For the first time, activists demanding outright independence from Beijing will run for office

Hong Kong goes to the polls today and for the first time the semi-autonomous city will see young independence activists calling for a complete break from China run for office. The election for the Legislative Council is the most important one since 2014, when mass pro-democracy protests, calling for political reforms, got the city to a standstill. The election comes in the midst of increasing concerns in Hong Kong that Beijing is tightening its control over the politics, media and education. This fear has grown ever since five Hong Kong booksellers known for controversial titles about top Beijing politicians disappeared last year only to resurface in detention on the mainland. The disappearance fuelled a “localist” movement which grew out of the failure of the 2014 protests to win concessions on political reform from Beijing and is seeking a greater distance from China. The election comes in the midst of increasing concerns in Hong Kong that Beijing is tightening its control over the politics, media and education. While some young campaigners are demanding an outright independence, there are a few who demand a referendum. The harsher independence activists, slammed by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities for acting illegally by promoting the breakaway, were banned by the government from running in the election, leading to an outrage over political censorship. Polls predict some will win seats and victory for those who are standing would be a massive coup for the movement. But their numbers are still too small and the election is only partially democratic, making it almost impossible for the anti-Beijing camp ever to gain a majority. Forty of the Legislative Council’s 70 members will be directly elected by the public on today and the rest will be chosen by small voting blocs from special interest groups representing businesses and social sectors. Those seats usually go to pro-Beijing candidates. The pro-democracy camp wants to ensure it holds on to enough seats to block important bills, that need to be voted through by a two thirds majority. A loss of four seats would mean losing the veto power. On Saturday, five democrats dropped out of campaigning to consolidate voting behind those candidates with the best chance of winning. (WION with inputs from AFP) ?

Hong Kong prepares for first big vote since 2014 pro-democracy protests

Former Philippines president Fidel Ramos today named the head of a Chinese government think-tank among the experts and officials he hoped to meet on a trip to rekindle ties with China soured by a maritime dispute in the South China Sea. 
 
On July 12, an arbitration court in the Hague ruled that China had no historic title over the busy waterway and had breached the Philippines&#39; sovereign rights there, infuriating China, which had dismissed the case. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve always been a very optimistic person, always looking for the best results,&quot; Ramos told reporters in Hong Kong. &quot;But of course that also depends on the attitude of the Chinese officials.&quot; 
 
No details of itinerary&nbsp; 
 
Ramos gave no details of his itinerary or of those he planned to meet, except for Wu Shicun, who heads the National Institute for South China Sea Studies think-tank, based on China&#39;s southern island of Hainan. 
 
Asked about others, such as China&#39;s former deputy minister for Foreign Affairs Fu Ying, Ramos said he did not know yet. 
 
&quot;They all have links with Beijing, because some of them are already retired but elevated to the parliament as chairman of this and that committee.&quot; 
 
Ramos said he sought to improve economic and tourism links, such as by allowing &quot;more fishing in the common fishing ground&quot; of the Scarborough shoal in the Philippines&#39; exclusive economic zone. 
 
&quot;The idea is to use the South China Sea as a place to save lives, but not to kill people or to destroy lives,&quot; he added. 
 
China&#39;s 2012 seizure of the Scarborough Shoal, denying Philippine fishermen access, was among the factors that prompted Manila to seek arbitration. 
 
But China has ignored the court&#39;s ruling that none of its reefs and holdings in the Spratly Islands entitled it to a 200-mile exclusive economic zone. 
 
&#39;First concrete step&#39; 
 
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the sea, believed to be rich in energy deposits. 
 
Ramos, 88, who described his role as an &quot;icebreaker&quot;, is known for an impromptu duet of Elvis Presley&#39;s &#39;Love Me Tender&#39; with former Chinese president Jiang Zemin at a 1996 banquet. 
 
His trip represents &quot;the first concrete step&quot; in engagement for both sides and &quot;could open a new chapter in settling disputes&quot;, China&#39;s state news agency, Xinhua, said in a commentary. 
 
Ramos was Philippines president from 1992 to 1998, when China occupied the submerged Mischief Reef. 
 
(Reuters)

After the Hague ruling, the former president's visit is being viewed as an opportunity to open a new chapter in settling disputes with China

Former Philippines president Fidel Ramos today named the head of a Chinese government think-tank among the experts and officials he hoped to meet on a trip to rekindle ties with China soured by a maritime dispute in the South China Sea. On July 12, an arbitration court in the Hague ruled that China had no historic title over the busy waterway and had breached the Philippines' sovereign rights there, infuriating China, which had dismissed the case. "I've always been a very optimistic person, always looking for the best results," Ramos told reporters in Hong Kong. "But of course that also depends on the attitude of the Chinese officials." No details of itinerary Ramos gave no details of his itinerary or of those he planned to meet, except for Wu Shicun, who heads the National Institute for South China Sea Studies think-tank, based on China's southern island of Hainan. Asked about others, such as China's former deputy minister for Foreign Affairs Fu Ying, Ramos said he did not know yet. "They all have links with Beijing, because some of them are already retired but elevated to the parliament as chairman of this and that committee." Ramos said he sought to improve economic and tourism links, such as by allowing "more fishing in the common fishing ground" of the Scarborough shoal in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. "The idea is to use the South China Sea as a place to save lives, but not to kill people or to destroy lives," he added. China's 2012 seizure of the Scarborough Shoal, denying Philippine fishermen access, was among the factors that prompted Manila to seek arbitration. But China has ignored the court's ruling that none of its reefs and holdings in the Spratly Islands entitled it to a 200-mile exclusive economic zone. 'First concrete step' China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the sea, believed to be rich in energy deposits. Ramos, 88, who described his role as an "icebreaker", is known for an impromptu duet of Elvis Presley's 'Love Me Tender' with former Chinese president Jiang Zemin at a 1996 banquet. His trip represents "the first concrete step" in engagement for both sides and "could open a new chapter in settling disputes", China's state news agency, Xinhua, said in a commentary. Ramos was Philippines president from 1992 to 1998, when China occupied the submerged Mischief Reef. (Reuters)

Philippines envoy Fidel Ramos "optimistic" about ice breaking China trip

Hong Kong&#39;s government today announced the names of candidates approved to run in the territory&#39;s most contentious legislative council elections since reverting to Chinese rule almost two decades ago, amid a dispute over people excluded on political grounds. 
 
As many as nine candidates have been rejected because of their stance on the Chinese special administrative region&#39;s political future in what critics say is an ill omen for its democratic development. 
 
Three excluded candidates say they will appeal, although no ruling is expected before the September 4 elections. 
 
