crazy here, and the line is so long,” Xu said.

Brands like Tiffany and Prada have opened stores in Haikou in recent weeks to reach Chinese buyers who no longer travel overseas because of the outbreak.

“Shopping in Hainan is more convenient,” Mary Liu, a Beijing resident, said as she browsed Coach handbags in Haikou.

Hainan still lacks Hong Kong’s sheen. It lacks the restaurant options of Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and New York. Some of the most haute luxury brands are missing. Kering, the Parisian luxury house, has opened Gucci Sunglasses and Gucci Perfume stores in the Hainan beach city of Sanya but not shops for its elite Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux watches. Kering declined to comment.

“You can imagine what shopping atmosphere there is,” said Rachel Qian, a 33-year-old Shanghai resident who took frequent shopping trips to Tokyo before the pandemic.

She is giving Hainan a pass to avoid rubbing elbows with people who will buy premium brands only to sell them elsewhere in China.

“People are not there for the fun of shopping but to make money,” she said.

In skills, too, officials are trying to overcome Hainan’s deficiencies. The central government has dispatched to the province experienced officials who have overseen successful development programs. Hainan’s governor, Shen Xiaoming, previously ran Shanghai’s free-trade zone and helped persuade Tesla to set up its first overseas car assembly plant there.

To draw skilled workers, the Hainan government bought private preschools all over the island last spring and made them public, with preferential enrollment for the children of well-educated parents who move there.

“There will be more and more high-end talent in the future,” predicted Yu Lei, a telecommunications engineer who has moved there from the city of Chongqing and has just enrolled his 3-year-old daughter in a newly public preschool.

To lure companies and the rich, Hainan officials have slashed taxes. They have cut personal and corporate taxes for some to 15%. In mainland China, high-earning individuals face a 45% income tax rate, while a wide range of corporations pay 25%.

Some wealthy individuals have rushed to set up personal companies on the island to route part of their paychecks through there and save on taxes, say those who work with them. Similarly, Chinese companies are exploring setting up subsidiaries there.

“I persuaded my customers to go there to register companies,” said Kevin Shi, a banker in Shenzhen, across the Chinese border from Hong Kong. “They are exploring how they can benefit there, and there are discussions with the government on what they can do, what they can get.”

Hainan officials hope low taxes will attract new types of business. For example, hospitals and cosmetic surgery offices could use Hainan to lure well-heeled patients who might seek residency while they recuperate. Hong Kong, with its advanced medical care, currently plays this role.

Shi said that he had taken executives from hospitals and other health care businesses to Hainan in September. A team from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Beijing that visited the island in late September concluded that affluent Chinese may start going to Hainan instead of Hong Kong, Thailand or Europe.

Still, building Hainan as a low-tax, low-regulation haven will be a tough task. Other provinces may come to resent its low taxes and other perks and prompt the central government to push back.

Beijing is not about to give up control. In recent months, even as Hainan officials laid out their plans for the island, Beijing officials pledged to keep in place strict limits on money movement and other restrictions on daily life.

That includes some lingering tariffs. Shen, the island’s governor, said at a news conference in June that someone buying a $1.4 million yacht could save more than $500,000 in tariffs and taxes.

Zou Jiayi, a Chinese vice finance minister, threw cold water on that idea within minutes at the same event. Imported cars, buses and yachts are exempt from tariffs only if used for tourist businesses, she said.

And unlike other goods, they may not be taken back to the mainland.

Low taxes. Duty-free shopping. Sandy beaches. The Communist Party even wants to put people on yachts. China wants to turn Hainan province, an island the size of Maryland in the South China Sea, into a free-trade port and international commercial hub.

Low taxes. Duty-free shopping. Sandy beaches. The Communist Party even wants to put people on yachts. China wants to turn Hainan province, an island the size of Maryland in the South China Sea, into a free-trade port and international commercial hub. The island, with 9.5 million full-time residents, is offering new incentives to transform the snowbird haven into a destination for global companies, jet-setting financiers and sophisticated shoppers alike. China already has a place like that: Hong Kong, with 7.5 million people. But the future of the former British colony has been thrown into doubt. After last year’s pro-democracy protests, the Chinese government has brought Hong Kong to heel with a stringent national security law and a crackdown on dissenters. It is not clear whether the events have permanently damaged the longtime bastion of economic liberty. Transforming Hainan would give China a financial and corporate Plan B. Still, copying Hong Kong will not be easy. Much of Hong Kong’s success comes from its laissez-faire regulation, independent judicial system, unfettered movement of money across its borders and the free exchange of information — liberties all lacking in the mainland. Beijing has shown little inclination to relax its control in a way that would allow Hainan to fully match Hong Kong. Hainan also lacks Hong Kong’s educated, often worldly workforce and Hong Kong’s proximity to China’s Guangdong province manufacturing belt. Still, in areas like shopping or luring corporate offices, Hainan is starting to compete. “You don’t need a visa, it’s easy to get there and the COVID situation may drag on for months or a few years before they fully reopen the border with Hong Kong,” said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a professor of political science at Hong Kong Baptist University. “What’s happening in Hainan is adding to the sense of marginalization in Hong Kong.” Chinese officials say they want to complement Hong Kong, not replace it. And in any case, making Hainan a free-trade mecca will not be easy. Over the past few years, at least 21 free-trade zones have been introduced in places like Tianjin, Shanghai and elsewhere. Most never took off. Efforts specific to Hainan have faltered in the past, too. Local officials have for years looked for a way to further develop the province, which is more famous in China for property booms and busts than for finance or shopping. They have repeatedly explored gambling, only to be told no each time by Beijing. Local officials say their new campaign is different. Rather than catering to importers and exporters, they have unveiled efforts to appeal to shoppers, the wealthy and even those seeking face-lifts. “The level of Hainan’s opening up is much greater than the mainland free-trade zones,” said Xia Feng, a professor at Hainan University who studies free-trade areas. Shopping is a big part. New rules allow anyone from the mainland to buy about $15,000 a year worth of goods on Hainan without paying China’s usual import, sales and luxury taxes. The previous limit was only $5,000. By contrast, tariffs and other taxes raise the price of imported cosmetics on the mainland by half. Tourists like Xu Yang, a 33-year-old from Qingdao, have been mobbing Hainan stores for brands like Lancôme, SK-II, La Mer and Dior. Xu said Estée Lauder liquid makeup foundation costs about one-third less at the duty-free store in the Hainan capital, Haikou, than at home. That was worth enduring the crowds of shoppers. Tourist visits jumped by nearly two-thirds after the policy changed July 1 compared with a year ago. “It’s crazy here, and the line is so long,” Xu said. Brands like Tiffany and Prada have opened stores in Haikou in recent weeks to reach Chinese buyers who no longer travel overseas because of the outbreak. “Shopping in Hainan is more convenient,” Mary Liu, a Beijing resident, said as she browsed Coach handbags in Haikou. Hainan still lacks Hong Kong’s sheen. It lacks the restaurant options of Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and New York. Some of the most haute luxury brands are missing. Kering, the Parisian luxury house, has opened Gucci Sunglasses and Gucci Perfume stores in the Hainan beach city of Sanya but not shops for its elite Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux watches. Kering declined to comment. “You can imagine what shopping atmosphere there is,” said Rachel Qian, a 33-year-old Shanghai resident who took frequent shopping trips to Tokyo before the pandemic. She is giving Hainan a pass to avoid rubbing elbows with people who will buy premium brands only to sell them elsewhere in China. “People are not there for the fun of shopping but to make money,” she said. In skills, too, officials are trying to overcome Hainan’s deficiencies. The central government has dispatched to the province experienced officials who have overseen successful development programs. Hainan’s governor, Shen Xiaoming, previously ran Shanghai’s free-trade zone and helped persuade Tesla to set up its first overseas car assembly plant there. To draw skilled workers, the Hainan government bought private preschools all over the island last spring and made them public, with preferential enrollment for the children of well-educated parents who move there. “There will be more and more high-end talent in the future,” predicted Yu Lei, a telecommunications engineer who has moved there from the city of Chongqing and has just enrolled his 3-year-old daughter in a newly public preschool. To lure companies and the rich, Hainan officials have slashed taxes. They have cut personal and corporate taxes for some to 15%. In mainland China, high-earning individuals face a 45% income tax rate, while a wide range of corporations pay 25%. Some wealthy individuals have rushed to set up personal companies on the island to route part of their paychecks through there and save on taxes, say those who work with them. Similarly, Chinese companies are exploring setting up subsidiaries there. “I persuaded my customers to go there to register companies,” said Kevin Shi, a banker in Shenzhen, across the Chinese border from Hong Kong. “They are exploring how they can benefit there, and there are discussions with the government on what they can do, what they can get.” Hainan officials hope low taxes will attract new types of business. For example, hospitals and cosmetic surgery offices could use Hainan to lure well-heeled patients who might seek residency while they recuperate. Hong Kong, with its advanced medical care, currently plays this role. Shi said that he had taken executives from hospitals and other health care businesses to Hainan in September. A team from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Beijing that visited the island in late September concluded that affluent Chinese may start going to Hainan instead of Hong Kong, Thailand or Europe. Still, building Hainan as a low-tax, low-regulation haven will be a tough task. Other provinces may come to resent its low taxes and other perks and prompt the central government to push back. Beijing is not about to give up control. In recent months, even as Hainan officials laid out their plans for the island, Beijing officials pledged to keep in place strict limits on money movement and other restrictions on daily life. That includes some lingering tariffs. Shen, the island’s governor, said at a news conference in June that someone buying a $1.4 million yacht could save more than $500,000 in tariffs and taxes. Zou Jiayi, a Chinese vice finance minister, threw cold water on that idea within minutes at the same event. Imported cars, buses and yachts are exempt from tariffs only if used for tourist businesses, she said. And unlike other goods, they may not be taken back to the mainland.

