<p>A man, reportedly of Indian origin, has been arrested in Hong Kong for molesting a South Korean tourist who was livestreaming her visit to the city in an assault caught on her camera.</p>

<p>The South Korean vlogger was seen being molested on livestream in a distressing incident that shocked people on and off social media in China. The incident reportedly occurred on September 10 and parts of the distressing video went viral on Chinese social media recently.</p>

<p>The man, identified in some unconfirmed media reports as 46-year-old Amit from India, has been arrested by the Hong Kong Police.</p>

<h2><strong>South Korean vlogger molested on livestream: What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The vlogger, identified as May5w on Twitch, an Amazon-owned video streaming platform, was approached by the man near a tram stop in Central, Hong Kong, on Sunday night.</p>

<p>May was reportedly in Hong Kong for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She attempted to get rid of him but he kept on pestering her and placed his arm on her shoulder as she walked along.</p>

<p>As they reached the entrance of Central MTR station, the man grabbed her arm and can be heard&nbsp;saying: "Come with me."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong marks 25 years under China. But how did it come under British control?</strong></p>

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<p>"Please don’t hold my arm," May responded in English in a video seen by WION.</p>

<p>The man kept on following the vlogger.</p>

<p>Once near the station steps, he forcefully pressed her against a wall, and said: "I am alone." And again: "Come with me."</p>

<p>"I’m not alone," the vlogger says while consistently trying the push the man away.</p>

<p>The man then attempts to kiss her on the face. Eventually, he released her and departed.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened after the incident?</strong></h2>

<p>After the incident, the vlogger went to Macau and live-streamed from her hotel to describe the ordeal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that despite the incident she intends to return to Hong Kong soon.</p>

<p>"The bruises became worse actually, he held me too tight," she said.</p>

<p>"That’s the guy’s fault. It’s not Hong Kong’s fault," she said next.</p>

<p>A police spokesperson cited by the South China Morning Post said the force had taken notice of the online video and attempted to contact the woman for further information. Police also received reports from the public about the clip, following which the suspect was arrested.&nbsp;</p>

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A man, reportedly of Indian origin, has been arrested in Hong Kong for molesting a South Korean tourist who was livestreaming her visit to the city in an assault caught on her camera.

A man, reportedly of Indian origin, has been arrested in Hong Kong for molesting a South Korean tourist who was livestreaming her visit to the city in an assault caught on her camera. The South Korean vlogger was seen being molested on livestream in a distressing incident that shocked people on and off social media in China. The incident reportedly occurred on September 10 and parts of the distressing video went viral on Chinese social media recently. The man, identified in some unconfirmed media reports as 46-year-old Amit from India, has been arrested by the Hong Kong Police. South Korean vlogger molested on livestream: What happened? The vlogger, identified as May5w on Twitch, an Amazon-owned video streaming platform, was approached by the man near a tram stop in Central, Hong Kong, on Sunday night. May was reportedly in Hong Kong for the first time. She attempted to get rid of him but he kept on pestering her and placed his arm on her shoulder as she walked along. As they reached the entrance of Central MTR station, the man grabbed her arm and can be heard saying: "Come with me." Also read | Hong Kong marks 25 years under China. But how did it come under British control? × "Please don’t hold my arm," May responded in English in a video seen by WION. The man kept on following the vlogger. Once near the station steps, he forcefully pressed her against a wall, and said: "I am alone." And again: "Come with me." "I’m not alone," the vlogger says while consistently trying the push the man away. The man then attempts to kiss her on the face. Eventually, he released her and departed. What happened after the incident? After the incident, the vlogger went to Macau and live-streamed from her hotel to describe the ordeal. She said that despite the incident she intends to return to Hong Kong soon. "The bruises became worse actually, he held me too tight," she said. "That’s the guy’s fault. It’s not Hong Kong’s fault," she said next. A police spokesperson cited by the South China Morning Post said the force had taken notice of the online video and attempted to contact the woman for further information. Police also received reports from the public about the clip, following which the suspect was arrested. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong: Man arrested for molesting, trying to kiss vlogger on livestream

In pics | Record-breaking rain batters Hong Kong and Chinese city Shenzhen

<p>Torrential rain has battered Hong Kong, which witnessed its highest hourly rainfall since records began 140 years ago, on Friday (September 8), causing widespread flooding across the densely packed city. At least one person was reported dead and more than 80&nbsp;people were said to be injured in Hong Kong, as per Reuters citing officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, all schools, several subway stations and offices, in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen were shut after Typhoon Haikui’s residual storm clouds unleashed the heaviest rain since records began in 1952.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Black’ rainstorm warning in Hong Kong</strong></h2>

<p>The heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years has submerged streets, shopping malls and metro stations across Hong Kong and prompted officials to shut schools and ask workers to stay at home.&nbsp;Hong Kong’s observatory reported rainfall of 158.1 millimetres between 11:00 pm (local time) on Thursday and midnight on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The weather bureau also issued the highest “black” rainstorm warning and recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall on Hong Kong’s main island, Kowloon and the northeastern part of the city’s New Territories since Thursday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Reuters citing&nbsp;a television news channel said that rescue&nbsp;workers took one person to hospital who was dead on arrival, while some 83 people were said to be injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials have also issued landslide risk warnings near the city’s mountainous terrain while streets turned into torrents and social media videos showed workers wading waist-deep in a station, as per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conditions were expected to last till at least Friday afternoon, said the weather bureau. They have also attributed this to the trough of low pressure associated with the remnant of Typhoon Haikui.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hong Kong leader, John Lee said he was very concerned about the severe flooding in most parts of the city and has instructed all departments to respond with “all-out efforts”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Travel and transport between Liantang Port and Wenjindu Port connecting Shenzhen and Hong Kong were also suspended&nbsp;due to flood damage, said the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All schools in Hong Kong have been suspended due to “extensive flooding,” said the officials, adding that employers have been asked to observe arrangements typically used for the strong wind signal 8, which brings the city to an effective standstill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Macau’s weather bureau issued the lowest “yellow” rainstorm warning on Friday, with much of the gambling hub operating as usual.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Record-breaking rainfall in Shenzhen</strong></h2>

<p>Heavy rains have also battered Shenzhen, where residents, as per Reuters were seen holding onto safety lines and wading&nbsp;cautiously through knee-deep floodwaters late on Thursday. China’s Meteorological Administration, on Friday, said that heavy rains will continue until early Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese state media, Xinhua, said that between 5:00 pm (local time) Thursday and 6:00 am (local time) Friday, the average rainfall in Shenzhen was 202.8 mm while the maximum cumulative rainfall reached 469 mm, breaking multiple meteorological records which began over seven decades ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials in Shenzhen have said, “that primary and secondary schools and kindergartens across the city will suspend classes on Friday to ensure&nbsp;the citizen’s safety and property,” reported Xinhua.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shenzhen’s observatory also issued emergency warnings advising residents to stay indoors and warning downpours were abrupt and intense. According to media reports, daily rainfall in the city located in the Pearl River Delta linking Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland was expected to exceed 500 mm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The water level in the Shenzhen reservoir also reached its limit on Friday, prompting authorities to begin discharging water and warning residents downstream to stay away from the rivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, schools in 10 districts across Guangzhou city, which is some 130 kilometres from Shenzhen, were suspended.</p>

<p>Typhoon Haikui, which was later downgraded to a tropical depression, made landfall in China’s Fujian province on Tuesday and caused nearly $700 million in economic losses before moving to Guangdong.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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Torrential rain has battered Hong Kong, which witnessed its highest hourly rainfall since records began 140 years ago, on Friday (September 8), causing widespread flooding across the densely packed city.

Torrential rain has battered Hong Kong, which witnessed its highest hourly rainfall since records began 140 years ago, on Friday (September 8), causing widespread flooding across the densely packed city. At least one person was reported dead and more than 80 people were said to be injured in Hong Kong, as per Reuters citing officials. Meanwhile, all schools, several subway stations and offices, in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen were shut after Typhoon Haikui’s residual storm clouds unleashed the heaviest rain since records began in 1952. ‘Black’ rainstorm warning in Hong Kong The heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years has submerged streets, shopping malls and metro stations across Hong Kong and prompted officials to shut schools and ask workers to stay at home. Hong Kong’s observatory reported rainfall of 158.1 millimetres between 11:00 pm (local time) on Thursday and midnight on Friday. The weather bureau also issued the highest “black” rainstorm warning and recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall on Hong Kong’s main island, Kowloon and the northeastern part of the city’s New Territories since Thursday night. A report by Reuters citing a television news channel said that rescue workers took one person to hospital who was dead on arrival, while some 83 people were said to be injured. The officials have also issued landslide risk warnings near the city’s mountainous terrain while streets turned into torrents and social media videos showed workers wading waist-deep in a station, as per Reuters. The conditions were expected to last till at least Friday afternoon, said the weather bureau. They have also attributed this to the trough of low pressure associated with the remnant of Typhoon Haikui. Hong Kong leader, John Lee said he was very concerned about the severe flooding in most parts of the city and has instructed all departments to respond with “all-out efforts”. Travel and transport between Liantang Port and Wenjindu Port connecting Shenzhen and Hong Kong were also suspended due to flood damage, said the government. All schools in Hong Kong have been suspended due to “extensive flooding,” said the officials, adding that employers have been asked to observe arrangements typically used for the strong wind signal 8, which brings the city to an effective standstill. Meanwhile, Macau’s weather bureau issued the lowest “yellow” rainstorm warning on Friday, with much of the gambling hub operating as usual. Record-breaking rainfall in Shenzhen Heavy rains have also battered Shenzhen, where residents, as per Reuters were seen holding onto safety lines and wading cautiously through knee-deep floodwaters late on Thursday. China’s Meteorological Administration, on Friday, said that heavy rains will continue until early Saturday. Chinese state media, Xinhua, said that between 5:00 pm (local time) Thursday and 6:00 am (local time) Friday, the average rainfall in Shenzhen was 202.8 mm while the maximum cumulative rainfall reached 469 mm, breaking multiple meteorological records which began over seven decades ago. Officials in Shenzhen have said, “that primary and secondary schools and kindergartens across the city will suspend classes on Friday to ensure the citizen’s safety and property,” reported Xinhua. Shenzhen’s observatory also issued emergency warnings advising residents to stay indoors and warning downpours were abrupt and intense. According to media reports, daily rainfall in the city located in the Pearl River Delta linking Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland was expected to exceed 500 mm. The water level in the Shenzhen reservoir also reached its limit on Friday, prompting authorities to begin discharging water and warning residents downstream to stay away from the rivers. Additionally, schools in 10 districts across Guangzhou city, which is some 130 kilometres from Shenzhen, were suspended. Typhoon Haikui, which was later downgraded to a tropical depression, made landfall in China’s Fujian province on Tuesday and caused nearly $700 million in economic losses before moving to Guangdong. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Record-breaking rain batters Hong Kong and Chinese city Shenzhen, at least one dead, over 80 injured

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid6zE97Dxa1dqr" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Hong Kong's top court on Tuesday (September 5) ruled in favour of same-sex partnerships, including civil unions. However, the court stopped short of granting full marriage rights. According to a report by the news agency AFP, this is the first time the Court of Final Appeal directly addressed the issue of same-sex marriage. The case was brought by Jimmy Sham, a pro-democracy activist who is in jail.</p>

<p>In its ruling on Tuesday, the Court of Final Appeal said the Hong Kong government was in "violation of its positive obligation... to establish an alternative framework for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships", such as civil unions.</p>

<p>The court unanimously dismissed the appeal in relation&nbsp;to same-sex marriage and recognition of foreign same-sex marriage, the judgement further said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A partial win for LGBTQ community</strong></h2>

<p>Tuesday's ruling is seen as a partial win for Hong Kong's LGBTQ community which in recent years has won piecemeal victories in court, striking down discriminatory government policies on visas, taxes, and housing benefits.</p>

<p>AFP reported that while LGBTQ activism faces political challenges in mainland China, Hong Kong has seen increasing support among its population for same-sex marriage. A poll carried out this year found that 60 per cent of Hong Kongers supported same-sex marriage, compared to just 38 per cent a decade back.</p>

<p>The challenge launched by jailed pro-democracy activist Sham twice failed to convince the courts that Hong Kong should legally recognise his marriage to a same-sex partner. This marriage was registered in New York nearly a decade ago.</p>

<p>In August last year, appeal judges wrote that Hong Kong's constitutional text "only provides access to the institution of marriage to heterosexual couples". Sham had argued the city's ban on same-sex marriage violated his right to equality.</p>

<p>His lawyer Karon Monaghan&nbsp;told the court in June this year that the ban disadvantages same-sex couples in areas such as inheritance and housing rentals.</p>

<h2><strong>How is Sham's case different?</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to AFP, gender studies scholar Suen Yiu-tung said that Hong Kong decriminalised Gender studies scholar Suen Yiu-tung but it still had no protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Suen highlighted local courts have struck down discriminatory policies "domain-by-domain" but that approach resulted in a really long journey.</p>

<p>Tuesday's case was different as it asked for more wholesale recognition of same-sex marriage, but this meant success might be more difficult.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hong Kong's top court on Tuesday (September 5) ruled in favour of same-sex partnerships, including civil unions. However, the court stopped short of granting full marriage rights.