The rejections are seen as a sign of China&#39;s growing political interference in the financial hub, which enjoys its own legal system and far greater democratic freedoms than the Communist Party-run mainland. 
 
The government said 289 candidates have been approved to run for the 70-seat body, half of which is elected from geographic districts and half from professional constituencies such as engineering, tourism and the arts. Twelve of those seats are being filled by candidates running uncontested. 
 
Election officers warned candidates they must pledge to uphold Hong Kong&#39;s mini-constitution, including a newly added section saying the city is an &quot;inalienable&quot; part of China, and excluded those who refused. The rejected candidates, who hail from Hong Kong&#39;s marginal but growing independence, or &quot;localist&quot;, movement, said they refused because the demand amounted to political screening. 
 
Officers rejected the candidacy of one high-profile localist candidate, university student Edward Leung of the group Hong Kong Indigenous, even after he signed the pledge and renounced previous pro-independence statements. 
 
Speaking to The Associated Press yesterday, Leung characterized the imposition of the new pledge as both unnecessary and illegal. 
 
&quot;I think the political scene in Hong Kong is being manipulated completely by the Beijing authority,&quot; said Leung, 25, who became active in politics during monthslong and ultimately unsuccessful street protests in 2014 demanding the right to freely nominate candidates for the territory&#39;s chief executive. 
 
Hong Kong people &quot;need to recognize that the sovereignty of Hong Kong should always belong to them,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

The rejections indicate China's growing political interference in the financial hub, which enjoys its own legal system

Hong Kong's government today announced the names of candidates approved to run in the territory's most contentious legislative council elections since reverting to Chinese rule almost two decades ago, amid a dispute over people excluded on political grounds. As many as nine candidates have been rejected because of their stance on the Chinese special administrative region's political future in what critics say is an ill omen for its democratic development. Three excluded candidates say they will appeal, although no ruling is expected before the September 4 elections. The rejections are seen as a sign of China's growing political interference in the financial hub, which enjoys its own legal system and far greater democratic freedoms than the Communist Party-run mainland. The government said 289 candidates have been approved to run for the 70-seat body, half of which is elected from geographic districts and half from professional constituencies such as engineering, tourism and the arts. Twelve of those seats are being filled by candidates running uncontested. Election officers warned candidates they must pledge to uphold Hong Kong's mini-constitution, including a newly added section saying the city is an "inalienable" part of China, and excluded those who refused. The rejected candidates, who hail from Hong Kong's marginal but growing independence, or "localist", movement, said they refused because the demand amounted to political screening. Officers rejected the candidacy of one high-profile localist candidate, university student Edward Leung of the group Hong Kong Indigenous, even after he signed the pledge and renounced previous pro-independence statements. Speaking to The Associated Press yesterday, Leung characterized the imposition of the new pledge as both unnecessary and illegal. "I think the political scene in Hong Kong is being manipulated completely by the Beijing authority," said Leung, 25, who became active in politics during monthslong and ultimately unsuccessful street protests in 2014 demanding the right to freely nominate candidates for the territory's chief executive. Hong Kong people "need to recognize that the sovereignty of Hong Kong should always belong to them," he said. (PTI)

Hong Kong selects council poll candidates, rejects nine

Taiwan&#39;s Investment Commission said today it is set to order Uber Technologies Inc to exit the domestic market, saying the global ride-hailing giant misrepresented its business as an internet-based information technology platform, rather than a transportation service. 
 
Emile Chang, executive secretary at Taiwan&#39;s Investment Commission, said a final decision will be made by August 11. The commission oversees Taiwan&#39;s inbound and outbound foreign investments. 
 
The move comes amid a major strategic shift at Uber that will see its operations in China taken over by a mainland firm. Earlier this week, Uber said it was selling its China business to rival Didi Chuxing after a bruising two-year price war in a challenging market. 
 
Taiwan&#39;s decision adds to a string of official complaints aimed at the fast-growing US start-up. It has faced similar legal scrutiny in markets across Asia, including both in Hong Kong and China. 
 
&quot;Taiwan&#39;s government has communicated many times with Uber...The worst scenario is to order (it) to leave the market,&quot; Chang said, adding Uber can appeal the decision to Taiwan&#39;s cabinet. 
 
Uber officials in Taiwan could not be immediately reached for comment. 
 
The company entered the Taiwan market in 2013, triggering anger from domestic taxi drivers, who staged a massive protest against Uber as recently as July. 
 
(Reuters)

Taiwan's decision adds to a string of official complaints aimed at the fast-growing US start-up

Taiwan's Investment Commission said today it is set to order Uber Technologies Inc to exit the domestic market, saying the global ride-hailing giant misrepresented its business as an internet-based information technology platform, rather than a transportation service. Emile Chang, executive secretary at Taiwan's Investment Commission, said a final decision will be made by August 11. The commission oversees Taiwan's inbound and outbound foreign investments. The move comes amid a major strategic shift at Uber that will see its operations in China taken over by a mainland firm. Earlier this week, Uber said it was selling its China business to rival Didi Chuxing after a bruising two-year price war in a challenging market. Taiwan's decision adds to a string of official complaints aimed at the fast-growing US start-up. It has faced similar legal scrutiny in markets across Asia, including both in Hong Kong and China. "Taiwan's government has communicated many times with Uber...The worst scenario is to order (it) to leave the market," Chang said, adding Uber can appeal the decision to Taiwan's cabinet. Uber officials in Taiwan could not be immediately reached for comment. The company entered the Taiwan market in 2013, triggering anger from domestic taxi drivers, who staged a massive protest against Uber as recently as July. (Reuters)

Taiwan set to order Uber's exit from market after accusing it of 'misrepresenting' business

Typhoon Nida swept through Hong Kong on Tuesday, shutting down most of the financial hub with gale-force winds and disrupting hundreds of flights, while low-lying areas were put on flood alert.&nbsp; 
 
Hong Kong&#39;s first major typhoon this year brought gusts of more than 100 kilo metres per hour after earlier making landfall in China&#39;s Guangdong province and prompted the observatory to issue an amber warning, signifying heavy rain, at 5.20 am Hong Kong time (2120 GMT).&nbsp; 
 
More than 150 flights were cancelled, the Airport Authority said, with Cathay Pacific and Dragonair warning none of their flights would be operating until 2 pm (0600 GMT) at the earliest.&nbsp; 
 
Hundreds of passengers were stranded at the airport and 290 flights delayed.&nbsp; 
 
Nida was moving gradually to the inland areas of Guangdong and winds near its centre had showed signs of weakening, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.&nbsp; 
 
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) announced that the morning trading in its securities market, including Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect trading, and derivatives market has been delayed due to the issuance of Typhoon Signal Number 8.&nbsp; 
 