China envisions a new Hong Kong, firmly under its control

7 Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders have been arrested on the charges related to obstructing a legislative council meeting that was held in a month of May.

News Alert: HK: 7 pro-democracy lawmakers arrested over obstruction of council meet

Several pro-democratic lawmakers were arrested in Hong Kong on Sunday on charges related to obstructing a legislative council meeting in May.

Seven lawmakers -- Wu Chi Wai, Andrew Wan, Helena Wong, Kwok Wing Kin, Eddie Chu, Raymond Chan and Fernando Cheung -- announced their arrests on their individual Facebook pages.

The arrests took place early in the morning. The move comes after Beijing passed a contentious security law in June.

The arrests, however, did not appear to be directly linked to the law but come as police have arrested around 30 under the legislation in recent months.

The said national security law punishes what Beijing broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

On May 8, confrontations broke out in a committee that decides which bills come up for debate. The opposition had used months of filibustering to stop the appointment of the committee's leader. The pro-Beijing camp responded by forcibly installing one of their politicians to the committee chair.

That prompted angry scenes and protests in the chamber with lawmakers from both sides displaying placards amid boisterous heckling and physical obstruction.

Security guards and pro-Beijing lawmakers eventually dragged most of the pro-democracy politicians from the chamber and the installation of the committee chair went ahead. One pro-Beijing politician was seen on a live broadcast dragging an opponent out by his shirt collar -- an incident which has sparked an ongoing private prosecution.

Sunday's police action singled out the pro-democracy politicians for arrest and is the latest in a string of prosecutions launched against Beijing critics.&nbsp;

Beijing imposed the national security law on its freest city on June 30.

China says the law has restored stability. Critics -- mainly the West and human rights groups -- say it represents the latest move by Beijing to tighten its grip over the former British colony and erode its judicial independence.

(with inputs)

Several pro-democratic lawmakers were arrested in Hong Kong on Sunday on charges related to obstructing a legislative council meeting in May. Seven lawmakers -- Wu Chi Wai, Andrew Wan, Helena Wong, Kwok Wing Kin, Eddie Chu, Raymond Chan and Fernando Cheung -- announced their arrests on their individual Facebook pages.

Several pro-democratic lawmakers were arrested in Hong Kong on Sunday on charges related to obstructing a legislative council meeting in May. Seven lawmakers -- Wu Chi Wai, Andrew Wan, Helena Wong, Kwok Wing Kin, Eddie Chu, Raymond Chan and Fernando Cheung -- announced their arrests on their individual Facebook pages. The arrests took place early in the morning. The move comes after Beijing passed a contentious security law in June. The arrests, however, did not appear to be directly linked to the law but come as police have arrested around 30 under the legislation in recent months. The said national security law punishes what Beijing broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. On May 8, confrontations broke out in a committee that decides which bills come up for debate. The opposition had used months of filibustering to stop the appointment of the committee's leader. The pro-Beijing camp responded by forcibly installing one of their politicians to the committee chair. That prompted angry scenes and protests in the chamber with lawmakers from both sides displaying placards amid boisterous heckling and physical obstruction. Security guards and pro-Beijing lawmakers eventually dragged most of the pro-democracy politicians from the chamber and the installation of the committee chair went ahead. One pro-Beijing politician was seen on a live broadcast dragging an opponent out by his shirt collar -- an incident which has sparked an ongoing private prosecution. Sunday's police action singled out the pro-democracy politicians for arrest and is the latest in a string of prosecutions launched against Beijing critics. Beijing imposed the national security law on its freest city on June 30. China says the law has restored stability. Critics -- mainly the West and human rights groups -- say it represents the latest move by Beijing to tighten its grip over the former British colony and erode its judicial independence. (with inputs)

Several pro democratic lawmakers arrested in Hong Kong over legislature protest

A top aide to Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has admitted he helped fund a contentious report alleging links between Joe Biden's son and China. He, however, insisted his boss did not know about it.

Senior aide Mark Simon on Sunday stepped down from his post at Apple Daily after the admission.

The 64-page document by a fictitious author, which was circulated online and seized on by US President Donald Trump's supporters, alleged business connections between Hunter Biden and China.

Investigations in recent days, however, raised questions about its veracity and how it was compiled.

In a series of tweets over the weekend Lai said senior aide Mark Simon, a vocal critic of Biden, had "worked with the project". "Mark used my private company's money to reimburse for the research he requested. It's only US$10,000 so he didn't have to have my approval," Lai wrote.

"I know it is hard for anyone to believe that I didn't know about it and my integrity is damaged," he added.

Lai was one of the first people to be arrested under a new national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in June following last year's pro-democracy protests.

Lai has long been a thorn in the side of Beijing and has spoken favourably of Trump's willingness to confront China. His Apple Daily newspapers and Next Magazine are unashamedly pro-democracy and he is routinely villified by China's state media.&nbsp;

According to AFP, Simon Sunday said he acted in his own capacity in paying for some of the research that ended up in the dossier.&nbsp;

"Apple Daily had nothing to do with the report and certainly Mr. Lai has nothing to do with it," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"All were completely unaware of me helping out with expenses of research."