Hong Kong's top court on Tuesday (September 5) ruled in favour of same-sex partnerships, including civil unions. However, the court stopped short of granting full marriage rights. According to a report by the news agency AFP, this is the first time the Court of Final Appeal directly addressed the issue of same-sex marriage. The case was brought by Jimmy Sham, a pro-democracy activist who is in jail. In its ruling on Tuesday, the Court of Final Appeal said the Hong Kong government was in "violation of its positive obligation... to establish an alternative framework for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships", such as civil unions. The court unanimously dismissed the appeal in relation to same-sex marriage and recognition of foreign same-sex marriage, the judgement further said. A partial win for LGBTQ community Tuesday's ruling is seen as a partial win for Hong Kong's LGBTQ community which in recent years has won piecemeal victories in court, striking down discriminatory government policies on visas, taxes, and housing benefits. AFP reported that while LGBTQ activism faces political challenges in mainland China, Hong Kong has seen increasing support among its population for same-sex marriage. A poll carried out this year found that 60 per cent of Hong Kongers supported same-sex marriage, compared to just 38 per cent a decade back. The challenge launched by jailed pro-democracy activist Sham twice failed to convince the courts that Hong Kong should legally recognise his marriage to a same-sex partner. This marriage was registered in New York nearly a decade ago. In August last year, appeal judges wrote that Hong Kong's constitutional text "only provides access to the institution of marriage to heterosexual couples". Sham had argued the city's ban on same-sex marriage violated his right to equality. His lawyer Karon Monaghan told the court in June this year that the ban disadvantages same-sex couples in areas such as inheritance and housing rentals. How is Sham's case different? Speaking to AFP, gender studies scholar Suen Yiu-tung said that Hong Kong decriminalised Gender studies scholar Suen Yiu-tung but it still had no protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Suen highlighted local courts have struck down discriminatory policies "domain-by-domain" but that approach resulted in a really long journey. Tuesday's case was different as it asked for more wholesale recognition of same-sex marriage, but this meant success might be more difficult. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong's top court rules in favour of same-sex partnerships

<p>Hong Kong experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with the city seeing "record-breaking" temperatures, the government said Monday, the latest region to experience the impact of a warming planet.</p>

<p>Climate change has fuelled searing temperatures across the globe already this year, with India, Japan and Australia last week announcing recent temperature records toppled.</p>

<p>In the semi-autonomous Chinese region of Hong Kong, officials declared on Monday that "together with the exceptionally hot weather in June and July, Hong Kong experienced the hottest summer on record from June to August 2023".</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsofts-wordpad-launched-in-1995-set-to-be-removed-from-windows-632225">Microsoft's WordPad, launched in 1995, set to be removed from Windows</a></p>

<p>The city recorded a monthly mean temperature of 29.7 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit) last month, the hottest August on record, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.</p>

<p>This year also saw the third-hottest July and fourth-hottest June since records began in 1884.</p>

<p>The top three warmest years in Hong Kong's history were all recorded after 2018.</p>

<p>August was also "much drier than usual with a total rainfall of 140.7 millimetres (5.5 inches)," the Observatory added. Worldwide, temperature records have tumbled in recent years, as climate change makes meteorological conditions more volatile.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/convicted-proud-boys-member-claims-trump-will-pardon-him-in-2024-632198">Convicted Proud Boys member claims Trump will pardon him in 2024</a></p>

<p>Early in the summer, Beijing logged a record 41.1 degrees Celsius (105.98 Fahrenheit) temperature on a June day.</p>

<p>Scientists insist that global warming -- linked to dependence on fossil fuels -- is behind the intensification of heatwaves.</p>

<p>Climate change has also increased the intensity of tropical storms, with more rain and stronger gusts leading to flash floods and coastal damage, experts say.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Labour reshuffle: Sir Keir Starmer to shake up shadow cabinet</strong></p>

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<p>Hong Kong was hit over the weekend by Super Typhoon Saola but dodged major damage.</p>

<p>Hong Kong authorities have recently emphasised the need to protect workers from heat stress, but stopped short of enacting new legal safeguards.</p>

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Hong Kong experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with the city seeing "record-breaking" temperatures, the government said Monday, the latest region to experience the impact of a warming planet.

Hong Kong experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with the city seeing "record-breaking" temperatures, the government said Monday, the latest region to experience the impact of a warming planet. Climate change has fuelled searing temperatures across the globe already this year, with India, Japan and Australia last week announcing recent temperature records toppled. In the semi-autonomous Chinese region of Hong Kong, officials declared on Monday that "together with the exceptionally hot weather in June and July, Hong Kong experienced the hottest summer on record from June to August 2023". Also Read | Microsoft's WordPad, launched in 1995, set to be removed from Windows The city recorded a monthly mean temperature of 29.7 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit) last month, the hottest August on record, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. This year also saw the third-hottest July and fourth-hottest June since records began in 1884. The top three warmest years in Hong Kong's history were all recorded after 2018. August was also "much drier than usual with a total rainfall of 140.7 millimetres (5.5 inches)," the Observatory added. Worldwide, temperature records have tumbled in recent years, as climate change makes meteorological conditions more volatile. Also Read | Convicted Proud Boys member claims Trump will pardon him in 2024 Early in the summer, Beijing logged a record 41.1 degrees Celsius (105.98 Fahrenheit) temperature on a June day. Scientists insist that global warming -- linked to dependence on fossil fuels -- is behind the intensification of heatwaves. Climate change has also increased the intensity of tropical storms, with more rain and stronger gusts leading to flash floods and coastal damage, experts say. Watch | Labour reshuffle: Sir Keir Starmer to shake up shadow cabinet × Hong Kong was hit over the weekend by Super Typhoon Saola but dodged major damage. Hong Kong authorities have recently emphasised the need to protect workers from heat stress, but stopped short of enacting new legal safeguards. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Hong Kong saw hottest summer on record in 2023

<p>Typhoon Saola swept across southern China on Saturday after tearing down trees and smashing windows in Hong Kong, although the megacity avoided a feared direct hit from one of the region's strongest storms in decades.</p>

<p>Tens of millions of people in the densely populated coastal areas of southern China had sheltered indoors on Friday ahead of the storm.</p>

<p>Saola had triggered Hong Kong's highest threat level on Friday evening -&nbsp;issued only 16 times since World War II - and registered winds of around 210 kilometres per hour at its peak.</p>

<p>It was downgraded before dawn on Saturday as the typhoon passed the city and tracked towards coastal areas of mainland China -- where it weakened into a severe tropical storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, Hong Kong has had no reported casualties and far less damage than that created by 2018's powerful Typhoon Mangkhut, but authorities warned people to stay away from the shoreline as Saola was still whipping up strong gales.</p>

<p>AFP journalists saw multiple fallen trees strewn across Hong Kong roads, broken windows, and crumpled scaffolding from under-construction buildings, while local media reported that solar panels had been ripped off rooftops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yesterday was a bit scary," Angelie said as she ventured out to meet a friend under a blanket of constant rain.</p>

<p>"In our (residential) estate, there were a lot of trees fallen, and some windows were broken."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saola left Thomas Wong, a shopkeeper in Causeway Bay, stranded overnight in his home goods store.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I didn't leave my shop because the transportation was not running...I had no choice," Wong said, adding that he lived in the northern Hong Kong district of Tai Po.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>A resident in Hong Kong's Heng Fa Chuen housing estate, the site of devastation during the 2018 Typhoon Mangkhut -- said she felt "some swaying" in her building during the night</p>

<p>"But overall, we didn't feel unsafe," she told AFP, contrasting it to 2018's Mangkhut which had temporarily disrupted the supply of water and electricity in some housing blocks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last storm to earn the city's highest typhoon alert, Mangkhut shredded trees and unleashed floods across the city, leaving more than 300 people injured in its wake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In mainland China, it killed six people and impacted the lives of more than three million others.</p>

<p>Hong Kong's Civil Aid Service said Saturday more than 500 people were deployed around the city to evaluate the damage, including volunteer workers who patrolled a low-lying fishing village in Lei Yue Mun district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They removed twisted iron cladding to less wind-whipped areas and snapped photos of rising sea waters, as residents surveyed the pavement damage done to uprooted trees that pulled up concrete. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm waiting to see if there is a storm surge and whether the waters will rise," one woman in Lei Yue Mun told a TV news station.</p>

<p>Hong Kong's airport gradually resumed flights, after mass cancellations and delays the day before, while neighbouring gambling hub Macau announced the reopening of casinos that had been closed for a day -- a rarity -- due to the severity of Saola.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Hong Kong: Super typhoon Saola approaches, Hong Kong slammed by biggest Typhoon since 2018</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Frequent, unpredictable storms&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Saola made landfall in the Chinese coastal city of Zhuhai, where workers on Saturday moved metal railings from roads and cleared sand whipped from a nearby beach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By afternoon, it had moved west to the tourist island of Hailing in Guangdong province, bringing sustained winds at a speed of 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour.</p>

<p>China had initially warned that Saola "may become the strongest typhoon to make landfall" in the region since 1949, but by Saturday afternoon, Guangdong province downgraded its emergency response due to the weakened windspeed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-saola-slams-shores-of-southern-china-after-lashing-hong-kong-631500"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Typhoon Saola slams shores of southern China after lashing Hong Kong</strong></a></p>

<p>Across the South China Sea on Saturday, another typhoon, Haikui, tracked rapidly towards Taiwan, where authorities raised land and sea warnings, though the impact was expected to be mild.</p>

<p>Southern China is frequently hit in summer and autumn by typhoons that form in the warm oceans east of the Philippines and then travel west.</p>

<p>Climate change has made tropical storms more unpredictable while increasing their intensity, bringing more rain and stronger gusts that lead to flash floods and coastal damage, experts say.</p>

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Typhoon Saola swept across southern China on Saturday after tearing down trees and smashing windows in Hong Kong, although the megacity avoided a feared direct hit from one of the region's strongest storms in decades.

Typhoon Saola swept across southern China on Saturday after tearing down trees and smashing windows in Hong Kong, although the megacity avoided a feared direct hit from one of the region's strongest storms in decades. Tens of millions of people in the densely populated coastal areas of southern China had sheltered indoors on Friday ahead of the storm. Saola had triggered Hong Kong's highest threat level on Friday evening - issued only 16 times since World War II - and registered winds of around 210 kilometres per hour at its peak. It was downgraded before dawn on Saturday as the typhoon passed the city and tracked towards coastal areas of mainland China -- where it weakened into a severe tropical storm. So far, Hong Kong has had no reported casualties and far less damage than that created by 2018's powerful Typhoon Mangkhut, but authorities warned people to stay away from the shoreline as Saola was still whipping up strong gales. AFP journalists saw multiple fallen trees strewn across Hong Kong roads, broken windows, and crumpled scaffolding from under-construction buildings, while local media reported that solar panels had been ripped off rooftops. "Yesterday was a bit scary," Angelie said as she ventured out to meet a friend under a blanket of constant rain. "In our (residential) estate, there were a lot of trees fallen, and some windows were broken." Saola left Thomas Wong, a shopkeeper in Causeway Bay, stranded overnight in his home goods store. "I didn't leave my shop because the transportation was not running...I had no choice," Wong said, adding that he lived in the northern Hong Kong district of Tai Po. A resident in Hong Kong's Heng Fa Chuen housing estate, the site of devastation during the 2018 Typhoon Mangkhut -- said she felt "some swaying" in her building during the night "But overall, we didn't feel unsafe," she told AFP, contrasting it to 2018's Mangkhut which had temporarily disrupted the supply of water and electricity in some housing blocks. The last storm to earn the city's highest typhoon alert, Mangkhut shredded trees and unleashed floods across the city, leaving more than 300 people injured in its wake. In mainland China, it killed six people and impacted the lives of more than three million others. Hong Kong's Civil Aid Service said Saturday more than 500 people were deployed around the city to evaluate the damage, including volunteer workers who patrolled a low-lying fishing village in Lei Yue Mun district. They removed twisted iron cladding to less wind-whipped areas and snapped photos of rising sea waters, as residents surveyed the pavement damage done to uprooted trees that pulled up concrete. "I'm waiting to see if there is a storm surge and whether the waters will rise," one woman in Lei Yue Mun told a TV news station. Hong Kong's airport gradually resumed flights, after mass cancellations and delays the day before, while neighbouring gambling hub Macau announced the reopening of casinos that had been closed for a day -- a rarity -- due to the severity of Saola. WATCH | Hong Kong: Super typhoon Saola approaches, Hong Kong slammed by biggest Typhoon since 2018 Frequent, unpredictable storms Saola made landfall in the Chinese coastal city of Zhuhai, where workers on Saturday moved metal railings from roads and cleared sand whipped from a nearby beach. By afternoon, it had moved west to the tourist island of Hailing in Guangdong province, bringing sustained winds at a speed of 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour. China had initially warned that Saola "may become the strongest typhoon to make landfall" in the region since 1949, but by Saturday afternoon, Guangdong province downgraded its emergency response due to the weakened windspeed. Also read | Typhoon Saola slams shores of southern China after lashing Hong Kong Across the South China Sea on Saturday, another typhoon, Haikui, tracked rapidly towards Taiwan, where authorities raised land and sea warnings, though the impact was expected to be mild. Southern China is frequently hit in summer and autumn by typhoons that form in the warm oceans east of the Philippines and then travel west. Climate change has made tropical storms more unpredictable while increasing their intensity, bringing more rain and stronger gusts that lead to flash floods and coastal damage, experts say. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Weakened Typhoon Saola makes its way along southern China after slamming Hong Kong