The morning trading session at the Hong Kong stock exchange will be suspended if the typhoon signal remains at 8 or higher at 9 am local time (0100 GMT).&nbsp; 
 
The stock market will be shut for the rest of the day if a typhoon signal 8 is still in place by noon.&nbsp; 
 
Streets were largely deserted and shops shuttered since Monday evening when the typhoon signal 8 was hoisted, prompting many people to leave work early.&nbsp; 
 
Across the border, Guangdong province closed offices, factories and schools on Monday as it braced for Nida.&nbsp; 
 
Last month, Typhoon Nepartak drove at least 420,000 Chinese from their homes and caused more than 7.1 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) in losses in Fujian province alone.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong stock exchange suspended morning trading. The market could remain shut for the day if typhoon signal 8 still in place

Typhoon Nida swept through Hong Kong on Tuesday, shutting down most of the financial hub with gale-force winds and disrupting hundreds of flights, while low-lying areas were put on flood alert. Hong Kong's first major typhoon this year brought gusts of more than 100 kilo metres per hour after earlier making landfall in China's Guangdong province and prompted the observatory to issue an amber warning, signifying heavy rain, at 5.20 am Hong Kong time (2120 GMT). More than 150 flights were cancelled, the Airport Authority said, with Cathay Pacific and Dragonair warning none of their flights would be operating until 2 pm (0600 GMT) at the earliest. Hundreds of passengers were stranded at the airport and 290 flights delayed. Nida was moving gradually to the inland areas of Guangdong and winds near its centre had showed signs of weakening, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) announced that the morning trading in its securities market, including Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect trading, and derivatives market has been delayed due to the issuance of Typhoon Signal Number 8. The morning trading session at the Hong Kong stock exchange will be suspended if the typhoon signal remains at 8 or higher at 9 am local time (0100 GMT). The stock market will be shut for the rest of the day if a typhoon signal 8 is still in place by noon. Streets were largely deserted and shops shuttered since Monday evening when the typhoon signal 8 was hoisted, prompting many people to leave work early. Across the border, Guangdong province closed offices, factories and schools on Monday as it braced for Nida. Last month, Typhoon Nepartak drove at least 420,000 Chinese from their homes and caused more than 7.1 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) in losses in Fujian province alone. (Reuters)

Typhoon Nida shuts Hong Kong, low-lying areas put on flood alert

China&#39;s communist authorities have moved supervision of Tencent Web, one of the country`s biggest online media portals, to the capital after it published a one-character typo related to President Xi Jinping, Hong Kong media reports said. 
 
In an article about a keynote speech given by Xi during the 95th anniversary celebration of the ruling Communist Party, which took place on July 1, someone at Tencent mistyped a character in the phrase &quot;Xi Jinping delivered an important speech&quot;, Hong Kong`s Ming Pao newspaper said.&nbsp; 
 
A character in the word &quot;deliver&quot; was swapped for a similar-sounding one that changed the meaning to &quot;violently flip out&quot;, it claimed, citing a screenshot of the report.&nbsp; 
 
The slip-up prompted China`s Central Publicity Department to launch an investigation into Tencent Web over what it deemed a &quot;significantly negative incident&quot;, the paper said.&nbsp; 
 
The probe concluded that the online portal must now be overseen by the stricter Beijing Cyberspace Administration Office, rather than the equivalent body in the southern city of Shenzhen, where Tencent is headquartered, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper said.&nbsp; 
 
The portal&#39;s editor-in-chief, Wang Yongzhi, did not confirm reports of his dismissal to the SCMP.&nbsp; 
 
The Communist Party tolerates no opposition to its rule and newspapers, websites, and broadcast media are strictly controlled. An army of censors patrols social media and many Western news websites are blocked. 
 
The country has imposed ever-tightest restrictions on freedom of speech since Xi became President in 2013.&nbsp; 
 
Reports about the Tencent typo were censored on the mainland internet. 
 
This was not the first media gaffe linked to Xi.&nbsp; 
 
In March, the official Xinhua news agency also made a one-character typo about the President, referring to him as China`s &quot;last leader&quot; instead of &quot;top leader&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Last year, four journalists at China News Service were suspended from their jobs over an article that, due to two mistaken characters, referred to Xi Jinping`s &quot;resignation&quot;, rather than a speech he`d given.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

The country has imposed ever-tightest restrictions on freedom of speech since Jinping became President in 2013

China's communist authorities have moved supervision of Tencent Web, one of the country`s biggest online media portals, to the capital after it published a one-character typo related to President Xi Jinping, Hong Kong media reports said. In an article about a keynote speech given by Xi during the 95th anniversary celebration of the ruling Communist Party, which took place on July 1, someone at Tencent mistyped a character in the phrase "Xi Jinping delivered an important speech", Hong Kong`s Ming Pao newspaper said. A character in the word "deliver" was swapped for a similar-sounding one that changed the meaning to "violently flip out", it claimed, citing a screenshot of the report. The slip-up prompted China`s Central Publicity Department to launch an investigation into Tencent Web over what it deemed a "significantly negative incident", the paper said. The probe concluded that the online portal must now be overseen by the stricter Beijing Cyberspace Administration Office, rather than the equivalent body in the southern city of Shenzhen, where Tencent is headquartered, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper said. The portal's editor-in-chief, Wang Yongzhi, did not confirm reports of his dismissal to the SCMP. The Communist Party tolerates no opposition to its rule and newspapers, websites, and broadcast media are strictly controlled. An army of censors patrols social media and many Western news websites are blocked. The country has imposed ever-tightest restrictions on freedom of speech since Xi became President in 2013. Reports about the Tencent typo were censored on the mainland internet. This was not the first media gaffe linked to Xi. In March, the official Xinhua news agency also made a one-character typo about the President, referring to him as China`s "last leader" instead of "top leader". Last year, four journalists at China News Service were suspended from their jobs over an article that, due to two mistaken characters, referred to Xi Jinping`s "resignation", rather than a speech he`d given. (AFP)

Typo in Jinping's address prompts China to 'tighten' media  portal's supervision

A Hong Kong court on Thursday found three student leaders of pro-democracy protests guilty of charges related to the demonstrations which paralysed many streets of the Chinese-ruled city in 2014.

Joshua Wong and Alex Chow were found guilty of unlawful assembly and Nathan Law was found guilty of inciting others to scale a fence in front of a Hong Kong government building complex in the run-up to the protests.

Wong was found not guilty of incitement. The men said they had not yet decided whether they would appeal. Sentencing will be on Aug. 15.

&quot;We believe we have done something right and will not regret it,&quot; Law told reporters after the charges were read out.