Earlier on Friday, NBC published an investigation saying the 64-page dossier had "questionable authorship and anonymous sourcing". The investigation found the listed author, a supposed Swiss security analyst called Martin Aspen, was a fabricated identity and that his picture had been created using software.

According to NBC, blogger and academic Christopher Balding, a former associate professor at Fulbright University Vietnam, said he had contributed to the report and admitted Aspen did not exist. He said the report was was "commissioned by Apple Daily", Lai's staunchly pro-democracy and anti-Beijing newspaper in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The paper denied that characterisation, as did Simon.&nbsp;

"I nor anyone at Apple did anything in terms of research or writing, just no role whatsoever.&nbsp;&nbsp;All arms length," he said.&nbsp;

"$10k is well within my discretion, but putting Apple people and Jimmy in the firing line was wrong. I was far too casual with using Apple Daily name, I abused the trust I have been given," he added, explaining his decision to resign.

Apple Daily's newsroom was raided by more than 200 police officers and authorities accuse Lai of "colluding with foreign forces" and money laundering.

(with inputs)

A top aide to Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has admitted he helped fund a contentious report alleging links between Joe Biden's son and China. He, however, insisted his boss did not know about it.

A top aide to Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has admitted he helped fund a contentious report alleging links between Joe Biden's son and China. He, however, insisted his boss did not know about it. Senior aide Mark Simon on Sunday stepped down from his post at Apple Daily after the admission. The 64-page document by a fictitious author, which was circulated online and seized on by US President Donald Trump's supporters, alleged business connections between Hunter Biden and China. Investigations in recent days, however, raised questions about its veracity and how it was compiled. In a series of tweets over the weekend Lai said senior aide Mark Simon, a vocal critic of Biden, had "worked with the project". "Mark used my private company's money to reimburse for the research he requested. It's only US$10,000 so he didn't have to have my approval," Lai wrote. "I know it is hard for anyone to believe that I didn't know about it and my integrity is damaged," he added. Lai was one of the first people to be arrested under a new national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in June following last year's pro-democracy protests. Lai has long been a thorn in the side of Beijing and has spoken favourably of Trump's willingness to confront China. His Apple Daily newspapers and Next Magazine are unashamedly pro-democracy and he is routinely villified by China's state media. According to AFP, Simon Sunday said he acted in his own capacity in paying for some of the research that ended up in the dossier. "Apple Daily had nothing to do with the report and certainly Mr. Lai has nothing to do with it," he said. "All were completely unaware of me helping out with expenses of research." Earlier on Friday, NBC published an investigation saying the 64-page dossier had "questionable authorship and anonymous sourcing". The investigation found the listed author, a supposed Swiss security analyst called Martin Aspen, was a fabricated identity and that his picture had been created using software. According to NBC, blogger and academic Christopher Balding, a former associate professor at Fulbright University Vietnam, said he had contributed to the report and admitted Aspen did not exist. He said the report was was "commissioned by Apple Daily", Lai's staunchly pro-democracy and anti-Beijing newspaper in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The paper denied that characterisation, as did Simon. "I nor anyone at Apple did anything in terms of research or writing, just no role whatsoever. All arms length," he said. "$10k is well within my discretion, but putting Apple people and Jimmy in the firing line was wrong. I was far too casual with using Apple Daily name, I abused the trust I have been given," he added, explaining his decision to resign. Apple Daily's newsroom was raided by more than 200 police officers and authorities accuse Lai of "colluding with foreign forces" and money laundering. (with inputs)

Hong Kong media tycoon Lai unaware of Biden dossier, aide says

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai said he personally had "nothing to do with" a report on alleged China business links of the son of U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden, but admitted funds from his private firm had been used to fund it.

Lai, a prominent democracy advocate in Hong Kong and a staunch China critic, said on Twitter that he was "sorry" that his flagship newspaper, Apple Daily, had been implicated in an article by U.S. media outlet NBC.

In the article, NBC alleged that a 64-page document circulating on the internet about the purported connections of Hunter Biden to the Chinese Communist Party and his business dealings in China had "questionable authorship and anonymous sourcing".

The article cited the co-author of the "intelligence document", Christopher Balding, as saying the document had been "commissioned by Apple Daily", which the paper said in a statement were "false allegations".

Balding, an academic, didn`t immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

While Lai said that his newspapers had not personally commissioned the 64-page document, he admitted that his senior executive, Mark Simon, had "worked with the project".

"Mark used my private company’s money to reimburse for the research he requested. It’s only US$10,000 so he didn’t have to have my approval," Lai added on Twitter.

"I know it is hard for anyone to believe that I didn’t know about it and my integrity is damaged."

In a statement posted online, Simon said he had resigned because of the incident, and apologised for having "allowed damage to Jimmy on a matter he was completely in the dark on".

He gave no further details when contacted by Reuters.

The Apple Daily recently published two articles on Hunter Biden and his ties to a Taiwanese businessman who the paper said was a purported broker "enabling Hunter Biden’s deals in mainland China over a decade".

But the paper said in a statement that these stories had been carried out by its own journalists in Taiwan with independent verification of their own findings, and were separate from the 64-page document.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai said he personally had "nothing to do with" a report on alleged China business links of the son of U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden, but admitted funds from his private firm had been used to fund it.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai said he personally had "nothing to do with" a report on alleged China business links of the son of U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden, but admitted funds from his private firm had been used to fund it. Lai, a prominent democracy advocate in Hong Kong and a staunch China critic, said on Twitter that he was "sorry" that his flagship newspaper, Apple Daily, had been implicated in an article by U.S. media outlet NBC. In the article, NBC alleged that a 64-page document circulating on the internet about the purported connections of Hunter Biden to the Chinese Communist Party and his business dealings in China had "questionable authorship and anonymous sourcing". The article cited the co-author of the "intelligence document", Christopher Balding, as saying the document had been "commissioned by Apple Daily", which the paper said in a statement were "false allegations". Balding, an academic, didn`t immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. While Lai said that his newspapers had not personally commissioned the 64-page document, he admitted that his senior executive, Mark Simon, had "worked with the project". "Mark used my private company’s money to reimburse for the research he requested. It’s only US$10,000 so he didn’t have to have my approval," Lai added on Twitter. "I know it is hard for anyone to believe that I didn’t know about it and my integrity is damaged." In a statement posted online, Simon said he had resigned because of the incident, and apologised for having "allowed damage to Jimmy on a matter he was completely in the dark on". He gave no further details when contacted by Reuters. The Apple Daily recently published two articles on Hunter Biden and his ties to a Taiwanese businessman who the paper said was a purported broker "enabling Hunter Biden’s deals in mainland China over a decade". But the paper said in a statement that these stories had been carried out by its own journalists in Taiwan with independent verification of their own findings, and were separate from the 64-page document.

Hong Kong media boss distances himself from contentious Hunter Biden-China report

A teenage activist in Hong Kong has been charged with secession. Why? Because he advocated for the independence of Hong Kong. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why India should offer asylum to the Hong Kong pro-democracy activists.