<p>Typhoon Saola slammed the shore of southern China early Saturday (September 2) after lashing Hong Kong and forcing millions of people to hunker down amid threats of one of the strongest storms to hit the region in decades.<br />
<br />
Tens of millions of citizens across Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other southern Chinese megacities had prepared for the cyclone, which was rated as a super typhoon. The typhoon fiercely hit the special administrative region, Saola but made a landfall south of Hong Kong after it was downgraded to a severe typhoon.<br />
<br />
China's National Meteorological Centre stated that the typhoon made landfall at around 3:30 am Saturday (2030 GMT Friday) towards the south of Zhuhai city in Guangdong province, which lies in the south of casino hub Macau.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-saola-flights-cancelled-schools-closed-in-hong-kong-631085">Typhoon Saola: Flights cancelled, schools closed in Hong Kong</a></p>

<p>Ahead of the landfall of the typhoon, more than 880,000 people were evacuated from two Chinese provinces hundreds of flights were cancelled and trees were uprooted from the streets of Hong Kong amid heavy downpours.<br />
<br />
The National Weather Office of China predicted Saola "may become the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the Pearl River Delta since 1949", referring to a low-lying region that includes Macau, Hong Kong, and much of Guangdong province.<br />
<br />
With the possibility of a direct hit, the warning level was raised to the highest level “T10” by the authorities in Hong Kong on Friday, which has been issued 16 times since World War II before Saola.</p>

<h2><strong>Typhoon weakens</strong></h2>

<p>By 3:40 a.m. local time, after the warning level remained at T10 for seven hours, the level was downgraded to T8 by Hong Kong. However, as dangerous gusts blew at a speed of 139 kilometres (86 miles) per hour, the residents were appealed to remain vigilant.<br />
<br />
"As gales and violent squalls are still occurring in places, precautions should not yet be relaxed," warned the Hong Kong Observatory in a bulletin.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Hong Kong: Super typhoon Saola approaches, Hong Kong slammed by biggest Typhoon since 2018</strong></p>

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<p>The observatory stated that "the maximum water level may reach a historical record", warning that "there will be serious flooding".<br />
<br />
Throughout the mainland border in Guangdong province, more than 780,000 people were evacuated by the authorities from high-risk areas, while eastern Fujian province saw around 100,000 being moved to safer ground.<br />
<br />
The officials also suspended trains in and out of Guangdong till 6:00 pm Saturday, while the emergency response for preventing its second-highest level was raised by the national flood defence agency.<br />
<br />
"It's going to affect our life," stated Wu Wenlai, 43, whose restaurant was closed in a Shenzhen suburb. "My eldest son was planning to fly to Chengdu today for university and his flight has been cancelled now,” Wenlai said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Typhoon Saola slammed the shore of southern China early Saturday (September 2) after lashing Hong Kong and forcing millions of people to hunker down amid threats of one of the strongest storms to hit the region in decades.

Typhoon Saola slammed the shore of southern China early Saturday (September 2) after lashing Hong Kong and forcing millions of people to hunker down amid threats of one of the strongest storms to hit the region in decades. Tens of millions of citizens across Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other southern Chinese megacities had prepared for the cyclone, which was rated as a super typhoon. The typhoon fiercely hit the special administrative region, Saola but made a landfall south of Hong Kong after it was downgraded to a severe typhoon. China's National Meteorological Centre stated that the typhoon made landfall at around 3:30 am Saturday (2030 GMT Friday) towards the south of Zhuhai city in Guangdong province, which lies in the south of casino hub Macau. ALSO READ | Typhoon Saola: Flights cancelled, schools closed in Hong Kong Ahead of the landfall of the typhoon, more than 880,000 people were evacuated from two Chinese provinces hundreds of flights were cancelled and trees were uprooted from the streets of Hong Kong amid heavy downpours. The National Weather Office of China predicted Saola "may become the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the Pearl River Delta since 1949", referring to a low-lying region that includes Macau, Hong Kong, and much of Guangdong province. With the possibility of a direct hit, the warning level was raised to the highest level “T10” by the authorities in Hong Kong on Friday, which has been issued 16 times since World War II before Saola. Typhoon weakens By 3:40 a.m. local time, after the warning level remained at T10 for seven hours, the level was downgraded to T8 by Hong Kong. However, as dangerous gusts blew at a speed of 139 kilometres (86 miles) per hour, the residents were appealed to remain vigilant. "As gales and violent squalls are still occurring in places, precautions should not yet be relaxed," warned the Hong Kong Observatory in a bulletin. WATCH | Hong Kong: Super typhoon Saola approaches, Hong Kong slammed by biggest Typhoon since 2018 The observatory stated that "the maximum water level may reach a historical record", warning that "there will be serious flooding". Throughout the mainland border in Guangdong province, more than 780,000 people were evacuated by the authorities from high-risk areas, while eastern Fujian province saw around 100,000 being moved to safer ground. The officials also suspended trains in and out of Guangdong till 6:00 pm Saturday, while the emergency response for preventing its second-highest level was raised by the national flood defence agency. "It's going to affect our life," stated Wu Wenlai, 43, whose restaurant was closed in a Shenzhen suburb. "My eldest son was planning to fly to Chengdu today for university and his flight has been cancelled now,” Wenlai said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Typhoon Saola slams shores of southern China after lashing Hong Kong

Where life in Hong Kong has come to a standstill as a Super Typhoon Soala nears. Hong Kong has issued a highest level of alert for the Super Typhoon cancelling flights shutting most businesses and schools.

Hong Kong: Super typhoon Saola approaches, Hong Kong slammed by biggest Typhoon since 2018

Life in Hong Kong has come to a standstill, as the super Typhoon Saola is ready to brush the city. This as the authorities raised the strong wind signal to number 8, cancelling several flights shutting most businesses, schools, and even the stock exchange.

Hong Kong shuts down as super Typhoon Saola approaches

The Hong Kong singer-turned-democracy activist has been sentenced to prison for more than two years.

Hong Kong: Pro-democracy activist, Yuen jailed

Hong Kong national security police have adopted what analysts have described as "scare tactics" targeting several overseas activists over the last few weeks, issuing arrest warrants and bounties worth more than $127,000 against them, as well as summoning dozens of their family members in Hong Kong for questioning.

Hong Kong police question relatives of activists living overseas

<p>The Hong Kong Language Learning Association was set up in 2013 to support the preservation of Cantonese and safeguard the "linguistic rights" of Hong Kongers.</p>

<p>Spoken by the vast majority of Hong Kongers, Cantonese is distinct from the Mandarin spoken on the mainland.</p>

<p>Association founder Andrew Chan said in a statement he had decided to "cease all operations of the Hong Kong Language Learning Association, effective immediately, in order to ensure the safety of my family and former members".</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-idalia-lashes-western-cuba-as-it-intensifies-into-major-hurricane-630067">Storm Idalia lashes western Cuba as it intensifies into major hurricane</a></p>

<p>According to Chan, Hong Kong's national security police searched his family home on August 22 while he was out of town, and demanded the removal of an online article "alleging a violation of the National Security Law".</p>

<p>The law, imposed in 2020 by Beijing after massive and at times violent democracy protests, has effectively quelled all dissent in Hong Kong -- silencing the opposition camp and civil rights groups.</p>

<p>The article in question on the association's website was a fictional short story depicting a future, culturally assimilated Hong Kong, written by a third party and entered into a 2020 writing competition held by the group.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-turned-x-faced-another-outage-down-for-thousands-of-users-630065">Twitter turned 'X' faces another outage, platform down for thousands of users</a></p>

<p>"I have not been told (the) reason it was violating the law," Chan told AFP, adding that officers had searched the flat without a warrant.</p>

<p>Chan said he needed to shutter the group because taking down the story was not enough to avert legal risk.</p>

<p>In a statement, police told AFP that their operations were "handled in light of the actual situation and in accordance with the law," without saying why the article was deemed a violation.</p>

<p>After the former British colony was handed over to China in 1997, government attempts to broaden the use of Mandarin in classrooms have met backlash, with critics decrying it as an erasure of local culture.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gravitas: 'Don't Speak Japanese Loudly'; Tokyo Cautions Citizens Amid Harassment In China </strong></p>

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<p>Chan made headlines in 2018 when he protested the introduction of compulsory Mandarin tests at the Hong Kong Baptist University, where he was a student.</p>

<p>"(Authorities want) people to learn more Mandarin in order to facilitate the integration of Hong Kong and China," he said Monday, adding that Cantonese has been given an "unfair status".</p>

<p>In recent years, Chan's group ran low on funds and was operated solely by him, he said.</p>

<p>Currently out of Hong Kong on an extended trip, Chan told AFP he would not return "until when I feel safe".</p>

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The Hong Kong Language Learning Association was set up in 2013 to support the preservation of Cantonese and safeguard the "linguistic rights" of Hong Kongers. Spoken by the vast majority of Hong Kongers, Cantonese is distinct from the Mandarin spoken on the mainland.

The Hong Kong Language Learning Association was set up in 2013 to support the preservation of Cantonese and safeguard the "linguistic rights" of Hong Kongers. Spoken by the vast majority of Hong Kongers, Cantonese is distinct from the Mandarin spoken on the mainland. Association founder Andrew Chan said in a statement he had decided to "cease all operations of the Hong Kong Language Learning Association, effective immediately, in order to ensure the safety of my family and former members". Also Read | Storm Idalia lashes western Cuba as it intensifies into major hurricane According to Chan, Hong Kong's national security police searched his family home on August 22 while he was out of town, and demanded the removal of an online article "alleging a violation of the National Security Law". The law, imposed in 2020 by Beijing after massive and at times violent democracy protests, has effectively quelled all dissent in Hong Kong -- silencing the opposition camp and civil rights groups. The article in question on the association's website was a fictional short story depicting a future, culturally assimilated Hong Kong, written by a third party and entered into a 2020 writing competition held by the group. Also Read | Twitter turned 'X' faces another outage, platform down for thousands of users "I have not been told (the) reason it was violating the law," Chan told AFP, adding that officers had searched the flat without a warrant. Chan said he needed to shutter the group because taking down the story was not enough to avert legal risk. In a statement, police told AFP that their operations were "handled in light of the actual situation and in accordance with the law," without saying why the article was deemed a violation. After the former British colony was handed over to China in 1997, government attempts to broaden the use of Mandarin in classrooms have met backlash, with critics decrying it as an erasure of local culture. Watch | Gravitas: 'Don't Speak Japanese Loudly'; Tokyo Cautions Citizens Amid Harassment In China × Chan made headlines in 2018 when he protested the introduction of compulsory Mandarin tests at the Hong Kong Baptist University, where he was a student. "(Authorities want) people to learn more Mandarin in order to facilitate the integration of Hong Kong and China," he said Monday, adding that Cantonese has been given an "unfair status". In recent years, Chan's group ran low on funds and was operated solely by him, he said. Currently out of Hong Kong on an extended trip, Chan told AFP he would not return "until when I feel safe". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Hong Kong Cantonese language group closes after alleged breach of security law

<p>Over&nbsp;230 people in Hong Kong recently fell prey to online scams within a span of a single week, informed the police, according to a<em> South China Morning Post</em> report. The victims were scammed after being tricked into buying discounted&nbsp;hotel and travel packages as well as theme park tickets for the summer holidays.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said the modus-operandi followed by the scammers included posing as sellers and offering obviously fake services to unsuspecting victims. In order to win the trust of victims, the scammers upon selling the travel or hotel packages, also offered&nbsp;cheap items such as theme park tickets, concert passes, handbags as well as electronic products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Scammers, posing as sellers, attract buyers with limited offers, sales, overseas purchasing services.&nbsp;They ask buyers to transfer money into designated accounts and refuse to trade face-to-face. Upon receiving the money, the ‘sellers’ will vanish into thin air," the police was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Eighty-two of the 237 reports were related to the purchase of travel or hotel packages,” the police added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/barrister-party-founded-in-2006-dissolves-in-hong-kong-597297"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Barrister party founded in 2006, dissolves in Hong Kong</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Online fraud cases on rise</strong></h2>

<p>Local reports state&nbsp;that the combined&nbsp;losses of all the victims totalled HK$210,000 (US$26,800). In the biggest case in terms of amount, an online shopper was cheated out of more than HK$50,000 ($6,377)&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the first six months of the year, police handled 4,872 reports of online shopping fraud which was an increase of 23 per cent from 3,954 cases, reported in the same January-June period in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-curb-some-japan-food-imports-over-fukushima-city-leader-627809">Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong to curb some Japan food imports over Fukushima: City leade</a>r</strong></p>

<p>In an attempt to curb the number of cyber fraud cases, the police have introduced a search engine named Scameter. The app, accessible via&nbsp;the CyberDefender website, provides information that helps the public identify suspicious web addresses, emails, phone numbers and IP addresses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Over 230 people in Hong Kong recently fell prey to online scams within a span of a single week, informed the police, according to a South China Morning Post report.