The 79-day &quot;Occupy Central&quot; street demonstrations crippled parts of Hong Kong and were one of the boldest populist challenges to Beijing&#39;s Communist Party leaders in decades.

Hong Kong is technically part of China but governed by separate laws under a &quot;one country, two systems&quot; framework agreed with the British when it was handed back from colonial rule in 1997.

Relations between the two have frayed in the year and a half since the end of the protests.

At the time, police used tear gas, pepper spray and batons to deter the activists who were demanding - but ultimately failed to obtain - open nominations in the city&#39;s next chief executive election.

The charges against the student activists have been seen as a potential flashpoint that could anger more radical protesters or turn the students into political martyrs at a time of increasing friction between the financial hub and Beijing.

There were no immediate protests outside the court but another student activist, Billy Fung, was arrested on Wednesday night on suspicion of criminal intimidation, criminal damage and forcible entry in connection with disrupting a Hong Kong University council meeting in January, police said.

Fung and others believed there had been political interference in the appointment of the new council chairman.

Last week, the Hong Kong government and the Electoral Affairs Commission sparked anger when they said candidates for September&#39;s Legislative Council elections, who this year include pro-democracy and independence activists, must sign a declaration that Hong Kong is an &quot;inalienable&quot; part of China and that advocating and promoting independence could render them ineligible.

(Reuters)

Three students were facing charges for inciting and participating in an illegal assembly which led to the 'Occupy Central'?movement?

A Hong Kong court on Thursday found three student leaders of pro-democracy protests guilty of charges related to the demonstrations which paralysed many streets of the Chinese-ruled city in 2014. Joshua Wong and Alex Chow were found guilty of unlawful assembly and Nathan Law was found guilty of inciting others to scale a fence in front of a Hong Kong government building complex in the run-up to the protests. Wong was found not guilty of incitement. The men said they had not yet decided whether they would appeal. Sentencing will be on Aug. 15. "We believe we have done something right and will not regret it," Law told reporters after the charges were read out. The 79-day "Occupy Central" street demonstrations crippled parts of Hong Kong and were one of the boldest populist challenges to Beijing's Communist Party leaders in decades. Hong Kong is technically part of China but governed by separate laws under a "one country, two systems" framework agreed with the British when it was handed back from colonial rule in 1997. Relations between the two have frayed in the year and a half since the end of the protests. At the time, police used tear gas, pepper spray and batons to deter the activists who were demanding - but ultimately failed to obtain - open nominations in the city's next chief executive election. The charges against the student activists have been seen as a potential flashpoint that could anger more radical protesters or turn the students into political martyrs at a time of increasing friction between the financial hub and Beijing. There were no immediate protests outside the court but another student activist, Billy Fung, was arrested on Wednesday night on suspicion of criminal intimidation, criminal damage and forcible entry in connection with disrupting a Hong Kong University council meeting in January, police said. Fung and others believed there had been political interference in the appointment of the new council chairman. Last week, the Hong Kong government and the Electoral Affairs Commission sparked anger when they said candidates for September's Legislative Council elections, who this year include pro-democracy and independence activists, must sign a declaration that Hong Kong is an "inalienable" part of China and that advocating and promoting independence could render them ineligible. (Reuters)

Teenage Hong Kong protest leader found guilty of unlawful assembly

Candidates in Hong Kong&#39;s September elections must by law pledge that the city is an &quot;inalienable&quot; part of China and advocating independence could end their candidacy, the head of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) said. 
 
The comments come after the EAC and the Hong Kong government sparked anger by saying candidates for the legislative council, which includes pro-democracy and independence activists, are required to declare in a new Confirmation Form that the city falls directly under the central government in Beijing. 
 
The Hong Kong government also said that advocating and promoting independence was &quot;contrary&quot; to that declaration and could render a candidate ineligible. The EAC said anyone making a false declaration was &quot;liable to criminal sanction.&quot; 
 
&quot;The introduction of the Confirmation Form has sound legal basis. The measure (is) entirely based on legal and procedural considerations,&quot; EAC chairman Justice Barnabas Fung Wah told lawmakers on Tuesday, according to a printed version of the remarks. 
 
Hong Kong is part of China but governed by separate laws under a &quot;one country, two systems&quot; framework agreed with the British when it was handed back from colonial rule in 1997. 
 
Relations between&nbsp;Hong Kong and Beijing have frayed in recent years amid pro-democracy protests, a failed bid for electoral reform and instances where Hong Kong residents say Beijing is breaking the &quot;one country, two systems&quot; agreement, such as the alleged abduction of five Hong Kong booksellers known for their gossipy books about China&#39;s leaders. 
 
There is also a small but vocal minority of activists calling for outright independence.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;There have been comments and proposals in the public arena which have deviated from &#39;one country, two systems&#39; and the constitutional status of Hong Kong as prescribed in the Basic Law. In this regard, there are public concerns on whether candidates fully understand the Basic Law,&quot; Fung said.&nbsp; 
 
A candidate who fails to submit the confirmation form may be asked for further information and election officers, with input from the Justice Department, may declare the candidacy invalid, according to the EAC. 
 
The EAC is an independent statutory body that oversees elections in Hong Kong. Legislative Council elections are on September 4. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Relations between?Hong Kong and Beijing have frayed in recent years amid pro-democracy protests and a failed bid for electoral reform

Candidates in Hong Kong's September elections must by law pledge that the city is an "inalienable" part of China and advocating independence could end their candidacy, the head of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) said. The comments come after the EAC and the Hong Kong government sparked anger by saying candidates for the legislative council, which includes pro-democracy and independence activists, are required to declare in a new Confirmation Form that the city falls directly under the central government in Beijing. The Hong Kong government also said that advocating and promoting independence was "contrary" to that declaration and could render a candidate ineligible. The EAC said anyone making a false declaration was "liable to criminal sanction." "The introduction of the Confirmation Form has sound legal basis. The measure (is) entirely based on legal and procedural considerations," EAC chairman Justice Barnabas Fung Wah told lawmakers on Tuesday, according to a printed version of the remarks. Hong Kong is part of China but governed by separate laws under a "one country, two systems" framework agreed with the British when it was handed back from colonial rule in 1997. Relations between Hong Kong and Beijing have frayed in recent years amid pro-democracy protests, a failed bid for electoral reform and instances where Hong Kong residents say Beijing is breaking the "one country, two systems" agreement, such as the alleged abduction of five Hong Kong booksellers known for their gossipy books about China's leaders. There is also a small but vocal minority of activists calling for outright independence. "There have been comments and proposals in the public arena which have deviated from 'one country, two systems' and the constitutional status of Hong Kong as prescribed in the Basic Law. In this regard, there are public concerns on whether candidates fully understand the Basic Law," Fung said. A candidate who fails to submit the confirmation form may be asked for further information and election officers, with input from the Justice Department, may declare the candidacy invalid, according to the EAC. The EAC is an independent statutory body that oversees elections in Hong Kong. Legislative Council elections are on September 4. (Reuters)

Hong Kong election candidates must issue China pledge by law: Electoral commission

Shoot the film you&#39;ve always wanted on a shoestring budget or sell out and make a blockbuster? It is a dilemma Hong Kong directors frequently face as mainland China&#39;s lucrative movie industry beckons. 
 