Gravitas: Why India needs to open its doors for Hong Kong Pro-Democracy activists

Activists in Hong Kong are being forced to leave their homeland, and&nbsp;are seeking asylum abroad due to China’s authoritarianism. But India can leverage the exodus from Hong Kong to stand up for democracy and human rights, and to gain an upper hand in its fight against the Communist Party of China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hong-kong-teen-activist-arrested-near-us-consulate-338309" hreflang="en">Hong Kong teen activist arrested near US consulate</a>

According to South China Morning Post, activists that wanted asylum in the United States managed to enter the American consulate, but were reportedly turned away. China has been cracking down on pro-democracy campaigners.

Watch |&nbsp;

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But why?

Leading democracies are reportedly giving an asylum to them. And India should open its doors to the pro-democracy activists too. Not just because of the stand-off at the border. But because India is a democracy, and as a rising world power, it has a responsibility to protect democratic rights in its neighbourhood. Additionally, it must voice its opposition when human rights and basic freedoms are violated.

Not unprecedented&nbsp;

In 1959, India had granted immediate asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans. This was after a revolt against the Chinese regime had failed. India's move demonstrated its commitment to human rights and democratic values.

If New Delhi extends asylum to pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong, it would set an example one more time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hundreds-rally-in-taiwan-call-for-release-for-hong-kong-citizens-arrested-by-china-337910" hreflang="en">Hundreds rally in Taiwan, call for release for Hong Kong citizens arrested by China</a>

And India&nbsp; would not be the only country to give asylum. Many Indian allies are welcoming refugees from Hong Kong. A group of activists have been given asylum by the United States, Canada and Germany.

The US has put activists from Hong Kong right at the top of their priority list, and specific allocations have been made in this year's proposed refugee resettlement programme. There are at least three bills before the US Congress now that propose greater protections for the people fleeing Hong Kong for the United States.

The British government has made special provisions for activists from HK too. In June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson allowed holders of British overseas passports in Hong Kong to come to the Great Britain, allowing them to live and work in Britain for up to five years. Additionally, they can apply for citizenship too. The residency plan is open to nearly three million people. Hong Kong is a former British colony, and the British government is standing up to defend democracy in Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-will-consider-not-recognizing-british-issued-hong-kong-passports-zhao-lijian-337668" hreflang="en">China will consider not recognizing British-issued Hong Kong passports: Zhao Lijian</a>

China says the national security law in Hong Kong&nbsp;is an internal matter. Indians could end up in Chinese jails, if New Delhi doesn't keep the heat on Beijing. With the national security law, China can target foreigners. Its provisions are written so vaguely that any criticism of the Communist Party can be termed a violation.

Any resident of Hong Kong - local or a foreigner - can be potentially detained. This implies that Indians are vulnerable too. The Indian community in Hong Kong has almost 38,000 members. In July, India had urged the United Nations to "seriously and objectively" address its concerns over the developments in Hong Kong.

Activists in Hong Kong are being forced to leave their homeland, and are seeking asylum abroad due to China’s authoritarianism. But India can leverage the exodus from Hong Kong to stand up for democracy and human rights, and to gain an upper hand in its fight against the Communist Party of China.

Activists in Hong Kong are being forced to leave their homeland, and are seeking asylum abroad due to China’s authoritarianism. But India can leverage the exodus from Hong Kong to stand up for democracy and human rights, and to gain an upper hand in its fight against the Communist Party of China. Also read: Hong Kong teen activist arrested near US consulate According to South China Morning Post, activists that wanted asylum in the United States managed to enter the American consulate, but were reportedly turned away. China has been cracking down on pro-democracy campaigners. Watch | But why? Leading democracies are reportedly giving an asylum to them. And India should open its doors to the pro-democracy activists too. Not just because of the stand-off at the border. But because India is a democracy, and as a rising world power, it has a responsibility to protect democratic rights in its neighbourhood. Additionally, it must voice its opposition when human rights and basic freedoms are violated. Not unprecedented In 1959, India had granted immediate asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans. This was after a revolt against the Chinese regime had failed. India's move demonstrated its commitment to human rights and democratic values. If New Delhi extends asylum to pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong, it would set an example one more time. Also read: Hundreds rally in Taiwan, call for release for Hong Kong citizens arrested by China And India would not be the only country to give asylum. Many Indian allies are welcoming refugees from Hong Kong. A group of activists have been given asylum by the United States, Canada and Germany. The US has put activists from Hong Kong right at the top of their priority list, and specific allocations have been made in this year's proposed refugee resettlement programme. There are at least three bills before the US Congress now that propose greater protections for the people fleeing Hong Kong for the United States. The British government has made special provisions for activists from HK too. In June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson allowed holders of British overseas passports in Hong Kong to come to the Great Britain, allowing them to live and work in Britain for up to five years. Additionally, they can apply for citizenship too. The residency plan is open to nearly three million people. Hong Kong is a former British colony, and the British government is standing up to defend democracy in Hong Kong. Also read: China will consider not recognizing British-issued Hong Kong passports: Zhao Lijian China says the national security law in Hong Kong is an internal matter. Indians could end up in Chinese jails, if New Delhi doesn't keep the heat on Beijing. With the national security law, China can target foreigners. Its provisions are written so vaguely that any criticism of the Communist Party can be termed a violation. Any resident of Hong Kong - local or a foreigner - can be potentially detained. This implies that Indians are vulnerable too. The Indian community in Hong Kong has almost 38,000 members. In July, India had urged the United Nations to "seriously and objectively" address its concerns over the developments in Hong Kong.

Why India should provide asylum to pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong

Hong Kong teen activist Tony Chung Hon-lam was detained near the US consulate&nbsp;on Tuesday by the local authorities dressed in plain clothes while he was seated at a coffee shop opposite the consulate.

Chung is a 19-year-old pro-democracy activist who was one of the first public figures to be booked under the controversial Hong Kong security law, imposed in Hong Kong by China in July 2020.

He was reportedly visiting in the US consulate to apply for political asylum in the United States after he has been reportedly facing backlash by the local and Chinese&nbsp;authorities for being an active pro-democracy activist.

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緊急：學生動源前召集人鍾翰林失聯 
 
Breaking: Former Studentlocalism Convener Tony Chung Missing 
 
前學生動源動源召集人鍾翰林由八時起失去聯絡，並非身處家中，至今仍然音訊全無。鍾翰林原定今日到警署報到。 
 
如有進一步消息再作公布。
— 學生動源 Studentlocalism (@studentlocalism) <a href="https://twitter.com/studentlocalism/status/1320928107835084801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Chung was arrested along with two other members, Yanni Ho and William Chan, of the student pro-independence group.&nbsp;He has been charged with&nbsp;'secession' in&nbsp;Court Number 3 of West Kowloon Magistrate’s Courts.

He has been earlier accused of being a part of and leading an organisation that has been deemed as breaking rules by vowing to fight for the independence of Hong Kong and was detained on these&nbsp;charges but was released on bail.

Under Hong Kong's national security law, secession, subversion of the central government, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces is punishable with charges leading upto prison for life.

The other two detained activists have&nbsp;been released on bail but Chung was denied bail, a tweeted by the student activists group, Studentlocalism.

Hong Kong teen activist Tony Chung Hon-lam was detained near the US consulate on Tuesday by the local authorities dressed in plain clothes while he was seated at a coffee shop opposite the consulate.