Over 230 people in Hong Kong recently fell prey to online scams within a span of a single week, informed the police, according to a South China Morning Post report. The victims were scammed after being tricked into buying discounted hotel and travel packages as well as theme park tickets for the summer holidays. The police said the modus-operandi followed by the scammers included posing as sellers and offering obviously fake services to unsuspecting victims. In order to win the trust of victims, the scammers upon selling the travel or hotel packages, also offered cheap items such as theme park tickets, concert passes, handbags as well as electronic products. “Scammers, posing as sellers, attract buyers with limited offers, sales, overseas purchasing services. They ask buyers to transfer money into designated accounts and refuse to trade face-to-face. Upon receiving the money, the ‘sellers’ will vanish into thin air," the police was quoted as saying by the publication. “Eighty-two of the 237 reports were related to the purchase of travel or hotel packages,” the police added. Watch | Barrister party founded in 2006, dissolves in Hong Kong × Online fraud cases on rise Local reports state that the combined losses of all the victims totalled HK$210,000 (US$26,800). In the biggest case in terms of amount, an online shopper was cheated out of more than HK$50,000 ($6,377) In the first six months of the year, police handled 4,872 reports of online shopping fraud which was an increase of 23 per cent from 3,954 cases, reported in the same January-June period in 2022. Also read | Hong Kong to curb some Japan food imports over Fukushima: City leader In an attempt to curb the number of cyber fraud cases, the police have introduced a search engine named Scameter. The app, accessible via the CyberDefender website, provides information that helps the public identify suspicious web addresses, emails, phone numbers and IP addresses. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 230 Hongkongers duped by scammers in one week to the tune of $27,000

<p>Hong Kong leader John Lee said Tuesday that he had instructed his government to "immediately activate" import curbs on some Japanese food after Tokyo announced it would release water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.</p>

<p>"The Japanese government has decided on its own to discharge nuclear wastewater into the sea," Hong Kong leader John Lee said in a Facebook post.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-defence-intercepts-and-downs-two-attack-drones-near-moscow-627704">Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow</a></p>

<p>"I express my strong objections," he added, calling the move "irresponsible" as it disregarded food safety and environmental risks.</p>

<p>He went on to say he had "instructed the Secretary for the Environment and Ecology and relevant departments to immediately activate the import control measures to protect food safety and public health in Hong Kong".</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-thermonuclear-war-over-camp-david-summit-and-us-south-korea-drills-627702">North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills</a></p>

<p>Japan, for its part, insists the gradual release into the sea of the more than 500 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water that has accumulated at the stricken nuclear plant is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic agency.</p>

<p>Hong Kong is the second-largest receiver of Japanese food imports, after mainland China, according to Japan's ministry of agriculture.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes</strong></p>

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<p>Last month, the city announced that it planned to "prohibit the import of aquatic products originating from 10 prefectures" in Japan if the country went ahead with its wastewater discharge.</p>

<p>The announcement followed a similar one by China's General Administration of Customs, which had threatened a blanket ban on all foodstuffs from the areas.</p>

<p>The 10 prefectures named were Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama.</p>

<p>Japan's diplomatic representatives in Hong Kong have opposed the import curbs and have met with Lee and senior government officials in recent weeks.</p>

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Hong Kong leader John Lee said Tuesday that he had instructed his government to "immediately activate" import curbs on some Japanese food after Tokyo announced it would release water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.

Hong Kong leader John Lee said Tuesday that he had instructed his government to "immediately activate" import curbs on some Japanese food after Tokyo announced it would release water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. "The Japanese government has decided on its own to discharge nuclear wastewater into the sea," Hong Kong leader John Lee said in a Facebook post. Also Read | Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow "I express my strong objections," he added, calling the move "irresponsible" as it disregarded food safety and environmental risks. He went on to say he had "instructed the Secretary for the Environment and Ecology and relevant departments to immediately activate the import control measures to protect food safety and public health in Hong Kong". Also Read | North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills Japan, for its part, insists the gradual release into the sea of the more than 500 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water that has accumulated at the stricken nuclear plant is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic agency. Hong Kong is the second-largest receiver of Japanese food imports, after mainland China, according to Japan's ministry of agriculture. Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes × Last month, the city announced that it planned to "prohibit the import of aquatic products originating from 10 prefectures" in Japan if the country went ahead with its wastewater discharge. The announcement followed a similar one by China's General Administration of Customs, which had threatened a blanket ban on all foodstuffs from the areas. The 10 prefectures named were Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama. Japan's diplomatic representatives in Hong Kong have opposed the import curbs and have met with Lee and senior government officials in recent weeks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Hong Kong to curb some Japan food imports over Fukushima: City leader

<p>A report by China’s state-backed National Business Daily, on Tuesday (August 15), said that the country’s fertility rate has plunged to a record low of an estimated 1.09, last year. This comes as officials in Beijing were already stressed about marriages in China dropping to a historic low in 2022, amid its declining birth rate and population.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the report say?</strong></h2>

<p>The state media report cited data from China’s Population and Development Research Center which shows that Beijing has the lowest fertility level among countries with a population of more than 100 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes amid Chinese officials’ attempts to boost the country’s declining number of new births after it witnessed the first population drop in six decades while its current population continues to rapidly age.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-second-most-costly-country-to-raise-a-child-report-587805">China second-costliest country to raise a child: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>China’s fertility rate was already among the lowest alongside South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. However, Beijing has introduced urgent measures as well as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-comes-up-with-20-recommendations-to-encourage-families-to-have-more-children-572313">incentives</a> to lift the birth rate, this also includes financial incentives and improved childcare facilities.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as per Reuters, high childcare costs and having to press pause or a complete stop on their careers have put many women off having more children or any at all. However, Chinese authorities have also begun the rhetoric of sharing the duty of child-rearing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Back in June, China reported a historic low in marriages with just 6.83 million couples completing their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-marriages-drop-to-historic-low-as-nation-deals-with-declining-birth-rate-603304">marriage registrations</a> in 2022. The drop followed Covid restrictions keeping tens of millions locked in their homes or compounds for weeks last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-stops-releasing-youth-unemployment-data-amid-disappointing-economic-figures-625733">China stops releasing youth unemployment data amid disappointing economic figures</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Hong Kong facing similar issues</strong></h2>

<p>In a separate report released by Hong Kong’s Family Planning Association, on Tuesday (August 15), the number of childless women in the city has more than doubled from five years ago to 43.2 per cent last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the survey conducted in the special Chinese administrative region also showed that the percentage of women with one child and two children both fell by approximately 10 percentage points, to 27.4 per cent and 25.2 per cent respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-chinas-conundrum-falling-marriage-birth-rates-taking-its-economy-for-a-spin-604563">Data Lab | Chinese neither marrying nor having kids and it's Xi Jinping's new headache. Here's how</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the average number of children per woman dropped from 1.3 in 2017 to a record low of 0.9 last year&nbsp;in Hong Kong despite a desire among women to have more children, the report noted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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A report by China’s state-backed National Business Daily, on Tuesday (August 15), said that the country’s fertility rate has plunged to a record low of an estimated 1.

A report by China’s state-backed National Business Daily, on Tuesday (August 15), said that the country’s fertility rate has plunged to a record low of an estimated 1.09, last year. This comes as officials in Beijing were already stressed about marriages in China dropping to a historic low in 2022, amid its declining birth rate and population. What did the report say? The state media report cited data from China’s Population and Development Research Center which shows that Beijing has the lowest fertility level among countries with a population of more than 100 million. This also comes amid Chinese officials’ attempts to boost the country’s declining number of new births after it witnessed the first population drop in six decades while its current population continues to rapidly age. ALSO READ | China second-costliest country to raise a child: Report China’s fertility rate was already among the lowest alongside South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. However, Beijing has introduced urgent measures as well as incentives to lift the birth rate, this also includes financial incentives and improved childcare facilities. Meanwhile, as per Reuters, high childcare costs and having to press pause or a complete stop on their careers have put many women off having more children or any at all. However, Chinese authorities have also begun the rhetoric of sharing the duty of child-rearing. Back in June, China reported a historic low in marriages with just 6.83 million couples completing their marriage registrations in 2022. The drop followed Covid restrictions keeping tens of millions locked in their homes or compounds for weeks last year. ALSO READ | China stops releasing youth unemployment data amid disappointing economic figures Hong Kong facing similar issues In a separate report released by Hong Kong’s Family Planning Association, on Tuesday (August 15), the number of childless women in the city has more than doubled from five years ago to 43.2 per cent last year. Additionally, the survey conducted in the special Chinese administrative region also showed that the percentage of women with one child and two children both fell by approximately 10 percentage points, to 27.4 per cent and 25.2 per cent respectively. ALSO READ | Data Lab | Chinese neither marrying nor having kids and it's Xi Jinping's new headache. Here's how Meanwhile, the average number of children per woman dropped from 1.3 in 2017 to a record low of 0.9 last year in Hong Kong despite a desire among women to have more children, the report noted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's fertility rate drops to ‘record’ low of 1.09 in 2022: Report

<p>Hong Kong’s High Court, on Friday (July 28), rejected the government’s bid to ban the protest song, “Glory to Hong Kong”,&nbsp;saying it could undermine freedom of expression and cause potential “chilling effects” on freedom of speech. The song in question was widely sung and played as an anthem by demonstrators during the 2019 pro-democracy protests.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hong Kong government’s injunction request</strong></h2>

<p>Officials in Hong Kong lodged the injunction bid last month and sought a ban on “Glory to Hong Kong” after the protest song was accidentally played at several international sporting events, instead of China’s national anthem “March of the Volunteers”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protest song which was widely sung and played during the city’s months-long pro-democracy and anti-China protests in 2019, was later deemed unlawful under the Beijing-imposed national security law to crack down on dissent in the former British territory.<br />
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Hong Kong’s government had sought a ban on the broadcast or distribution of the protest song and alleged the song’s “melody or lyrics or in combination” could incite “others to commit secession”.</p>

<h2><strong>Hong Kong High Court’s decision</strong></h2>

<p>In a written judgement, High Court Judge Anthony Chan wrote, “The court recognised the engagement of the right to freedom of expression in the consideration of this application,” while noting the “chilling effects” that might be generated if the injunction was granted, according to Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I cannot be satisfied that it is just and convenient to grant the injunction. This application is accordingly dismissed,” said Chan.</p>

<p>He also explained that “Whilst I entirely accept that no chilling effect is intended behind the injunction, it is the duty of the Court to keep in mind that there is a whole spectrum of Hong Kong people” with varying degrees of knowledge about the injunction.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hong Kong govt’s multiple bids to ban the protest song</strong></h2>

<p>After the injunction was filed last month, the song containing lyrics that reference the phrase “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” a protest slogan, was also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protest-anthem-glory-to-hong-kong-disappears-from-major-streaming-platforms-heres-why-604851">briefly taken down</a> by some distributors from online music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple’s iTunes, and Taiwan’s KKBOX.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, DGX Music, the music group behind the song, later uploaded a new version of the album on the streaming platforms. The Hong Kong government also tried to pressure Google to display China’s national anthem as the top result in searches for Hong Kong’s anthem instead of the protest song but failed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tech giant said that its algorithm decided the top results based on various criteria including popularity and relevance. Google also said it would only remove the song from the platform if the Hong Kong government could present a court order proving it violated local laws.</p>

<h2><strong>Rights groups hail decision</strong></h2>

<p>“Today the Hong Kong High Court took a welcome stand and defended free speech. The Hong Kong government should respect the decision and refrain from making further attempts to censor the protest song,” said Human Rights Watch’s China director Sophie Richardson, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Hong Kong’s High Court, on Friday (July 28), rejected the government’s bid to ban the protest song, “Glory to Hong Kong”, saying it could undermine freedom of expression and cause potential “chilling effects” on freedom of speech.