Now, with concerns growing about Beijing&#39;s increasing influence on Hong Kong, some film-makers are defying commercial and political pressures to produce homegrown movies with a local voice -- and inject new life into the city&#39;s cinema scene. 
 
Hong Kong once pumped out at least 200 films a year, from Bruce Lee&#39;s 1973 &quot;Enter the Dragon&quot; to Wong Kar-wai&#39;s &quot;In the Mood for Love&quot; in 2000, via countless cop and gangster thrillers. 
 
But in the past decade, the local industry has slumped and just dozens of films are now produced in Hong Kong annually. 
 
One major factor is the booming Chinese movie sector, offering both experienced directors and recent graduates, more money, and opportunities. 
 
Yet for some, the pendulum now seems to be swinging back, as the desire for freedom of expression outweighs mainland mega-bucks. 
 
&quot;With new films, everyone asks: &#39;Could it be released in China? Can you cooperate with the Chinese side?&#39; That&#39;s how (investors) earn back their money,&quot; says Hong Kong director Derek Chiu, 54, who has a string of local feature films under his belt and has worked on the mainland. 
 
He says he has struggled to find backers for his forthcoming drama &quot;Chung Ying Street&quot;, which focuses on riots against British colonial rule before leaping to the present-day protest movement. 
 
Chiu says Hong Kong and mainland bodies have rejected his funding applications. A private backer has also pulled out over concerns his investment could impact his business interests in China, he says. 
 
&quot;Maybe if I do &#39;Chung Ying Street&#39; I cannot work in China. But I will not give up this one&quot;, Chiu told AFP. 
 
&quot;I need some creative control and freedom, and China cannot provide that.&quot; 
 
Some Hong Kong directors have turned to crowdfunding to raise cash but maintain their independence. 
 
Celebrated cinematographer Christopher Doyle, a long-term Hong Kong resident best-known for his work with director Wong Kar-wai, used the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform for his most recent politically sensitive project, raising more than $100,000. 
 
&quot;Hong Kong Trilogy: Preschooled, Preoccupied, Preposterous&quot;, released last year, is based on interviews with three generations of Hongkongers. One section is dedicated to mass pro-democracy protests that brought parts of the city to a standstill in 2014. 
 
&quot;You can only say certain things in China, so you&#39;re making period dramas and you&#39;re making action films, as opposed to more socially relevant films,&quot; Doyle tells AFP. 
 
&quot;Here, we have to do the opposite. We have to go smaller budget, we have to be more concerned with the very few freedoms we still have left.&quot; 
 
Doyle says the shift from securing mainland funding to prioritising freedom of expression has happened &quot;very quickly&quot;, and is the biggest recent shift in Hong Kong cinema. 
 
The critical and commercial success of 2015&#39;s locally made &quot;10 Years&quot; -- a series of shorts painting a grim picture of life in Hong Kong in 2025 -- is testament to the mood change. 
 
&quot;I think because of the social and political situation in Hong Kong, directors are more concerned with local topics,&quot; said Andrew Choi, one of the film&#39;s co-producers. 
 
But despite the new energy in the Hong Kong industry, some say the city&#39;s cinematic glory will be hard to recapture in the face of an ascendant China and growing global competition. 
 
&quot;When big names were discovered in the 1980s, the market and the world were less crowded,&quot; says Nansun Shi, a veteran Hong Kong producer who oversaw the 2002 hit thriller &quot;Infernal Affairs&quot; and has served on the jury of the Cannes film festival. 
 
She adds that many film-makers will still be drawn to mainland or Chinese co-funded productions for the bigger budgets and greater exposure. 
 
&quot;I think it&#39;s just a natural progression that some more experienced directors have gone to China to work,&quot; she says. 
 
Still, next-generation film-makers say that keeping a local focus not only symbolises freedom -- it is also simply a better way to engage their audience. 
 
&quot;I&#39;d rather work with limited resources on something I know about,&quot; says recent graduate Crosby Yip, 24, between takes on the set of his privately-funded debut rom-com &quot;Diary of First Love&quot;. 
 
&quot;If I make films about the place I grew up in, I think the feeling will be more solid and realistic,&quot; he adds -- a sentiment echoed by current film students who spoke with AFP. 
 
&quot;This is why I insist on working with Hong Kong themes.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

China's booming film industry threatens Hong Kong, which produces just dozens of films a year after once pumping out 200 films annually