Hong Kong teen activist Tony Chung Hon-lam was detained near the US consulate on Tuesday by the local authorities dressed in plain clothes while he was seated at a coffee shop opposite the consulate. Chung is a 19-year-old pro-democracy activist who was one of the first public figures to be booked under the controversial Hong Kong security law, imposed in Hong Kong by China in July 2020. He was reportedly visiting in the US consulate to apply for political asylum in the United States after he has been reportedly facing backlash by the local and Chinese authorities for being an active pro-democracy activist. 緊急：學生動源前召集人鍾翰林失聯 Breaking: Former Studentlocalism Convener Tony Chung Missing 前學生動源動源召集人鍾翰林由八時起失去聯絡，並非身處家中，至今仍然音訊全無。鍾翰林原定今日到警署報到。 如有進一步消息再作公布。 — 學生動源 Studentlocalism (@studentlocalism) October 27, 2020 × Chung was arrested along with two other members, Yanni Ho and William Chan, of the student pro-independence group. He has been charged with 'secession' in Court Number 3 of West Kowloon Magistrate’s Courts. He has been earlier accused of being a part of and leading an organisation that has been deemed as breaking rules by vowing to fight for the independence of Hong Kong and was detained on these charges but was released on bail. Under Hong Kong's national security law, secession, subversion of the central government, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces is punishable with charges leading upto prison for life. The other two detained activists have been released on bail but Chung was denied bail, a tweeted by the student activists group, Studentlocalism.

Hong Kong teen activist Tony Chung detained and charged with 'secession'

China's crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong has intensified. Many of the activists are now seeking asylum from democratic countries.

Gravitas: Why India should grant asylum to Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists

A young Hong Kong activist who was among the first arrested under Beijing's new national security law was detained on Tuesday close to the US consulate.

Tony Chung was led away from a coffee shop opposite the consulate by unidentified men, the South China Morning Post reported.

Student Localism, a pro-independence group that Chung was once involved in before the security law was passed, said he and two other former members were arrested on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Police later confirmed the three arrests, saying they were linked to an ongoing investigation into the group allegedly "inciting secession", one of the new national security offences. &nbsp;

All three were first arrested for that offence in late July but released on bail.&nbsp;

Beijing imposed its new security law on Hong Kong in June following last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. It targets four types of crime -- secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion.&nbsp;

Critics say its broad wording criminalises a wide array of political speech and views, including calling for independence or greater autonomy for Hong Kong.&nbsp;

The security law also allows China's security agents to operate openly in Hong Kong, unbound by local laws.&nbsp;They operate out of a recently requisitioned hotel.

Chung was the first public figure to be arrested under the law.&nbsp;He and three others, including a 16-year-old, were arrested for allegedly "inciting secession" via social media posts.&nbsp;

There are banned from leaving Hong Kong while the investigation remains ongoing.

A young Hong Kong activist who was among the first arrested under Beijing's new national security law was detained on Tuesday close to the US consulate. Tony Chung was led away from a coffee shop opposite the consulate by unidentified men, the South China Morning Post reported.

A young Hong Kong activist who was among the first arrested under Beijing's new national security law was detained on Tuesday close to the US consulate. Tony Chung was led away from a coffee shop opposite the consulate by unidentified men, the South China Morning Post reported. Student Localism, a pro-independence group that Chung was once involved in before the security law was passed, said he and two other former members were arrested on Tuesday. Police later confirmed the three arrests, saying they were linked to an ongoing investigation into the group allegedly "inciting secession", one of the new national security offences. All three were first arrested for that offence in late July but released on bail. Beijing imposed its new security law on Hong Kong in June following last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. It targets four types of crime -- secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion. Critics say its broad wording criminalises a wide array of political speech and views, including calling for independence or greater autonomy for Hong Kong. The security law also allows China's security agents to operate openly in Hong Kong, unbound by local laws. They operate out of a recently requisitioned hotel. Chung was the first public figure to be arrested under the law. He and three others, including a 16-year-old, were arrested for allegedly "inciting secession" via social media posts. There are banned from leaving Hong Kong while the investigation remains ongoing.

Hong Kong teen activist arrested near US consulate

&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;leader Carrie Lam will travel to Beijing next week for a three-day visit to discuss plans to revive the global financial hub's economy which has been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-government protests.

Lam, speaking at a weekly news briefing on Tuesday, said she would leave on November&nbsp;3 for the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, where she will take a coronavirus test before traveling to Beijing.

"My trip to Beijing this time is solely on the economic side that is in light of the economic situation, which of course is very serious in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong," Lam said on Tuesday.

"We need more support measures from the mainland of China, especially in light of the overall direction that&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;should move to better integrate with the mainland of China especially in the Greater Bay Area."

The Beijing-backed leader postponed her annual policy address earlier this month in order to travel to the mainland for talks on how the central government can support the former British colony's economic recovery.

She said she still plans to deliver her policy address by the end of November.

Lam has repeatedly touted the importance of the Greater Bay area - a region that includes&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, Macau, and nine cities in China's Guangdong province - as a key pillar to provide economic benefits to the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;is reeling from the double blow of anti-government protests that plunged the city into its biggest crisis in decades last year and the impact of coronavirus.

Beijing imposed a national security law on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;in June that punishes what authorities broadly define as secession, sedition and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail, following a year of sometimes violent demonstrations.

Western governments and international human rights groups have expressed concern the law will crush freedoms in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

Authorities in Beijing and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;have said the law is necessary to bring stability to the city.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will travel to Beijing next week for a three-day visit to discuss plans to revive the global financial hub's economy which has been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-government protests.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will travel to Beijing next week for a three-day visit to discuss plans to revive the global financial hub's economy which has been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-government protests. Lam, speaking at a weekly news briefing on Tuesday, said she would leave on November 3 for the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, where she will take a coronavirus test before traveling to Beijing. "My trip to Beijing this time is solely on the economic side that is in light of the economic situation, which of course is very serious in Hong Kong," Lam said on Tuesday. "We need more support measures from the mainland of China, especially in light of the overall direction that Hong Kong should move to better integrate with the mainland of China especially in the Greater Bay Area." The Beijing-backed leader postponed her annual policy address earlier this month in order to travel to the mainland for talks on how the central government can support the former British colony's economic recovery. She said she still plans to deliver her policy address by the end of November. Lam has repeatedly touted the importance of the Greater Bay area - a region that includes Hong Kong, Macau, and nine cities in China's Guangdong province - as a key pillar to provide economic benefits to the Chinese-ruled city. Hong Kong is reeling from the double blow of anti-government protests that plunged the city into its biggest crisis in decades last year and the impact of coronavirus. Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in June that punishes what authorities broadly define as secession, sedition and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail, following a year of sometimes violent demonstrations. Western governments and international human rights groups have expressed concern the law will crush freedoms in Hong Kong. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have said the law is necessary to bring stability to the city.

Hong Kong leader to visit Beijing to discuss plans to revive economy

China's foreign ministry has claimed that the country may decide to not recognise the British-issued passports for the Hong Kong residents.

The statement was issued by the ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian who said that the United Kingdom has gone back on its promises and has played up the&nbsp;issue of the British National (Overseas) passports — also known as the BNO passports.

“The British side violated its promises, insisted on going its own way and repeatedly played up the issue of BNO Passports,” Zhao told reporters at a briefing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-dictates-terms-to-indian-press-protests-wions-interview-with-taiwan-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-see-letter-inside-337366">Also read|&nbsp;China dictates terms to Indian press, protests WION's interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu - see letter inside</a>

This is being seen as a retaliation of the United Kingdom's decision — that was announced in May — to open a corridor for the documented people to gain citizenship in the UK.

“As the British side violated its commitment first, China will consider not recognizing the BNO Passport as a valid travel document, and reserves the right to take further measures,” he added.