Hong Kong’s High Court, on Friday (July 28), rejected the government’s bid to ban the protest song, “Glory to Hong Kong”, saying it could undermine freedom of expression and cause potential “chilling effects” on freedom of speech. The song in question was widely sung and played as an anthem by demonstrators during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Hong Kong government’s injunction request Officials in Hong Kong lodged the injunction bid last month and sought a ban on “Glory to Hong Kong” after the protest song was accidentally played at several international sporting events, instead of China’s national anthem “March of the Volunteers”. The protest song which was widely sung and played during the city’s months-long pro-democracy and anti-China protests in 2019, was later deemed unlawful under the Beijing-imposed national security law to crack down on dissent in the former British territory. Hong Kong’s government had sought a ban on the broadcast or distribution of the protest song and alleged the song’s “melody or lyrics or in combination” could incite “others to commit secession”. Hong Kong High Court’s decision In a written judgement, High Court Judge Anthony Chan wrote, “The court recognised the engagement of the right to freedom of expression in the consideration of this application,” while noting the “chilling effects” that might be generated if the injunction was granted, according to Reuters. “I cannot be satisfied that it is just and convenient to grant the injunction. This application is accordingly dismissed,” said Chan. He also explained that “Whilst I entirely accept that no chilling effect is intended behind the injunction, it is the duty of the Court to keep in mind that there is a whole spectrum of Hong Kong people” with varying degrees of knowledge about the injunction. Hong Kong govt’s multiple bids to ban the protest song After the injunction was filed last month, the song containing lyrics that reference the phrase “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” a protest slogan, was also briefly taken down by some distributors from online music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple’s iTunes, and Taiwan’s KKBOX. However, DGX Music, the music group behind the song, later uploaded a new version of the album on the streaming platforms. The Hong Kong government also tried to pressure Google to display China’s national anthem as the top result in searches for Hong Kong’s anthem instead of the protest song but failed. The tech giant said that its algorithm decided the top results based on various criteria including popularity and relevance. Google also said it would only remove the song from the platform if the Hong Kong government could present a court order proving it violated local laws. Rights groups hail decision “Today the Hong Kong High Court took a welcome stand and defended free speech. The Hong Kong government should respect the decision and refrain from making further attempts to censor the protest song,” said Human Rights Watch’s China director Sophie Richardson, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong high court dismisses government’s attempt to ban protest song

<p>A photographer Cheng Wing-Chun has been jailed for using a protest song, "Glory to Hong Kong", in a music video posted on YouTube, replacing the national anthem "March of the Volunteers," reported South China Morning Post. This was the first trial under&nbsp;Hong Kong's national anthem law. The photographer has been sentenced to three months in jail by a magistrate at Eastern Court.</p>

<p>The video used by the photographer depicted local athlete Edgar Cheung Ka-long celebrating his victory at the Tokyo Olympics, as the protest song plays in the background during the medal presentation, as per the court ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Legal implications</strong></h2>

<p>"Glory to Hong Kong" was used during the 2019 anti-government protests, urging people to fight for freedom and "Liberate Hong Kong" in a "revolution of our times."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fed-fines-deutsche-bank-186-million-for-inefficient-action-to-restrain-money-laundering-617784">Fed fines Deutsche Bank $186 million for inefficient action to restrain money laundering</a></p>

<p>The expression "Liberate Hong Kong" was deemed capable of carrying a secessionist meaning during the city's first national security trial. The offense of insulting the national anthem carries a punishment of up to three years in prison and a fine of HK$50,000 (US$6,385).</p>

<h2><strong>Government's efforts to ban the song online</strong></h2>

<p>The government is seeking a civil injunction to ban the protest song and persuade Google to remove related content that they believe contains "wrong information." Authorities are concerned about the spread of content promoting the song and its potential impact on national security.</p>

<h2><strong>Hong Kong's national security law</strong></h2>

<p>In another effort to clamp down on activists, Hong Kong's national security police detained four individuals, including the elder brother of prominent activist Dennis Kwok.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-powered-sex-robots-may-eliminate-need-for-human-partners-claims-former-google-executive-617766">Robots for sex? Expert warns AI can 'eliminate' the need for human partners</a></p>

<p>The detentions are part of the authorities' pursuit of eight fugitives with bounties on their heads for allegedly breaching national security. The bounties have garnered criticism from the United States, Britain, and Australia, where the activists are currently living.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel: Protesters demand complete withdrawal of judicial bill</strong></p>

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<p>This is not an isolated incident wherein the national security police have detained activists. In a similar instance, last week, three family members of another wanted activist Nathan Law were interrogated. Law is a longtime labour rights unionist. He is currently living in Britain however despite the efforts by the Hong Kong authorities to crackdown on activists, he continues to advocate for those targeted under the security law in Hong Kong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police have been actively detaining activists under the national security law, with 260 arrests made, and 79 people convicted or awaiting sentencing in Hong Kong, reported SCMP.&nbsp;</p>

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A photographer Cheng Wing-Chun has been jailed for using a protest song, "Glory to Hong Kong", in a music video posted on YouTube, replacing the national anthem "March of the Volunteers," reported South China Morning Post.

A photographer Cheng Wing-Chun has been jailed for using a protest song, "Glory to Hong Kong", in a music video posted on YouTube, replacing the national anthem "March of the Volunteers," reported South China Morning Post. This was the first trial under Hong Kong's national anthem law. The photographer has been sentenced to three months in jail by a magistrate at Eastern Court. The video used by the photographer depicted local athlete Edgar Cheung Ka-long celebrating his victory at the Tokyo Olympics, as the protest song plays in the background during the medal presentation, as per the court ruling. Legal implications "Glory to Hong Kong" was used during the 2019 anti-government protests, urging people to fight for freedom and "Liberate Hong Kong" in a "revolution of our times." Also Read | Fed fines Deutsche Bank $186 million for inefficient action to restrain money laundering The expression "Liberate Hong Kong" was deemed capable of carrying a secessionist meaning during the city's first national security trial. The offense of insulting the national anthem carries a punishment of up to three years in prison and a fine of HK$50,000 (US$6,385). Government's efforts to ban the song online The government is seeking a civil injunction to ban the protest song and persuade Google to remove related content that they believe contains "wrong information." Authorities are concerned about the spread of content promoting the song and its potential impact on national security. Hong Kong's national security law In another effort to clamp down on activists, Hong Kong's national security police detained four individuals, including the elder brother of prominent activist Dennis Kwok. Also Read | Robots for sex? Expert warns AI can 'eliminate' the need for human partners The detentions are part of the authorities' pursuit of eight fugitives with bounties on their heads for allegedly breaching national security. The bounties have garnered criticism from the United States, Britain, and Australia, where the activists are currently living. Watch | Israel: Protesters demand complete withdrawal of judicial bill × This is not an isolated incident wherein the national security police have detained activists. In a similar instance, last week, three family members of another wanted activist Nathan Law were interrogated. Law is a longtime labour rights unionist. He is currently living in Britain however despite the efforts by the Hong Kong authorities to crackdown on activists, he continues to advocate for those targeted under the security law in Hong Kong. The police have been actively detaining activists under the national security law, with 260 arrests made, and 79 people convicted or awaiting sentencing in Hong Kong, reported SCMP. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Photographer jailed for using protest song 'Glory to Hong Kong' in breach of national anthem law

<p>As per the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 billion people smoke tobacco around the world. The habit is widely frowned upon and in many places around the globe smoking in public is banned. This is also true for Hong Kong, where the nation's health chief has now urged HongKongers to "stare" at people, who light up in public.</p>

<p>Speaking at a Legislative Council on Friday, Lo Chung-mau said, "When the members of the public see people smoking in non-smoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately, we can stare at the smokers."</p>

<h2><strong>A culture where law is the norm</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Lo said that the city must foster a culture where the "people are willing to comply with the law."</p>

<p>He also said that law enforcement will be improved.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mysterious-object-found-on-australian-beach-moved-to-a-secret-location-617458">Mysterious object on Australian beach moved to 'secret location'; India says not from Chandrayaan</a></strong></p>

<p>In Hong Kong, smoking in&nbsp;prohibited places like restaurants, workplaces or bus stops or other outdoor places, can attract a fine of HK$1,500 (USD 192).</p>

<p>However, tighter rules are under consideration. These could include tax hikes and ban on tobacco sale to people born after a certain year.</p>

<h2><strong>Stricter laws</strong></h2>

<p>As per the South China Morning Post, Lo said that cigarettes harm everyone, not just the one smoking them.</p>

<p>"When someone takes out a cigarette at a restaurant, everyone on the premises can stare at that person. I do not believe that person would dare to hit back at everyone in the restaurant, as they are simply staring."</p>

<p>"No one will say it requires the law to compel people to queue. Our society is able to create a culture where people will comply with this rule of queuing when waiting for buses. I hope the whole of society can build a non-smoking culture," added Lo Chung-mau.</p>

<h2><strong>Hong Kong and smoking</strong></h2>

<p>In Hong Kong, various efforts to curb smoking has led to a sharp decline in smoking.</p>

<p>As per a 2022, government health and community press release, only about 9.5 per cent of people in Hong Kong smoked in 2021.</p>

<p>In the 1980s, this figure stood at almost three times, with nearly 25 per cent of the public prone to smoking.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/loyal-dog-in-puducherry-town-mirrors-hachikos-devotion-after-owners-suspected-suicide-watch-617211">Loyal dog in Puducherry town mirrors Hachiko's devotion after owner's suspected suicide</a></strong></p>

<p>Since 2007, smoking as per Insider is banned in all public indoor spaces. Gradually, it was also banned in public transport terminals.</p>

<p>The Hong Kong government as per the release have set a target of reducing the numbers of smokers to only 7.8 per cent by 2025. To achieve this, during the meeting on Friday, several policies including designating specific smoking areas, strengthening public education about the dangers of smoking etc.</p>

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As per the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 billion people smoke tobacco around the world. The habit is widely frowned upon and in many places around the globe smoking in public is banned.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 billion people smoke tobacco around the world. The habit is widely frowned upon and in many places around the globe smoking in public is banned. This is also true for Hong Kong, where the nation's health chief has now urged HongKongers to "stare" at people, who light up in public. Speaking at a Legislative Council on Friday, Lo Chung-mau said, "When the members of the public see people smoking in non-smoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately, we can stare at the smokers." A culture where law is the norm Dr Lo said that the city must foster a culture where the "people are willing to comply with the law." He also said that law enforcement will be improved. Also read | Mysterious object on Australian beach moved to 'secret location'; India says not from Chandrayaan In Hong Kong, smoking in prohibited places like restaurants, workplaces or bus stops or other outdoor places, can attract a fine of HK$1,500 (USD 192). However, tighter rules are under consideration. These could include tax hikes and ban on tobacco sale to people born after a certain year. Stricter laws As per the South China Morning Post, Lo said that cigarettes harm everyone, not just the one smoking them. "When someone takes out a cigarette at a restaurant, everyone on the premises can stare at that person. I do not believe that person would dare to hit back at everyone in the restaurant, as they are simply staring." "No one will say it requires the law to compel people to queue. Our society is able to create a culture where people will comply with this rule of queuing when waiting for buses. I hope the whole of society can build a non-smoking culture," added Lo Chung-mau. Hong Kong and smoking In Hong Kong, various efforts to curb smoking has led to a sharp decline in smoking. As per a 2022, government health and community press release, only about 9.5 per cent of people in Hong Kong smoked in 2021. In the 1980s, this figure stood at almost three times, with nearly 25 per cent of the public prone to smoking. Also read | Loyal dog in Puducherry town mirrors Hachiko's devotion after owner's suspected suicide Since 2007, smoking as per Insider is banned in all public indoor spaces. Gradually, it was also banned in public transport terminals. The Hong Kong government as per the release have set a target of reducing the numbers of smokers to only 7.8 per cent by 2025. To achieve this, during the meeting on Friday, several policies including designating specific smoking areas, strengthening public education about the dangers of smoking etc. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'If looks could kill': Hong Kong asks citizens to 'stare' at people smoking in public

<p>Hong Kong police on Tuesday (July 12) briefly took away three family members of the wanted exiled democracy activist Nathan Law for questioning. The Hong Kong national security police detained Law's parents and brother for questioning, local media reported. The move came a week after a bounty and arrest warrant was issued against Law, along with seven others.</p>

<p>The activists, all abroad, are accused of breaching the city's controversial national security law.</p>

<p>The police's national security department confirmed that two men and a woman were taken in for investigation, although their names were not disclosed, media reports said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Accusations</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>According to the police statement, the detained individuals are suspected of assisting wanted persons in committing acts that endanger national security.</p>

<p>Authorities had offered a reward of HK$1 million ($128,000) for information leading to the arrest of the eight democracy activists.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trial-opens-over-new-zealands-2019-white-island-volcanic-eruption-incident-that-killed-22-614451">Trial opens over New Zealand's 2019 White Island volcanic eruption incident that killed 22</a></p>

<p>A police source cited by media outlets revealed&nbsp;that Law's parents and elder brother were brought in for questioning without formal arrest, and Law's residence was searched.</p>

<p>The purpose of their detention was to determine whether they provided financial support to Law and whether they acted as his agents in Hong Kong, police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>City leader John Lee reiterated his call for the public to avoid the wanted activists and treat them as "rats in the street."</p>

<p>Law, who obtained asylum in Britain in 2021, did not respond to requests for comment from the media.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-outgoing-prime-minister-prayut-chan-o-cha-announces-retirement-from-politics-614430">Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announces retirement from politics</a></p>

<p>In the past, Law has accused Hong Kong of using national security as a means to suppress dissenting voices. It is worth noting that Law had previously severed ties with his family and claimed to have no contact with them after leaving Hong Kong in 2020.</p>

<h2>International criticism</h2>

<p>The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where the wanted activists currently reside, have criticised the issuance of bounties by Hong Kong authorities.</p>

<p>The controversial national security law in Hong Kong refers to the legislation imposed by the Chinese government in June 2020. The law is officially titled the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region."</p>

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<p>The law was introduced in response to the pro-democracy protests that occurred in Hong Kong in 2019, and it aims to address what the Chinese government perceives as threats to national security in the territory.</p>

<p>The law criminalises acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. It grants broader powers to the police and mainland Chinese authorities, including the establishment of a national security office in Hong Kong to oversee enforcement.</p>

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Hong Kong police on Tuesday (July 12) briefly took away three family members of the wanted exiled democracy activist Nathan Law for questioning. The Hong Kong national security police detained Law's parents and brother for questioning, local media reported.