Shoot the film you've always wanted on a shoestring budget or sell out and make a blockbuster? It is a dilemma Hong Kong directors frequently face as mainland China's lucrative movie industry beckons. Now, with concerns growing about Beijing's increasing influence on Hong Kong, some film-makers are defying commercial and political pressures to produce homegrown movies with a local voice -- and inject new life into the city's cinema scene. Hong Kong once pumped out at least 200 films a year, from Bruce Lee's 1973 "Enter the Dragon" to Wong Kar-wai's "In the Mood for Love" in 2000, via countless cop and gangster thrillers. But in the past decade, the local industry has slumped and just dozens of films are now produced in Hong Kong annually. One major factor is the booming Chinese movie sector, offering both experienced directors and recent graduates, more money, and opportunities. Yet for some, the pendulum now seems to be swinging back, as the desire for freedom of expression outweighs mainland mega-bucks. "With new films, everyone asks: 'Could it be released in China? Can you cooperate with the Chinese side?' That's how (investors) earn back their money," says Hong Kong director Derek Chiu, 54, who has a string of local feature films under his belt and has worked on the mainland. He says he has struggled to find backers for his forthcoming drama "Chung Ying Street", which focuses on riots against British colonial rule before leaping to the present-day protest movement. Chiu says Hong Kong and mainland bodies have rejected his funding applications. A private backer has also pulled out over concerns his investment could impact his business interests in China, he says. "Maybe if I do 'Chung Ying Street' I cannot work in China. But I will not give up this one", Chiu told AFP. "I need some creative control and freedom, and China cannot provide that." Some Hong Kong directors have turned to crowdfunding to raise cash but maintain their independence. Celebrated cinematographer Christopher Doyle, a long-term Hong Kong resident best-known for his work with director Wong Kar-wai, used the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform for his most recent politically sensitive project, raising more than $100,000. "Hong Kong Trilogy: Preschooled, Preoccupied, Preposterous", released last year, is based on interviews with three generations of Hongkongers. One section is dedicated to mass pro-democracy protests that brought parts of the city to a standstill in 2014. "You can only say certain things in China, so you're making period dramas and you're making action films, as opposed to more socially relevant films," Doyle tells AFP. "Here, we have to do the opposite. We have to go smaller budget, we have to be more concerned with the very few freedoms we still have left." Doyle says the shift from securing mainland funding to prioritising freedom of expression has happened "very quickly", and is the biggest recent shift in Hong Kong cinema. The critical and commercial success of 2015's locally made "10 Years" -- a series of shorts painting a grim picture of life in Hong Kong in 2025 -- is testament to the mood change. "I think because of the social and political situation in Hong Kong, directors are more concerned with local topics," said Andrew Choi, one of the film's co-producers. But despite the new energy in the Hong Kong industry, some say the city's cinematic glory will be hard to recapture in the face of an ascendant China and growing global competition. "When big names were discovered in the 1980s, the market and the world were less crowded," says Nansun Shi, a veteran Hong Kong producer who oversaw the 2002 hit thriller "Infernal Affairs" and has served on the jury of the Cannes film festival. She adds that many film-makers will still be drawn to mainland or Chinese co-funded productions for the bigger budgets and greater exposure. "I think it's just a natural progression that some more experienced directors have gone to China to work," she says. Still, next-generation film-makers say that keeping a local focus not only symbolises freedom -- it is also simply a better way to engage their audience. "I'd rather work with limited resources on something I know about," says recent graduate Crosby Yip, 24, between takes on the set of his privately-funded debut rom-com "Diary of First Love". "If I make films about the place I grew up in, I think the feeling will be more solid and realistic," he adds -- a sentiment echoed by current film students who spoke with AFP. "This is why I insist on working with Hong Kong themes." (AFP)

Hong Kong film industry torn between cash and creative freedom

Hong Kong&#39;s security chief said on Wednesday that there was no legal way a Hong Kong bookseller, who returned to the city after being detained on the mainland, could be sent back to China. 
 
Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok&#39;s comments came after a one-day trip to Beijing to meet with officials, after five Hong Kong booksellers who went missing last year later surfaced in mainland Chinese custody. 
 
One of the booksellers, Lam Wing-kee, returned to Hong Kong last month and held a press conference detailing his months of captivity and repeated interrogations by mainland agents. 
 
A mainland Chinese law enforcement body on Tuesday said that Lam had violated his bail terms and criminal enforcement measures would be triggered by his failure to return. It did not specify what those measures might entail. 
 
Lai said a formal request for Lam&#39;s return to China had not been discussed at the meeting in Beijing. 
 
&quot;There is no legal arrangement for the transfer of a person to the mainland authorities, and the Hong Kong government will handle all cases in accordance with the law of Hong Kong,&quot; Lai told reporters on Wednesday. 
 
Hong Kong officials pledged to provide any necessary police protection for Lam, who said he had been followed by strangers and feared for his safety. The officials said the vehicle that was reportedly following Lam was rented by the media. 
 
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, governed by separate laws under a 1997 agreement with the British that returned it to Chinese rule. 
 
The controversy surrounding the Hong Kong booksellers erupted last year when the five men associated with the Causeway Bay Books store disappeared. The store had specialised in gossipy books about China&#39;s leaders, including President Xi Jinping. Such books are banned on the mainland but legal in Hong Kong. 
 
Two of the men, Gui Minhai and Lee Bo, held Swedish and British passports and went missing in Thailand and Hong Kong, respectively. 
 
Thousands have taken to the streets in Hong Kong following the men&#39;s disappearance, saying that Beijing has not abided by the &quot;one country, two systems&quot; arrangement by which it agreed to rule Hong Kong for 50 years. 
 
Hong Kong officials said they would hold another meeting with their mainland Chinese counterparts at the end of the month to discuss the notification process for when Hong Kong residents are detained in the mainland. 
 
(Reuters)

The controversy erupted last year when five men associated with a store specialising in gossipy books about China's leaders went missing

Hong Kong's security chief said on Wednesday that there was no legal way a Hong Kong bookseller, who returned to the city after being detained on the mainland, could be sent back to China. Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok's comments came after a one-day trip to Beijing to meet with officials, after five Hong Kong booksellers who went missing last year later surfaced in mainland Chinese custody. One of the booksellers, Lam Wing-kee, returned to Hong Kong last month and held a press conference detailing his months of captivity and repeated interrogations by mainland agents. A mainland Chinese law enforcement body on Tuesday said that Lam had violated his bail terms and criminal enforcement measures would be triggered by his failure to return. It did not specify what those measures might entail. Lai said a formal request for Lam's return to China had not been discussed at the meeting in Beijing. "There is no legal arrangement for the transfer of a person to the mainland authorities, and the Hong Kong government will handle all cases in accordance with the law of Hong Kong," Lai told reporters on Wednesday. Hong Kong officials pledged to provide any necessary police protection for Lam, who said he had been followed by strangers and feared for his safety. The officials said the vehicle that was reportedly following Lam was rented by the media. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, governed by separate laws under a 1997 agreement with the British that returned it to Chinese rule. The controversy surrounding the Hong Kong booksellers erupted last year when the five men associated with the Causeway Bay Books store disappeared. The store had specialised in gossipy books about China's leaders, including President Xi Jinping. Such books are banned on the mainland but legal in Hong Kong. Two of the men, Gui Minhai and Lee Bo, held Swedish and British passports and went missing in Thailand and Hong Kong, respectively. Thousands have taken to the streets in Hong Kong following the men's disappearance, saying that Beijing has not abided by the "one country, two systems" arrangement by which it agreed to rule Hong Kong for 50 years. Hong Kong officials said they would hold another meeting with their mainland Chinese counterparts at the end of the month to discuss the notification process for when Hong Kong residents are detained in the mainland. (Reuters)

Hong Kong security chief says no legal way to return bookseller to China

Hong&nbsp;Kong&#39;s&nbsp;Chief&nbsp;Executive&nbsp;Leung&nbsp;Chunying led&nbsp;a&nbsp;ceremony on Friday to mark the 19th anniversary of the territory&#39;s handover from British to Chinese rule,&nbsp;while&nbsp;dozens&nbsp;of&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;indulged&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;scuffle&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;police&nbsp;near&nbsp;the&nbsp;venue. 
 