After the announcement was made by the British government, thousands of Hong Kongers had renewed and applied for the BNO passports, which coincided with the controversial&nbsp;new security bill passed in Hong Kong by China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-lost-says-taiwan-after-chinese-mission-asks-indian-media-to-follow-one-china-policy-333248">Also read|&nbsp;Get lost, says Taiwan after Chinese mission asks Indian media to follow 'One-China' policy</a>

As a result of this opportunity, more than 300,000 Hong Kong residents now hold BNO passports (out of a population of 7 million), which is more than double of the number from four years ago, as per the UK data.

The BNO passport allows Hong Kong citizens to prove their identities and then immediately apply&nbsp;for working and/or studying in the UK, later leading up to citizenship. The only catch in this scheme is that the candidates should have means to support themselves for the first six months, as they will not be entitled to public support.

China's foreign ministry has claimed that the country may decide to not recognise the British-issued passports for the Hong Kong residents. The statement was issued by the ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian who said that the United Kingdom has gone back on its promises and has played up the issue of the British National (Overseas) passports — also known as the BNO passports.

China's foreign ministry has claimed that the country may decide to not recognise the British-issued passports for the Hong Kong residents. The statement was issued by the ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian who said that the United Kingdom has gone back on its promises and has played up the issue of the British National (Overseas) passports — also known as the BNO passports. “The British side violated its promises, insisted on going its own way and repeatedly played up the issue of BNO Passports,” Zhao told reporters at a briefing. Also read| China dictates terms to Indian press, protests WION's interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu - see letter inside This is being seen as a retaliation of the United Kingdom's decision — that was announced in May — to open a corridor for the documented people to gain citizenship in the UK. “As the British side violated its commitment first, China will consider not recognizing the BNO Passport as a valid travel document, and reserves the right to take further measures,” he added. After the announcement was made by the British government, thousands of Hong Kongers had renewed and applied for the BNO passports, which coincided with the controversial new security bill passed in Hong Kong by China. Also read| Get lost, says Taiwan after Chinese mission asks Indian media to follow 'One-China' policy As a result of this opportunity, more than 300,000 Hong Kong residents now hold BNO passports (out of a population of 7 million), which is more than double of the number from four years ago, as per the UK data. The BNO passport allows Hong Kong citizens to prove their identities and then immediately apply for working and/or studying in the UK, later leading up to citizenship. The only catch in this scheme is that the candidates should have means to support themselves for the first six months, as they will not be entitled to public support.

China will consider not recognizing British-issued Hong Kong passports: Zhao Lijian

Hong Kong has accused Germany of&nbsp;“harbouring criminals” when Germany granted asylum to a&nbsp;student who participated in pro-democracy protest and was charged over that.

Hong Kong’s chief secretary for administration,&nbsp;Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, accused Germany of interfering in&nbsp;“internal matters of the People’s Republic of China”.

The statement came after Germany, last week, provided&nbsp;a three-year refugee status to a student who had been&nbsp;charged with riot offences after she participated in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-trying-to-export-its-authoritarianism-to-distract-from-domestic-issues-joseph-wu-taiwans-foreign-minister-tells-wion-336969">Also read|&nbsp;China trying to export its authoritarianism to distract from domestic issues: Joseph Wu, Taiwan's Foreign Minister tells WION</a>

The 22-year-old had then fled to Germany, via Taiwan, and accused the local government of not giving her the opportunity of a fair trial.&nbsp;

Hong Kong officials, on the other hand, claim that Germany has trusted the wrong person and given refugee status to a criminal who has&nbsp;“committed serious crimes and jumped bail”.

The Chief Secretary Cheung and secretary for security John Lee said they have called for a meeting with Dieter Lamlé, Germany's consul general.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-diplomat-hospitalised-after-scuffle-with-chinese-diplomats-in-fiji-336351">Also read|&nbsp;Taiwan diplomat hospitalised after a scuffle with Chinese diplomats in Fiji</a>

“Mr Cheung also stressed that anyone accused of breaching the law will face an open and fair trial,” the government said. “The Hong Kong courts will, as always, with their sound rule of law and human rights protection, handle all cases in an independent, fair and just manner.”

“Mr Cheung reiterated that foreign governments should stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are internal matters of the People’s Republic of China.”

Hong Kong has accused Germany of “harbouring criminals” when Germany granted asylum to a student who participated in pro-democracy protest and was charged over that.

Hong Kong has accused Germany of “harbouring criminals” when Germany granted asylum to a student who participated in pro-democracy protest and was charged over that. Hong Kong’s chief secretary for administration, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, accused Germany of interfering in “internal matters of the People’s Republic of China”. The statement came after Germany, last week, provided a three-year refugee status to a student who had been charged with riot offences after she participated in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Also read| China trying to export its authoritarianism to distract from domestic issues: Joseph Wu, Taiwan's Foreign Minister tells WION The 22-year-old had then fled to Germany, via Taiwan, and accused the local government of not giving her the opportunity of a fair trial. Hong Kong officials, on the other hand, claim that Germany has trusted the wrong person and given refugee status to a criminal who has “committed serious crimes and jumped bail”. The Chief Secretary Cheung and secretary for security John Lee said they have called for a meeting with Dieter Lamlé, Germany's consul general. Also read| Taiwan diplomat hospitalised after a scuffle with Chinese diplomats in Fiji “Mr Cheung also stressed that anyone accused of breaching the law will face an open and fair trial,” the government said. “The Hong Kong courts will, as always, with their sound rule of law and human rights protection, handle all cases in an independent, fair and just manner.” “Mr Cheung reiterated that foreign governments should stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are internal matters of the People’s Republic of China.”

Hong Kong accuses Germany of harbouring 'criminal'

Pet paramedic Wong Kam-cheong is about to hit the road in his pet ambulance, off to make a house call to pick up a dog. Wong is part of a team of about a dozen pet paramedics in Hong Kong driving a fleet of three pet ambulances around the city with a mission to rescue cats and dogs in need of medical care.

Hong Kong pet ambulance service aims to rescue four-legged friends

A 64-year-old Hong Kong pro-democracy activist&nbsp;Alexandra Wong&nbsp;is back in Hong Kong after a long period of nearly 14 months.&nbsp;

Popularly known as 'Grandma Wong', the activist had gone missing 14 months ago and she has alleged that she was detainedon the Chinese mainland for these past 14 months.

Wong claims that she was forced to renounce her activism in writing and was also asked to record a video stating that she was on a "patriotic tour", and was not being tortured.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-quarantine-on-arrival-in-hong-kong-singapore-travel-bubble-335657">Also read|&nbsp;No quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble</a>

She made all these claims in a press conference held in Hong Kong on Saturday. She said that she was detained the Chinese authorities along the border at&nbsp;Shenzhen, the mainland metropolis where she has lived for 14 years. The incident happened after she participated in a protest in August.

Wong said she was held by Shenzhen authorities for "administrative detention" and "criminal detention" for a total of 45 days, without knowing what charges she was facing.

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"I was afraid I would die in the detention centre," she said.

She said she was forced to write a confession stating that her activism has only caused harm and was warned to not talk to the media or participate in any rallies/protests.&nbsp;"The worst thing I did in my life is to write that confession... but I had nothing to bargain with," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-riot-police-fire-water-cannon-against-protesters-in-bangkok-335953">Also read|&nbsp;Thai riot police fire water cannon against protesters in Bangkok</a>

After the confession, she was sent on a&nbsp;"patriotic tour" of Shaanxi province, where she had her picture taken holding the Chinese flag, and sang the national anthem.