Hong Kong police on Tuesday (July 12) briefly took away three family members of the wanted exiled democracy activist Nathan Law for questioning. The Hong Kong national security police detained Law's parents and brother for questioning, local media reported. The move came a week after a bounty and arrest warrant was issued against Law, along with seven others. The activists, all abroad, are accused of breaching the city's controversial national security law. The police's national security department confirmed that two men and a woman were taken in for investigation, although their names were not disclosed, media reports said. Accusations According to the police statement, the detained individuals are suspected of assisting wanted persons in committing acts that endanger national security. Authorities had offered a reward of HK$1 million ($128,000) for information leading to the arrest of the eight democracy activists. Also Read | Trial opens over New Zealand's 2019 White Island volcanic eruption incident that killed 22 A police source cited by media outlets revealed that Law's parents and elder brother were brought in for questioning without formal arrest, and Law's residence was searched. The purpose of their detention was to determine whether they provided financial support to Law and whether they acted as his agents in Hong Kong, police said. City leader John Lee reiterated his call for the public to avoid the wanted activists and treat them as "rats in the street." Law, who obtained asylum in Britain in 2021, did not respond to requests for comment from the media. Also Read | Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announces retirement from politics In the past, Law has accused Hong Kong of using national security as a means to suppress dissenting voices. It is worth noting that Law had previously severed ties with his family and claimed to have no contact with them after leaving Hong Kong in 2020. International criticism The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where the wanted activists currently reside, have criticised the issuance of bounties by Hong Kong authorities. The controversial national security law in Hong Kong refers to the legislation imposed by the Chinese government in June 2020. The law is officially titled the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region." Watch | Why US military deals are not enough to wean India off Russian arms yet × The law was introduced in response to the pro-democracy protests that occurred in Hong Kong in 2019, and it aims to address what the Chinese government perceives as threats to national security in the territory. The law criminalises acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. It grants broader powers to the police and mainland Chinese authorities, including the establishment of a national security office in Hong Kong to oversee enforcement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Hong Kong takes away family of wanted exiled activist Nathan Law for questioning

Criticism and protests continue over the IAEA's green signal to Japan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Now in the latest Hong Kong has decided to ban Seafood imports from 10 Japanese prefectures if Tokyo goes ahead with its plan. The move is going to have huge ramifications.

Fukushima water discharge row: Hong Kong to ban sea food imports from Japan

<p>Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Hong Kong leader say?</strong></h2>

<p>Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that the city’s current ban on shipments from one Japanese prefecture would “definitely” be expanded if Japan moves forward with its plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan has been facing backlash and opposition, both domestically and internationally from some countries, despite repeated reassurances, for its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-fukushima-controversy-japan-gets-approval-for-radioactive-water-release-611796">plan</a> to release treated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant, with China being its fiercest critic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, released last week after a two-year review, showed that the water release would have a negligible impact on the environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-south-koreans-protest-iaea-chiefs-visit-over-fukushima-water-release-613508/#no-meaningful-impact-on-south-korean-waters-govt-613510">South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release</a></strong></p>

<p>The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-nuclear-plant-water-release-is-safe-says-iaea-chief-612362">Rafael Grossi</a> also assured that there are no issues with the process and that one “can drink [the water] and swim in it, too.” The process will take 30 to 40 years to complete.</p>

<p>But Hong Kong and China are among the countries that are not convinced. “If the exercise really starts, we’ll be banning a large number of prefectures’ sea products,” said the Hong Kong leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The city’s secretary for the environment and ecology has been asked to form a multi-department team to design an action plan for the same. The government will take “decisive action” against the issue, said Lee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “The catering industry will be affected, but I am sure that they will understand that we’re forced to make a decision because of this unprecedented exercise.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The restrictions could also impact Japan’s economy and fishing communities as Tokyo exported $536 million worth of fishery products to its second-biggest importer, Hong Kong, according to Japanese government statistics.</p>

<h2><strong>China reiterates opposition to Japan’s plan</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, in a press briefing, said the IAEA report is not a “free pass” for Japan to release the “problematic water,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-backs-un-nuclear-watchdogs-approval-of-fukushima-water-release-614003">New Zealand backs UN nuclear watchdog's approval of Fukushima water release</a></strong></p>

<p>In a seeming response to Grossi’s remarks about the water being safe enough to drink and swim in, Wang said that if that’s the case, we suggest that Japan uses the “contaminated water for [drinking and swimming], instead of discharging it into the sea and making the international community anxious,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wang also reiterated that the IAEA report had “failed to fully reflect views from experts” who participated in the review.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China, the biggest market for Japan’s fisheries exports, recently announced a ban on the import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures citing safety concerns and said it would step up testing for radioactive substances.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. What did Hong Kong leader say? Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that the city’s current ban on shipments from one Japanese prefecture would “definitely” be expanded if Japan moves forward with its plan. Japan has been facing backlash and opposition, both domestically and internationally from some countries, despite repeated reassurances, for its plan to release treated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant, with China being its fiercest critic. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, released last week after a two-year review, showed that the water release would have a negligible impact on the environment. ALSO READ | South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi also assured that there are no issues with the process and that one “can drink [the water] and swim in it, too.” The process will take 30 to 40 years to complete. But Hong Kong and China are among the countries that are not convinced. “If the exercise really starts, we’ll be banning a large number of prefectures’ sea products,” said the Hong Kong leader. The city’s secretary for the environment and ecology has been asked to form a multi-department team to design an action plan for the same. The government will take “decisive action” against the issue, said Lee. He added, “The catering industry will be affected, but I am sure that they will understand that we’re forced to make a decision because of this unprecedented exercise.” The restrictions could also impact Japan’s economy and fishing communities as Tokyo exported $536 million worth of fishery products to its second-biggest importer, Hong Kong, according to Japanese government statistics. China reiterates opposition to Japan’s plan On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, in a press briefing, said the IAEA report is not a “free pass” for Japan to release the “problematic water,” reported Reuters. ALSO READ | New Zealand backs UN nuclear watchdog's approval of Fukushima water release In a seeming response to Grossi’s remarks about the water being safe enough to drink and swim in, Wang said that if that’s the case, we suggest that Japan uses the “contaminated water for [drinking and swimming], instead of discharging it into the sea and making the international community anxious,” as quoted by Reuters. Wang also reiterated that the IAEA report had “failed to fully reflect views from experts” who participated in the review. China, the biggest market for Japan’s fisheries exports, recently announced a ban on the import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures citing safety concerns and said it would step up testing for radioactive substances. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong to expand ban on Japanese sea products over Fukushima nuke plant water release

<p>The Hong Kong police had arrested five people, as of Thursday (July 6), for allegedly supporting overseas activists who supposedly endangered national security, amid the government’s expanding crackdown on pro-democracy dissidents. The most recent arrest took place on Thursday, a day after four others were also detained on suspected links to pro-democracy activists based abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Four men arrested by Hong Kong police</strong></h2>

<p>The Hong Kong police on Wednesday arrested four men for supposedly supporting overseas pro-democracy dissidents. The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police, in a statement, said that the four men are suspected of “receiving funds from operating companies, social platforms and mobile applications to support people who have fled overseas and continue to engage in activities that endanger national security.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police also said that they searched the detainees’ homes and offices and seized some related documents and electronic communication devices. They added, the four men were being detained for further enquiries and did not rule out additional arrests related to the case. However, the police did not give the names of the detainees.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-four-men-for-allegedly-aiding-overseas-activists-612850">Hong Kong police arrest four men for allegedly aiding overseas activists</a></strong></p>

<p>It was not immediately clear if the arrests were linked to the eight arrest warrants issued earlier this week&nbsp;for prominent foreign-based dissidents. However, local media reports, citing unnamed sources, connected the arrested men to an online platform known as “Punish Mee,” reported Reuters.</p>

<p>The online platform is reportedly used to provide financial aid to the eight wanted overseas activists. The arrests on Wednesday also took place for “suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and act&nbsp;with seditious intent,” said the police, adding that they were under suspicion of violating the National Security Law.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/editors-journalists-from-around-the-world-demand-jimmy-lais-release-593042">Editors, journalists from around the world urge Hong Kong to release Jimmy Lai</a></strong></p>

<p>The police also said that the four men were also suspected of “repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media, including content which provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities (China) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and advocated ‘Hong Kong independence'.”</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the fifth person arrested?</strong></h2>

<p>The fifth arrest took place&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;when the police arrested a 24-year-old man at the city’s airport. “Investigation revealed that the arrested person was suspected of having a connection with the group of persons arrested yesterday,” said the police, in a statement, about the arrest on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-strongly-disapproves-of-us-report-on-crackdown-on-freedom-578026">Hong Kong ‘strongly disapproves’ of US report critical of crackdown on rights, freedoms</a></strong></p>

<p>The Hong Kong police only revealed the age of recent detainees while it did not identify the five suspects. According to local media reports, South China Morning Post and pro-Beijing newspaper Wen Wei Po, the 24-year-old recently arrested man was identified as Chu Yan-ho, a former member of the now-defunct pro-democracy party Demosisto.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports also suggest that the four others were also former Demosisto members. Notably, a Reuters witness saw former chairperson of Demosisto, Ivan Lam, among the four people arrested, on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Arrest warrants against eight overseas-based activists</strong></h2>

<p>The arrests came days after the Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for eight overseas-based activists, including British-based activist Nathan Law who co-founded Demosisto, in line with the national security law and offered rewards of HK$1 million ($127,600) for information.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-activists-now-based-overseas-to-be-pursued-for-life-hong-kong-leader-612314">Eight activists now based overseas to be 'pursued for life': Hong Kong leader</a></strong><br />
<br />
The issuance of the arrest warrants have since garnered criticism from the governments in the West. However, Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, on Tuesday, said that eight Hong Kong activists who are said to be in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada would be “pursued for life”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The Hong Kong police had arrested five people, as of Thursday (July 6), for allegedly supporting overseas activists who supposedly endangered national security, amid the government’s expanding crackdown on pro-democracy dissidents.