The&nbsp;celebration&nbsp;came&nbsp;as&nbsp;political&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;between&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;run&nbsp;high,&nbsp;after&nbsp;a Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;bookseller&nbsp;said&nbsp;he&nbsp;was&nbsp;abducted 
by&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;authority&nbsp;along&nbsp;with&nbsp;five&nbsp;others. 
 
At&nbsp;a&nbsp;cocktail&nbsp;reception&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;Chief&nbsp;Executive&nbsp;Leung&nbsp;Chunying&nbsp;said&nbsp;the&nbsp;government&nbsp;will&nbsp;keep&nbsp;hold&nbsp;onto&nbsp;the&nbsp;basic&nbsp;principles&nbsp;that 
underline&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;rule&nbsp;and&nbsp;enhance&nbsp;communication&nbsp;with&nbsp;Beijing.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Based&nbsp;on&nbsp;what&nbsp;we&nbsp;have&nbsp;had,&nbsp;setting&nbsp;the&nbsp;stage&nbsp;for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people&nbsp;of&nbsp;different&nbsp;political&nbsp;beliefs&nbsp;and&nbsp;central&nbsp;government&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;better 
communication,&nbsp;interaction&nbsp;and&nbsp;cooperation.&nbsp;And&nbsp;deepen&nbsp;the&nbsp;win-win&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;between&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and&nbsp;mainland&nbsp;China,&quot;&nbsp;Leung&nbsp;said. 
 
Hong&nbsp;Kong&#39;s&nbsp;leader&nbsp;said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;he&nbsp;had&nbsp;asked&nbsp;China&nbsp;whether&nbsp;its&nbsp;handling&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;booksellers&nbsp;case&nbsp;violated&nbsp;the&nbsp;&quot;one&nbsp;country,&nbsp;two 
systems&quot;&nbsp;formula&nbsp;under&nbsp;which&nbsp;the&nbsp;city&nbsp;returned&nbsp;to&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;rule,&nbsp;the&nbsp;strongest&nbsp;response&nbsp;yet&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;former&nbsp;British&nbsp;colony. 
 
Leung&nbsp;told&nbsp;the&nbsp;Executive&nbsp;Council&nbsp;he&nbsp;had&nbsp;written&nbsp;a&nbsp;letter&nbsp;to&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;asking&nbsp;whether&nbsp;mainland&nbsp;authorities&nbsp;enforced&nbsp;their&nbsp;laws&nbsp;across&nbsp;the&nbsp;border&nbsp;in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong. 
 
Demonstrators&nbsp;mock&nbsp;Leung 
 
Meanwhile,&nbsp;minor&nbsp;scuffles&nbsp;broke&nbsp;out&nbsp;between&nbsp;policemen&nbsp;and&nbsp;about&nbsp;dozens&nbsp;of&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;near&nbsp;the 
flag raising&nbsp;ceremony&#39;s&nbsp;venue. 
 
Demonstrators&nbsp;tried&nbsp;to&nbsp;burn&nbsp;an&nbsp;effigy&nbsp;of&nbsp;Leung,&nbsp;dressed&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;female&nbsp;servant&nbsp;to&nbsp;mock&nbsp;him&nbsp;acting&nbsp;subservient&nbsp;to&nbsp;Beijing. 
 
Protest&nbsp;organiser&nbsp;and&nbsp;chairman&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;League&nbsp;of&nbsp;Social&nbsp;Democrats,&nbsp;Avery&nbsp;Ng,&nbsp;said&nbsp;they&nbsp;also&nbsp;marched&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;clock&nbsp;prop&nbsp;to&nbsp;countdown&nbsp;to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&#39;s&nbsp;death.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Ever&nbsp;since&nbsp;the&nbsp;bookseller&nbsp;kidnapping&nbsp;case,&nbsp;we&nbsp;can&nbsp;see&nbsp;that&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&#39;s&nbsp;future&nbsp;is&nbsp;dying&nbsp;essentially,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;are&nbsp;counting&nbsp;down,&quot;&nbsp;Ng&nbsp;said. 
 
It&nbsp;may&nbsp;also&nbsp;be&nbsp;recalled&nbsp;that&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;marched&nbsp;in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;last&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;to&nbsp;protest&nbsp;against&nbsp;China&#39;s&nbsp;detention&nbsp;of&nbsp;five&nbsp;booksellers&nbsp;whose&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;shop&nbsp;published &#39;gossipy&#39; books&nbsp;about&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;leaders,&nbsp;including&nbsp;President&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;Jinping,&nbsp;in&nbsp;what&nbsp;critics&nbsp;called&nbsp;&quot;cross-border&nbsp;abductions&quot;. 
 
The&nbsp;arrests&nbsp;prompted&nbsp;fears&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;eroding&nbsp;the&nbsp;&quot;one&nbsp;country,&nbsp;two&nbsp;systems&quot;&nbsp;system&nbsp;under&nbsp;which&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has&nbsp;been&nbsp;governed&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;special&nbsp;administrative&nbsp;region&nbsp;since&nbsp;its&nbsp;return&nbsp;to&nbsp;China&nbsp;from&nbsp;British&nbsp;rule&nbsp;in&nbsp;1997. 
 
One&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;five&nbsp;booksellers,&nbsp;Lam&nbsp;Wingkee&nbsp;who&nbsp;returned&nbsp;to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;last&nbsp;month&nbsp;and&nbsp;spoke&nbsp;publicly&nbsp;about&nbsp;his&nbsp;detention&nbsp;in&nbsp;mainland 
China,&nbsp;is&nbsp;expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;lead&nbsp;the&nbsp;annual&nbsp;anti-government&nbsp;protest&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;afternoon. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Hong?Kong?has?been?governed?as?a?special administrative?region?since?its?return?to?China?from British?rule?in?1997

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chunying led a ceremony on Friday to mark the 19th anniversary of the territory's handover from British to Chinese rule, while dozens of protesters indulged into a scuffle with the police near the venue. The celebration came as political tensions between Beijing and Hong Kong run high, after a Hong Kong bookseller said he was abducted by Chinese authority along with five others. At a cocktail reception on Friday, Chief Executive Leung Chunying said the government will keep hold onto the basic principles that underline Hong Kong rule and enhance communication with Beijing. "Based on what we have had, setting the stage for Hong Kong people of different political beliefs and central government to have better communication, interaction and cooperation. And deepen the win-win relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China," Leung said. Hong Kong's leader said on Tuesday he had asked China whether its handling of the booksellers case violated the "one country, two systems" formula under which the city returned to Chinese rule, the strongest response yet from the former British colony. Leung told the Executive Council he had written a letter to Beijing asking whether mainland authorities enforced their laws across the border in Hong Kong. Demonstrators mock Leung Meanwhile, minor scuffles broke out between policemen and about dozens of pro-democracy protesters near the flag raising ceremony's venue. Demonstrators tried to burn an effigy of Leung, dressed as a female servant to mock him acting subservient to Beijing. Protest organiser and chairman of the League of Social Democrats, Avery Ng, said they also marched with a clock prop to countdown to Hong Kong's death. "Ever since the bookseller kidnapping case, we can see that Hong Kong's future is dying essentially, and we are counting down," Ng said. It may also be recalled that thousands marched in Hong Kong last weekend to protest against China's detention of five booksellers whose Hong Kong shop published 'gossipy' books about Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, in what critics called "cross-border abductions". The arrests prompted fears Beijing may be eroding the "one country, two systems" system under which Hong Kong has been governed as a special administrative region since its return to China from British rule in 1997. One of the five booksellers, Lam Wingkee who returned to Hong Kong last month and spoke publicly about his detention in mainland China, is expected to lead the annual anti-government protest on Friday afternoon. (Reuters)