"I have no courage to step in Shenzhen again, at least for now, unless there is a radical change in the political situation," Wong said.

However, she also added that she will not give up this fight and will continue to raise her voice for democracy in Hong Kong.&nbsp;"I won't give up fighting," Wong said. "After all, there will be sacrifice, otherwise... the authoritarian system wouldn't be changed."

A 64-year-old Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Alexandra Wong is back in Hong Kong after a long period of nearly 14 months. Popularly known as 'Grandma Wong', the activist had gone missing 14 months ago and she has alleged that she was detainedon the Chinese mainland for these past 14 months.

A 64-year-old Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Alexandra Wong is back in Hong Kong after a long period of nearly 14 months. Popularly known as 'Grandma Wong', the activist had gone missing 14 months ago and she has alleged that she was detainedon the Chinese mainland for these past 14 months. Wong claims that she was forced to renounce her activism in writing and was also asked to record a video stating that she was on a "patriotic tour", and was not being tortured. Also read| No quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble She made all these claims in a press conference held in Hong Kong on Saturday. She said that she was detained the Chinese authorities along the border at Shenzhen, the mainland metropolis where she has lived for 14 years. The incident happened after she participated in a protest in August. Wong said she was held by Shenzhen authorities for "administrative detention" and "criminal detention" for a total of 45 days, without knowing what charges she was facing. × "I was afraid I would die in the detention centre," she said. She said she was forced to write a confession stating that her activism has only caused harm and was warned to not talk to the media or participate in any rallies/protests. "The worst thing I did in my life is to write that confession... but I had nothing to bargain with," she said. Also read| Thai riot police fire water cannon against protesters in Bangkok After the confession, she was sent on a "patriotic tour" of Shaanxi province, where she had her picture taken holding the Chinese flag, and sang the national anthem. "I have no courage to step in Shenzhen again, at least for now, unless there is a radical change in the political situation," Wong said. However, she also added that she will not give up this fight and will continue to raise her voice for democracy in Hong Kong. "I won't give up fighting," Wong said. "After all, there will be sacrifice, otherwise... the authoritarian system wouldn't be changed."

Grandma Wong returns to Hong Kong; claims to be held 14 months in mainland China

Modern cities are designed for cars, not human beings. Services are so far apart, that you need a car for even short errand runs. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you about some of the world's most walkable cities.

Gravitas: These are the world's most walkable cities

A 64-year-old Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Alexandra Wong is back in Hong Kong after a long period of nearly 14 months.

A top Chinese diplomat warned Canada Thursday against granting asylum to Hong Kong democracy protesters, adding that doing so could jeopardize the "health and safety" of Canadians living in the southern Chinese financial hub.

The remarks by Cong Peiwu, Beijing's Ottawa envoy, prompted a rebuke from Canada's foreign minister, further escalating tensions between the two countries.

Cong was responding to reports that a Hong Kong couple who took part in last year's huge and sometimes violent protests had been granted refugee status.

The landmark decision makes it likely other Hong Kongers will be given sanctuary in Canada, which has emerged as a top destination for those fleeing Beijing's crackdown.

"We strongly urge the Canadian side not (to) grant so-called political asylum to those violent criminals in Hong Kong because it is the interference in China's domestic affairs. And certainly, it will embolden those violent criminals," Cong said in a video press conference.

"So if the Canadian side really cares about the stability and the prosperity in Hong Kong, and really cares about the good health and safety of those 300,000 Canadian passport-holders in Hong Kong, and the large number of Canadian companies operating in Hong Kong SAR, you should support those efforts to fight violent crimes," Cong said.

When asked by reporters if that latter comment was a threat, Cong replied: "That's your interpretation."

Canada's Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne described Cong's comments as "totally unacceptable and disturbing".

"I have instructed Global Affairs to call the ambassador in to make clear in no uncertain terms that Canada will always stand up for human rights and the rights of Canadians around the world," he said in a statement carried by the Globe and Mail and other Canadian news outlets.

China and Canada are marking 50 years since they forged diplomatic ties -- but those relations are deeply strained.

Ties plummeted following Canada's arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and daughter of its founder.

Meng was arrested on a US warrant in December 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver and is charged with bank fraud related to violations of US sanctions against Iran.&nbsp;

She has been fighting extradition ever since.

Canadian former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in China on spying charges soon afterwards, disappearing into Beijing's opaque judicial system.

Western governments see the detention of the two Canadians as direct retaliation by Beijing.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hit out at Beijing for what he said was its "coercive diplomacy" as well as the ongoing crackdowns in Hong Kong and on Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Cong rejected Trudeau's comments at his Thursday press conference.&nbsp;

"There is no coercive diplomacy on the Chinese side," he said.

"The Hong Kong issue and the Xinjiang-related issue are not about the issue of human rights. They are purely about internal affairs of China, which brooks no interference from the outside," he added.

A top Chinese diplomat warned Canada Thursday against granting asylum to Hong Kong democracy protesters, adding that doing so could jeopardize the "health and safety" of Canadians living in the southern Chinese financial hub.

A top Chinese diplomat warned Canada Thursday against granting asylum to Hong Kong democracy protesters, adding that doing so could jeopardize the "health and safety" of Canadians living in the southern Chinese financial hub. The remarks by Cong Peiwu, Beijing's Ottawa envoy, prompted a rebuke from Canada's foreign minister, further escalating tensions between the two countries. Cong was responding to reports that a Hong Kong couple who took part in last year's huge and sometimes violent protests had been granted refugee status. The landmark decision makes it likely other Hong Kongers will be given sanctuary in Canada, which has emerged as a top destination for those fleeing Beijing's crackdown. "We strongly urge the Canadian side not (to) grant so-called political asylum to those violent criminals in Hong Kong because it is the interference in China's domestic affairs. And certainly, it will embolden those violent criminals," Cong said in a video press conference. "So if the Canadian side really cares about the stability and the prosperity in Hong Kong, and really cares about the good health and safety of those 300,000 Canadian passport-holders in Hong Kong, and the large number of Canadian companies operating in Hong Kong SAR, you should support those efforts to fight violent crimes," Cong said. When asked by reporters if that latter comment was a threat, Cong replied: "That's your interpretation." Canada's Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne described Cong's comments as "totally unacceptable and disturbing". "I have instructed Global Affairs to call the ambassador in to make clear in no uncertain terms that Canada will always stand up for human rights and the rights of Canadians around the world," he said in a statement carried by the Globe and Mail and other Canadian news outlets. China and Canada are marking 50 years since they forged diplomatic ties -- but those relations are deeply strained. Ties plummeted following Canada's arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and daughter of its founder. Meng was arrested on a US warrant in December 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver and is charged with bank fraud related to violations of US sanctions against Iran. She has been fighting extradition ever since. Canadian former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in China on spying charges soon afterwards, disappearing into Beijing's opaque judicial system. Western governments see the detention of the two Canadians as direct retaliation by Beijing. On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hit out at Beijing for what he said was its "coercive diplomacy" as well as the ongoing crackdowns in Hong Kong and on Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. Cong rejected Trudeau's comments at his Thursday press conference. "There is no coercive diplomacy on the Chinese side," he said. "The Hong Kong issue and the Xinjiang-related issue are not about the issue of human rights. They are purely about internal affairs of China, which brooks no interference from the outside," he added.