The Hong Kong police had arrested five people, as of Thursday (July 6), for allegedly supporting overseas activists who supposedly endangered national security, amid the government’s expanding crackdown on pro-democracy dissidents. The most recent arrest took place on Thursday, a day after four others were also detained on suspected links to pro-democracy activists based abroad. Four men arrested by Hong Kong police The Hong Kong police on Wednesday arrested four men for supposedly supporting overseas pro-democracy dissidents. The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police, in a statement, said that the four men are suspected of “receiving funds from operating companies, social platforms and mobile applications to support people who have fled overseas and continue to engage in activities that endanger national security.” The police also said that they searched the detainees’ homes and offices and seized some related documents and electronic communication devices. They added, the four men were being detained for further enquiries and did not rule out additional arrests related to the case. However, the police did not give the names of the detainees. ALSO READ | Hong Kong police arrest four men for allegedly aiding overseas activists It was not immediately clear if the arrests were linked to the eight arrest warrants issued earlier this week for prominent foreign-based dissidents. However, local media reports, citing unnamed sources, connected the arrested men to an online platform known as “Punish Mee,” reported Reuters. The online platform is reportedly used to provide financial aid to the eight wanted overseas activists. The arrests on Wednesday also took place for “suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and act with seditious intent,” said the police, adding that they were under suspicion of violating the National Security Law. ALSO READ | Editors, journalists from around the world urge Hong Kong to release Jimmy Lai The police also said that the four men were also suspected of “repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media, including content which provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities (China) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and advocated ‘Hong Kong independence'.” What do we know about the fifth person arrested? The fifth arrest took place on Thursday when the police arrested a 24-year-old man at the city’s airport. “Investigation revealed that the arrested person was suspected of having a connection with the group of persons arrested yesterday,” said the police, in a statement, about the arrest on Thursday. ALSO READ | Hong Kong ‘strongly disapproves’ of US report critical of crackdown on rights, freedoms The Hong Kong police only revealed the age of recent detainees while it did not identify the five suspects. According to local media reports, South China Morning Post and pro-Beijing newspaper Wen Wei Po, the 24-year-old recently arrested man was identified as Chu Yan-ho, a former member of the now-defunct pro-democracy party Demosisto. Reports also suggest that the four others were also former Demosisto members. Notably, a Reuters witness saw former chairperson of Demosisto, Ivan Lam, among the four people arrested, on Wednesday. Arrest warrants against eight overseas-based activists The arrests came days after the Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for eight overseas-based activists, including British-based activist Nathan Law who co-founded Demosisto, in line with the national security law and offered rewards of HK$1 million ($127,600) for information. ALSO READ | Eight activists now based overseas to be 'pursued for life': Hong Kong leader The issuance of the arrest warrants have since garnered criticism from the governments in the West. However, Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, on Tuesday, said that eight Hong Kong activists who are said to be in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada would be “pursued for life”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong police arrest five people for allegedly supporting pro-democracy activists overseas

<p>Hong Kong national security police on Wednesday arrested four men it accused of supporting overseas dissidents and of advocating for independence from China, two days after issuing warrants and bounties against several foreign-based activists.</p>

<p>The four men “were suspected of receiving funds from operating companies, social platforms and mobile applications to support people who have fled overseas and continue to engage in activities that endanger national security”, the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police said in a statement.</p>

<p><iframe aria-label="Advertisement" data-google-container-id="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-30="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-6="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7414717_23="true" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/21801000562/Theprint_1x1_site2_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/21801000562/Theprint_1x1_site2_0" role="region" scrolling="no" tabindex="0" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The statement did not specifically link the arrests to eight warrants issued earlier this week for prominent foreign-based dissidents. Local media, citing unnamed sources, connected the arrested men to an online platform known as “Punish Mee” that was allegedly used to provide financial aid to the eight wanted overseas activists.</p>

<p>The police statement cited “suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and acts with seditious intent” and said the men were suspected of breaking the National Security Law, imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing in 2020 following an outbreak of democracy demonstrations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-activists-now-based-overseas-to-be-pursued-for-life-hong-kong-leader-612314">Eight activists now based overseas to be 'pursued for life': Hong Kong leader</a></p>

<p>“They were also suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media platforms, including content which provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities(China) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and advocated “Hong Kong independence”, the police statement said.</p>

<p>The statement did not give the names of the detainees.</p>

<p>A Reuters witness saw Ivan Lam, the former chairman of the now disbanded pro-democracy group Demosisto, taken into a police van from an industrial building in Hong Kong’s Kwai Chung District on Wednesday. Reuters could not establish if he was among the four arrested men mentioned in the police statement.</p>

<p>The police statement cited “suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and acts with seditious intent” and said the men were suspected of breaking the National Security Law, imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing in 2020 following an outbreak of democracy demonstrations.</p>

<p>“They were also suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media platforms, including content which provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities(China) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and advocated “Hong Kong independence”, the police statement said.</p>

<p>The statement did not give the names of the detainees.</p>

<p>A Reuters witness saw Ivan Lam, the former chairman of the now disbanded pro-democracy group Demosisto, taken into a police van from an industrial building in Hong Kong’s Kwai Chung District on Wednesday. Reuters could not establish if he was among the four arrested men mentioned in the police statement.</p>

<p>Police said they searched the detainees’ homes and offices with a court warrant and seized some related documents and electronic communication devices.</p>

<p>Police added the men were being detained for further enquiries and did not rule out further arrests.</p>

<p>Authorities have offered bounties of HK$1 million ($127,829.83) each for information leading to the arrest of the eight overseas activists.</p>

<p>Demosisto was led by now-jailed democracy activist Joshua Wong along with one of the eight wanted overseas activists, Nathan Law. It was disbanded in 2020, hours after China’s parliament passed the national security legislation.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China accuses UK of sheltering ‘fugitives’ after bounty put on Hong Kong democracy activists</strong></p>

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<p>The overseas activists are based in several countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia.</p>

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday it was “unacceptable” that Hong Kong has put bounties on two Australian residents.</p>

<p>Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that the eight would be “pursued for life”.</p>

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Hong Kong national security police on Wednesday arrested four men it accused of supporting overseas dissidents and of advocating for independence from China, two days after issuing warrants and bounties against several foreign-based activists.

Hong Kong national security police on Wednesday arrested four men it accused of supporting overseas dissidents and of advocating for independence from China, two days after issuing warrants and bounties against several foreign-based activists. The four men “were suspected of receiving funds from operating companies, social platforms and mobile applications to support people who have fled overseas and continue to engage in activities that endanger national security”, the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police said in a statement. The statement did not specifically link the arrests to eight warrants issued earlier this week for prominent foreign-based dissidents. Local media, citing unnamed sources, connected the arrested men to an online platform known as “Punish Mee” that was allegedly used to provide financial aid to the eight wanted overseas activists. The police statement cited “suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and acts with seditious intent” and said the men were suspected of breaking the National Security Law, imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing in 2020 following an outbreak of democracy demonstrations. Also read | Eight activists now based overseas to be 'pursued for life': Hong Kong leader “They were also suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media platforms, including content which provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities(China) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and advocated “Hong Kong independence”, the police statement said. The statement did not give the names of the detainees. A Reuters witness saw Ivan Lam, the former chairman of the now disbanded pro-democracy group Demosisto, taken into a police van from an industrial building in Hong Kong’s Kwai Chung District on Wednesday. Reuters could not establish if he was among the four arrested men mentioned in the police statement. The police statement cited “suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and acts with seditious intent” and said the men were suspected of breaking the National Security Law, imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing in 2020 following an outbreak of democracy demonstrations. “They were also suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media platforms, including content which provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities(China) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and advocated “Hong Kong independence”, the police statement said. The statement did not give the names of the detainees. A Reuters witness saw Ivan Lam, the former chairman of the now disbanded pro-democracy group Demosisto, taken into a police van from an industrial building in Hong Kong’s Kwai Chung District on Wednesday. Reuters could not establish if he was among the four arrested men mentioned in the police statement. Police said they searched the detainees’ homes and offices with a court warrant and seized some related documents and electronic communication devices. Police added the men were being detained for further enquiries and did not rule out further arrests. Authorities have offered bounties of HK$1 million ($127,829.83) each for information leading to the arrest of the eight overseas activists. Demosisto was led by now-jailed democracy activist Joshua Wong along with one of the eight wanted overseas activists, Nathan Law. It was disbanded in 2020, hours after China’s parliament passed the national security legislation. Also watch | China accuses UK of sheltering ‘fugitives’ after bounty put on Hong Kong democracy activists The overseas activists are based in several countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday it was “unacceptable” that Hong Kong has put bounties on two Australian residents. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that the eight would be “pursued for life”. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hong Kong police arrest four men for allegedly aiding overseas activists

<p>Hong Kong-born American singer Coco Lee died at 48 on Wednesday following a suicide attempt that left her in a coma, Lee’s two sisters, Carol and Nancy Lee, said in a statement posted on Instagram and Facebook.</p>

<p>Lee died in Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, where she had been living.</p>

<p>"Although, Coco sought professional help and did her best to fight depression, sadly that demon inside of her took the better of her," the statement said.</p>

<p>"On 2 July, she committed suicide at home and was sent to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of the hospital team to rescue and treat her from her coma, she finally passed away on 5 July, 2023," the statement said.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philadelphia-gunman-identified-as-gun-loving-blm-supporter-kimbrady-carriker-reports-612409">Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports</a></p>

<p>Lee's career spanned around 30 years. Among her most notable performances were voicing of the female warrior Mulan in the Mandarin-language version of Disney’s <em>Mulan</em> and performing the Oscar-nominated song "A Love Before Time" from the film <em>Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon</em>.</p>

<p>She was born in Hong Kong in 1975 and was the youngest of three children of a Hong Kong Cantonese mother and Malaysian father.</p>

<p>Lee's father passed away before she was born, and by the age of 9 her mother had moved Lee and her sisters to the United States, to San Francisco.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-two-injured-after-explosions-rock-ukrainian-court-612402">One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court</a></p>

<p>After graduating high school in 1992, she was offered a recording contract in Hong Kong with Capital Artists, eventually leading her to depart from her studies at the University of California, Irvine, to focus on her music career.</p>

<p>In 1996, Lee signed with Sony Music Entertainment and her debut album, <em>Coco Lee</em>, became the best-selling album of that year in Asia.</p>

<p>It wasn't long before Lee gained fandoms in both Asia and the United States, which began her path to new collaborations and English-language songs.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts</strong></p>

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<p>She recorded 18 studio albums and appeared in three films, most notably Lee Xin’s <em>Master of Everything</em>&nbsp;and <em>No Tobacco</em> by Stanley Kwan.</p>

<p>In 2011, Lee married Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian businessman who is the former CEO of the Hong Kong supply chain company Li &amp; Fung. He survives her, as do her sisters and two stepdaughters.</p>

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Hong Kong-born American singer Coco Lee died at 48 on Wednesday following a suicide attempt that left her in a coma, Lee’s two sisters, Carol and Nancy Lee, said in a statement posted on Instagram and Facebook.

Hong Kong-born American singer Coco Lee died at 48 on Wednesday following a suicide attempt that left her in a coma, Lee’s two sisters, Carol and Nancy Lee, said in a statement posted on Instagram and Facebook. Lee died in Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, where she had been living. "Although, Coco sought professional help and did her best to fight depression, sadly that demon inside of her took the better of her," the statement said. "On 2 July, she committed suicide at home and was sent to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of the hospital team to rescue and treat her from her coma, she finally passed away on 5 July, 2023," the statement said. Also Read | Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports Lee's career spanned around 30 years. Among her most notable performances were voicing of the female warrior Mulan in the Mandarin-language version of Disney’s Mulan and performing the Oscar-nominated song "A Love Before Time" from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. She was born in Hong Kong in 1975 and was the youngest of three children of a Hong Kong Cantonese mother and Malaysian father. Lee's father passed away before she was born, and by the age of 9 her mother had moved Lee and her sisters to the United States, to San Francisco. Also Read | One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court After graduating high school in 1992, she was offered a recording contract in Hong Kong with Capital Artists, eventually leading her to depart from her studies at the University of California, Irvine, to focus on her music career. In 1996, Lee signed with Sony Music Entertainment and her debut album, Coco Lee, became the best-selling album of that year in Asia. It wasn't long before Lee gained fandoms in both Asia and the United States, which began her path to new collaborations and English-language songs. Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts × She recorded 18 studio albums and appeared in three films, most notably Lee Xin’s Master of Everything and No Tobacco by Stanley Kwan. In 2011, Lee married Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian businessman who is the former CEO of the Hong Kong supply chain company Li & Fung. He survives her, as do her sisters and two stepdaughters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Coco Lee, Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter, dies at 48 after suicide attempt

<p>Hong Kong chief executive John Lee said on Tuesday (July 4) that eight Hong Kong activists who have gone overseas would be "pursued for life". There are arrest warrants against these activists for alleged national security offences. Hong Kong Police issued&nbsp;arrest warrants against these activists on Monday. The national security offences against them include foreign collusion and incitement to secession. The police have offered rewards for any information that'll lead to their arrest.</p>

<p>The accused are activists Nathan Law, Anna Kwok, Finn Lau, former lawmakers Dennis Kwok and Ted Hui, lawyers and legal scholar Kevin Yam, unionist Christopher Mung, and online commentator Elmer Yuen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The only way to end their destiny of being an abscondee who will be pursued for life is to surrender," Lee told reporters.</p>

<p>Hong Kong police have announced rewards of HK$1 million (USD 127,656) for any information that will lead to the arrest of any of them. The activists are based in several countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China accuses UK of sheltering ‘fugitives’ after bounty put on Hong Kong democracy activists</strong></p>