Hong Kong marks 19th anniversary of handover while tensions with Beijing run high

Shanghai jumped on Wednesday as traders brushed off a decision by MSCI to deny its inclusion in an influential list of global benchmarks, while Hong Kong joined a broad Asian rebound after recent heavy losses. 
 
The Shanghai Composite Index jumped 1.53 pe rcent, or 43.59 points, to 2,885.78 while the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China`s second exchange, advanced 2.98 per cent, or 54.59 points, to 1,887.22. 
And Hong Kong rose 0.46 percent, or 92.83 points, to 20,480.36. 
(AFP)

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, advanced 2.98 per cent, or 54.59 points, to 1,887.22

Shanghai jumped on Wednesday as traders brushed off a decision by MSCI to deny its inclusion in an influential list of global benchmarks, while Hong Kong joined a broad Asian rebound after recent heavy losses. The Shanghai Composite Index jumped 1.53 pe rcent, or 43.59 points, to 2,885.78 while the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China`s second exchange, advanced 2.98 per cent, or 54.59 points, to 1,887.22. And Hong Kong rose 0.46 percent, or 92.83 points, to 20,480.36. (AFP)

Shanghai rallies, investors ignore MSCI disappointment

<div>The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival gets bigger and better every year&nbsp;and this June will be no exception as it marks four glorious decades of its international dragon boat races. 
 
Teams from across the globe travel to Hong Kong, the birthplace of modern competitive international dragon boat racing, for the carnival which blends sporting tradition and prowess in a fun and party atmosphere. Over 4,000 dragon-boaters from local districts and countries as far as Canada, New Zealand, the US and Australia will descend on Hong Kong for one of the international city&rsquo;s flagship sporting events. 
 
The festival of fun involves three days of intense racing during June 10-12. After the heart-stopping dragon boat racing, the excitement will move seamlessly from the water to the beer fest and a new family zone&nbsp;as thousands turn out for the 40th-anniversary celebrations, which underline Hong Kong&rsquo;s status as Asia&rsquo;s sporting playground. 
 
For the first time this year all the sporting action, fun, and games will take place in one venue, the historic and inspiring Victoria Harbour and Central Harbourfront, making it easier for paddlers and spectators alike. The San Miguel Beer Fest will be offering visitors welcome refreshments while the new family zone will feature experiential games and interactive activities, including giant inflatables, water boats, and rollers, along with roving entertainment to create an unforgettable carnival vibe. 
 
For the top-performing dragon boat team from the 14 countries/regions competing, there is the inaugural Hong Kong Trophy up for grabs. While staying true to its roots, this year&rsquo;s Dragon Boat Carnival is a million miles away from the race&rsquo;s humble beginnings back in 1976 in Shaukeiwan when nine dragon boat crews made up of fishermen competed against a visiting crew from Nagasaki, Japan. 
 
Forty years on, hundreds of thousands of visitors, both local and overseas, are expected to flock to the water extravaganza to appreciate the exciting sport and the authentic culture behind the dragon boat races.</div>

Over 4,000 Dragon-boaters from across the world will descend on Hong Kong for one of the city?s flagship sporting events

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival gets bigger and better every year and this June will be no exception as it marks four glorious decades of its international dragon boat races. Teams from across the globe travel to Hong Kong, the birthplace of modern competitive international dragon boat racing, for the carnival which blends sporting tradition and prowess in a fun and party atmosphere. Over 4,000 dragon-boaters from local districts and countries as far as Canada, New Zealand, the US and Australia will descend on Hong Kong for one of the international city’s flagship sporting events. The festival of fun involves three days of intense racing during June 10-12. After the heart-stopping dragon boat racing, the excitement will move seamlessly from the water to the beer fest and a new family zone as thousands turn out for the 40th-anniversary celebrations, which underline Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s sporting playground. For the first time this year all the sporting action, fun, and games will take place in one venue, the historic and inspiring Victoria Harbour and Central Harbourfront, making it easier for paddlers and spectators alike. The San Miguel Beer Fest will be offering visitors welcome refreshments while the new family zone will feature experiential games and interactive activities, including giant inflatables, water boats, and rollers, along with roving entertainment to create an unforgettable carnival vibe. For the top-performing dragon boat team from the 14 countries/regions competing, there is the inaugural Hong Kong Trophy up for grabs. While staying true to its roots, this year’s Dragon Boat Carnival is a million miles away from the race’s humble beginnings back in 1976 in Shaukeiwan when nine dragon boat crews made up of fishermen competed against a visiting crew from Nagasaki, Japan. Forty years on, hundreds of thousands of visitors, both local and overseas, are expected to flock to the water extravaganza to appreciate the exciting sport and the authentic culture behind the dragon boat races.

Hong Kong celebrates 4 glorious decades of Dragon Boat Racing

hong-kong

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

hong kong

Hong Kong prepares for first big vote since 2014 pro-democracy protests

Philippines envoy Fidel Ramos "optimistic" about ice breaking China trip

Hong Kong selects council poll candidates, rejects nine

Taiwan set to order Uber's exit from market after accusing it of 'misrepresenting' business

Typhoon Nida shuts Hong Kong, low-lying areas put on flood alert

Typo in Jinping's address prompts China to 'tighten' media portal's supervision

Teenage Hong Kong protest leader found guilty of unlawful assembly

Hong Kong election candidates must issue China pledge by law: Electoral commission

Hong Kong film industry torn between cash and creative freedom

Hong Kong security chief says no legal way to return bookseller to China

Hong Kong marks 19th anniversary of handover while tensions with Beijing run high

Shanghai rallies, investors ignore MSCI disappointment

Hong Kong celebrates 4 glorious decades of Dragon Boat Racing

Hong Kong celebrates 4 glorious decades of Dragon Boat Racing