China warns Canada against granting Hong Kongers sanctuary

An extremely rare, vivid purple-pink diamond mined in Russia is expected to fetch up to $38 million when it goes under the hammer on Nov. 11, the auction house Sotheby's said on Monday (October 12).

Super rare, purple-pink diamond up for auction, could fetch $38 mln

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has postponed her annual policy address scheduled for Wednesday in order to go to Beijing for talks on how the central government can help with the financial hub's economic recovery.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam postpones annual policy address

&nbsp;

A Taiwanese man who was detained by Chinese authorities in 2019 for&nbsp;"endangering national security" has admitted to the charges on state TV.

Lee Meng-chu, the detained man, had been reported as missing by his family on August 19, 2019. He had reportedly crossed&nbsp;from Hong Kong into Shenzhen.

He now appeared on Chinese national television channel and admitted to illegally filming&nbsp;military exercises in a city bordering Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/distrust-of-china-jumps-to-new-highs-in-democratic-nations-333269">Also read|&nbsp;Distrust of China jumps to new highs in democratic nations</a>

"I am sorry. I have done a lot of bad things," said Lee, his hair cropped short, wearing a blue shirt and an orange vest with his prisoner number.

The charges are from a time when Hong Kong locals were actively protesting against China's new security rule which has been described as 'anti-democracy' by various international organisations and leaders.

He as been accused of recording videos of&nbsp;thousands of Chinese military police who had gathered&nbsp;in a stadium in Shenzhen for exercises with armoured vehicles.

"I took my phone to record some videos," Lee said in the CCTV state television report on Sunday, interspersed with scenes from his alleged actions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/dr-li-meng-yan-reveals-chinas-fake-science-and-the-covid-19-cover-up-333982">Also read|&nbsp;Dr. Li-Meng Yan reveals China’s fake science and the COVID-19 cover-up</a>

It has also been claimed that he crossed the border and went there to specifically observe and record the&nbsp;manoeuvres.&nbsp;

He has been accused of taking 16 videos and 48 photos, and then sharing them on the internet — after which he was arrested by the Chinese police.

However, this confession is being seeing as another 'forced confessions' by various human rights organisations who have accused China of this in the past too.

A Taiwanese man who was detained by Chinese authorities in 2019 for "endangering national security" has admitted to the charges on state TV. Lee Meng-chu, the detained man, had been reported as missing by his family on August 19, 2019.

A Taiwanese man who was detained by Chinese authorities in 2019 for "endangering national security" has admitted to the charges on state TV. Lee Meng-chu, the detained man, had been reported as missing by his family on August 19, 2019. He had reportedly crossed from Hong Kong into Shenzhen. He now appeared on Chinese national television channel and admitted to illegally filming military exercises in a city bordering Hong Kong. Also read| Distrust of China jumps to new highs in democratic nations "I am sorry. I have done a lot of bad things," said Lee, his hair cropped short, wearing a blue shirt and an orange vest with his prisoner number. The charges are from a time when Hong Kong locals were actively protesting against China's new security rule which has been described as 'anti-democracy' by various international organisations and leaders. He as been accused of recording videos of thousands of Chinese military police who had gathered in a stadium in Shenzhen for exercises with armoured vehicles. "I took my phone to record some videos," Lee said in the CCTV state television report on Sunday, interspersed with scenes from his alleged actions. Also read| Dr. Li-Meng Yan reveals China’s fake science and the COVID-19 cover-up It has also been claimed that he crossed the border and went there to specifically observe and record the manoeuvres. He has been accused of taking 16 videos and 48 photos, and then sharing them on the internet — after which he was arrested by the Chinese police. However, this confession is being seeing as another 'forced confessions' by various human rights organisations who have accused China of this in the past too.

'I am sorry': Taiwanese detained in China confesses on state TV

Hong Kong police said on Saturday they had arrested nine people suspected of helping 12 Hong Kong activists who fled the city in August, heading for Taiwan, only to be intercepted by Chinese authorities and held on the mainland.

The detainees` plight has grabbed international attention, with human rights groups raising concern as their families said they were denied access to independent lawyers, and aired suspicion that Hong Kong authorities helped in China`s arrests.

Accused of crimes tied to anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year, the group is being detained in China`s southern city of Shenzhen after authorities intercepted their boat and accused them of illegal border crossing.

Police arrested four men and five women suspected of arranging transport for the fugitives, said Hong Kong police official Ho Chun-tung.

"One direction of the investigation is whether they helped others to flee," said Ho, a superintendent with the force`s organised crime and triad bureau, adding that he did not rule out the possibility of more arrests.

He dismissed the relatives` accusations that police in the Asian financial hub played a role in the arrests in China.

"The arrests on the mainland had nothing to do with the Hong Kong police," Ho added.

Police also seized HK$500,000 ($64,500) in cash, computers, mobile phones, and documents related to the purchase of a boat.

People began fleeing Hong Kong for self-ruled Taiwan from the early months of the protests, most of them legally, by air, but some by fishing boat, activists in Taipei who helped Hong Kong citizens get visas have told Reuters.

Hong Kong authorities have said those detained are to be represented by mainland lawyers of their choice, albeit from a list provided by Chinese authorities.

Their families have been offered "needed and feasible" assistance, which will continue, the authorities have said.

Hong Kong police said on Saturday they had arrested nine people suspected of helping 12 Hong Kong activists who fled the city in August, heading for Taiwan, only to be intercepted by Chinese authorities and held on the mainland.

Hong Kong police said on Saturday they had arrested nine people suspected of helping 12 Hong Kong activists who fled the city in August, heading for Taiwan, only to be intercepted by Chinese authorities and held on the mainland. The detainees` plight has grabbed international attention, with human rights groups raising concern as their families said they were denied access to independent lawyers, and aired suspicion that Hong Kong authorities helped in China`s arrests. Accused of crimes tied to anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year, the group is being detained in China`s southern city of Shenzhen after authorities intercepted their boat and accused them of illegal border crossing. Police arrested four men and five women suspected of arranging transport for the fugitives, said Hong Kong police official Ho Chun-tung. "One direction of the investigation is whether they helped others to flee," said Ho, a superintendent with the force`s organised crime and triad bureau, adding that he did not rule out the possibility of more arrests. He dismissed the relatives` accusations that police in the Asian financial hub played a role in the arrests in China. "The arrests on the mainland had nothing to do with the Hong Kong police," Ho added. Police also seized HK$500,000 ($64,500) in cash, computers, mobile phones, and documents related to the purchase of a boat. People began fleeing Hong Kong for self-ruled Taiwan from the early months of the protests, most of them legally, by air, but some by fishing boat, activists in Taipei who helped Hong Kong citizens get visas have told Reuters. Hong Kong authorities have said those detained are to be represented by mainland lawyers of their choice, albeit from a list provided by Chinese authorities. Their families have been offered "needed and feasible" assistance, which will continue, the authorities have said.

Nine arrested on suspicion of helping 12 flee Hong Kong for Taiwan

Relatives of some of the 12 Hong Kong activists arrested by Chinese authorities at sea more than six weeks ago as they tried to flee by boat to Taiwan have accused on Thursday (October 8) the Hong Kong government of lying over the circumstances surrounding their capture.

Hong Kong: Activists & their relatives protest outside Hong Kong govt flying service HQ

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Grandma Wong returns to Hong Kong; claims to be held 14 months in mainland China