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<p>The activists are wanted under national security law. Beijing imposed the law on Hong Kong in 2020. Critics allege that China has used this law as a tool to stifle pro-democracy sentiment in Hong Kong.</p>

<p>Reuters cited an Interpol spokesperson as saying&nbsp;that the global police agency had not received requests for a Red Notice or Wanted Persons Diffusion for the eight individuals mentioned.</p>

<p>Member countries of the Interpol can ask the agencies to issue a Red Notice for the arrest of a person subject to a valid national arrest warrant. However, further requests are reviewed to check whether they comply with Interpol rules and human rights. It is also assessed whether the individual concerned is a refugee or political activist.</p>

<h2><strong>US, UK not happy with Hong Kong move</strong></h2>

<p>A spokesperson for the US Department of State said that the move from Hong Kong sets "a dangerous precedent that threatens the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people all over the world."</p>

<p>The UK expressed its displeasure as well.</p>

<p>British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said his government "will not tolerate any attempts by China to intimidate and silence individuals in the UK and overseas".</p>

<h2><strong>'Vanguard' of 'anti-China' forces</strong></h2>

<p>Mao Ning, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the eight pro-democracy activists had been at the "vanguard of external anti-China forces' intervention in Hong Kong affairs". Mao justified the moves as being necessary to safeguard national security.</p>

<p>She also expressed "resolute opposition to individual countries' blatant denigration of Hong Kong's national security laws and interference in the legal system (of Hong Kong)."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-radio-closes-in-face-of-dangerous-pressure-610383">Hong Kong pro-democracy radio closes in face of 'dangerous' pressure</a></strong></p>

<p>Reuters quoted Anna Kwok, one of the activists now based in Washington DC.&nbsp;Kwok said that she will continue to highlight&nbsp;China's crackdown on freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong.</p>

<p>"I believe the values we're fighting for are right. And that's why I'm never going to stop, and I'm never going to back down, even though there's a bounty on my head," she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hong Kong chief executive John Lee said on Tuesday (July 4) that eight Hong Kong activists who have gone overseas would be "pursued for life". There are arrest warrants against these activists for alleged national security offences.

Hong Kong chief executive John Lee said on Tuesday (July 4) that eight Hong Kong activists who have gone overseas would be "pursued for life". There are arrest warrants against these activists for alleged national security offences. Hong Kong Police issued arrest warrants against these activists on Monday. The national security offences against them include foreign collusion and incitement to secession. The police have offered rewards for any information that'll lead to their arrest. The accused are activists Nathan Law, Anna Kwok, Finn Lau, former lawmakers Dennis Kwok and Ted Hui, lawyers and legal scholar Kevin Yam, unionist Christopher Mung, and online commentator Elmer Yuen. "The only way to end their destiny of being an abscondee who will be pursued for life is to surrender," Lee told reporters. Hong Kong police have announced rewards of HK$1 million (USD 127,656) for any information that will lead to the arrest of any of them. The activists are based in several countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia. Watch | China accuses UK of sheltering ‘fugitives’ after bounty put on Hong Kong democracy activists × The activists are wanted under national security law. Beijing imposed the law on Hong Kong in 2020. Critics allege that China has used this law as a tool to stifle pro-democracy sentiment in Hong Kong. Reuters cited an Interpol spokesperson as saying that the global police agency had not received requests for a Red Notice or Wanted Persons Diffusion for the eight individuals mentioned. Member countries of the Interpol can ask the agencies to issue a Red Notice for the arrest of a person subject to a valid national arrest warrant. However, further requests are reviewed to check whether they comply with Interpol rules and human rights. It is also assessed whether the individual concerned is a refugee or political activist. US, UK not happy with Hong Kong move A spokesperson for the US Department of State said that the move from Hong Kong sets "a dangerous precedent that threatens the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people all over the world." The UK expressed its displeasure as well. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said his government "will not tolerate any attempts by China to intimidate and silence individuals in the UK and overseas". 'Vanguard' of 'anti-China' forces Mao Ning, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the eight pro-democracy activists had been at the "vanguard of external anti-China forces' intervention in Hong Kong affairs". Mao justified the moves as being necessary to safeguard national security. She also expressed "resolute opposition to individual countries' blatant denigration of Hong Kong's national security laws and interference in the legal system (of Hong Kong)." Also Read | Hong Kong pro-democracy radio closes in face of 'dangerous' pressure Reuters quoted Anna Kwok, one of the activists now based in Washington DC. Kwok said that she will continue to highlight China's crackdown on freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong. "I believe the values we're fighting for are right. And that's why I'm never going to stop, and I'm never going to back down, even though there's a bounty on my head," she said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Eight activists now based overseas to be 'pursued for life': Hong Kong leader

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<p>The US State Department has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to "reconsider travel" to China, if they do not want to get stuck in the Communist nation “due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions," read the advisory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Expanding upon the discretionary advisory, the department said it had determined the risk of wrongful detention of US nationals by the PRC government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“US citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to US consular services or information about their alleged crime...[and] subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law,” the State Department said.</p>

<p>“Security personnel could detain US citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.”</p>

<p>Apart from the mainland, American citizens were also advised to reconsider travel to Hong Kong and Macau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Exercise increased caution when travelling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution when travelling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-china-restricts-exports-of-raw-materials-critical-to-chip-production-611607" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Relations remain frosty between the US, China</strong></h2>

<p>The release of the advisory comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing and met President Xi Jinping last month. After the visit, Washington seemingly toed Beijing's line and said it didn't support Taiwan's independence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the release of the advisory comes after it was announced on Sunday that US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was travelling to the mainland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The relations between the two countries have remained frosty for a long period. On Monday, the chip war between the two countries took a new turn after China imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tit-for-tat-after-china-restricts-metals-export-us-mulls-ban-on-access-to-cloud-computing-611647"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing</strong></a></p>

<p>Starting August 1, exports of gallium, and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington returned the favour with news reports claiming that the Biden administration was planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Micron fails China's security check</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;Under the proposed new rules, US cloud providers such as Amazon and Microsoft will have to seek government permission before they can provide cloud-computing services that use advanced artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The US State Department has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to "reconsider travel" to China, if they do not want to get stuck in the Communist nation “due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws".

The US State Department has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to "reconsider travel" to China, if they do not want to get stuck in the Communist nation “due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws". "Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions," read the advisory. Expanding upon the discretionary advisory, the department said it had determined the risk of wrongful detention of US nationals by the PRC government. “US citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to US consular services or information about their alleged crime...[and] subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law,” the State Department said. “Security personnel could detain US citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.” Apart from the mainland, American citizens were also advised to reconsider travel to Hong Kong and Macau. "Exercise increased caution when travelling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution when travelling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws." Also read | The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production Relations remain frosty between the US, China The release of the advisory comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing and met President Xi Jinping last month. After the visit, Washington seemingly toed Beijing's line and said it didn't support Taiwan's independence. Moreover, the release of the advisory comes after it was announced on Sunday that US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was travelling to the mainland. The relations between the two countries have remained frosty for a long period. On Monday, the chip war between the two countries took a new turn after China imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors. Also read | Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing Starting August 1, exports of gallium, and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”. Washington returned the favour with news reports claiming that the Biden administration was planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services. WATCH | Micron fails China's security check Under the proposed new rules, US cloud providers such as Amazon and Microsoft will have to seek government permission before they can provide cloud-computing services that use advanced artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US issues advisory requesting citizens to 'reconsider' China travel. Know why

<p>Hong Kong police announced whopping bounties of HK$1 million each for the capture of eight prominent pro-democracy activists who are in self-imposed exile overseas, as per media reports. All of these activists fled Hong Kong following the implementation of a far-reaching national security law by Beijing in 2020.</p>

<p>According to Steven Li, chief superintendent of the Hong Kong national security department, the targeted activists have been accused of committing grave offenses that endanger national security,&nbsp; AFP news agency reported. The group includes former pro-democracy lawmakers Nathan Law Kwun-chung, Ted Hui Chi-fung, and Dennis Kwok Wing-hang, as well as veteran unionist Mung Siu-tat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dog-suffocates-in-scorching-car-as-careless-pet-owners-enjoy-tour-of-taj-mahal-611528">Dog suffocates in scorching car as careless pet owners enjoy tour of Taj Mahal</a></p>

<p>The remaining four activists are Elmer Yuen Gong-yi, Finn Lau Cho-dik, Anna Kwok Fung-yee, and Kevin Yam Kin-fung.&nbsp;All eight are accused of colluding with foreign forces to undermine national security law. Notably, the law was introduced in response to the pro-democracy protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2019, and it aims to strengthen Beijing's control over the territory. Breaching the law carries a potential life sentence.</p>

<h2><strong>Intimidation allegations by HK police&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Hong Kong police allege that the activists advocated for sanctions to harm Hong Kong's interests, and even targeted specific judges and prosecutors, intimidating Hong Kong officials. While the police cannot arrest them if they remain abroad, Li said, "But we will not stop (chasing them)."&nbsp;A reward of HK$1 million or $127,644 is being offered for each activist. It will be awarded to individuals who provide information "leading to the arrest or satisfactory prosecution".</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-witnesses-its-hottest-june-since-records-began-nearly-140-years-ago-met-office-611507">UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office</a></p>

<p>The national security law has significantly transformed Hong Kong's social fabric, reportedly eroding the legal boundaries that once existed between the autonomous region and mainland China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It grants authorities the ability to hold individuals across the world accountable. Security cases are now handled by designated officers, prosecutors, and judges in Hong Kong, while Beijing can assume control of certain cases for trial within its opaque, Communist Party-controlled justice system.</p>

<h2><strong><span style="font-size: 22.5px;">Violation of '</span>One country, two systems' agreement</strong></h2>

<p>Britain has vowed to protect the exiled pro-democracy activists targeted by Hong Kong police.&nbsp;Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that the UK will not tolerate China's attempts to intimidate and silence individuals both in the UK and overseas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China</strong></p>

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<p>The UK government strongly objected to the national security law and its extraterritorial reach, saying it violates the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration. “The UK will always defend the universal right to freedom of expression and stand up for those who are targeted," Cleverly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1997, the United Kingdom transferred control of the former British colony, Hong Kong, to China. As part of the agreement, China pledged to preserve the framework of "one country, two systems." “We call on Beijing to remove the national security law and for the Hong Kong authorities to end their targeting of those who stand up for freedom and democracy," the UK foreign secretary added.&nbsp;</p>

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Hong Kong police announced whopping bounties of HK$1 million each for the capture of eight prominent pro-democracy activists who are in self-imposed exile overseas, as per media reports.

Hong Kong police announced whopping bounties of HK$1 million each for the capture of eight prominent pro-democracy activists who are in self-imposed exile overseas, as per media reports. All of these activists fled Hong Kong following the implementation of a far-reaching national security law by Beijing in 2020. According to Steven Li, chief superintendent of the Hong Kong national security department, the targeted activists have been accused of committing grave offenses that endanger national security, AFP news agency reported. The group includes former pro-democracy lawmakers Nathan Law Kwun-chung, Ted Hui Chi-fung, and Dennis Kwok Wing-hang, as well as veteran unionist Mung Siu-tat. Also Read | Dog suffocates in scorching car as careless pet owners enjoy tour of Taj Mahal The remaining four activists are Elmer Yuen Gong-yi, Finn Lau Cho-dik, Anna Kwok Fung-yee, and Kevin Yam Kin-fung. All eight are accused of colluding with foreign forces to undermine national security law. Notably, the law was introduced in response to the pro-democracy protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2019, and it aims to strengthen Beijing's control over the territory. Breaching the law carries a potential life sentence. Intimidation allegations by HK police Hong Kong police allege that the activists advocated for sanctions to harm Hong Kong's interests, and even targeted specific judges and prosecutors, intimidating Hong Kong officials. While the police cannot arrest them if they remain abroad, Li said, "But we will not stop (chasing them)." A reward of HK$1 million or $127,644 is being offered for each activist. It will be awarded to individuals who provide information "leading to the arrest or satisfactory prosecution". Also Read | UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office The national security law has significantly transformed Hong Kong's social fabric, reportedly eroding the legal boundaries that once existed between the autonomous region and mainland China. It grants authorities the ability to hold individuals across the world accountable. Security cases are now handled by designated officers, prosecutors, and judges in Hong Kong, while Beijing can assume control of certain cases for trial within its opaque, Communist Party-controlled justice system. Violation of 'One country, two systems' agreement Britain has vowed to protect the exiled pro-democracy activists targeted by Hong Kong police. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that the UK will not tolerate China's attempts to intimidate and silence individuals both in the UK and overseas. Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China × The UK government strongly objected to the national security law and its extraterritorial reach, saying it violates the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration. “The UK will always defend the universal right to freedom of expression and stand up for those who are targeted," Cleverly said. In 1997, the United Kingdom transferred control of the former British colony, Hong Kong, to China. As part of the agreement, China pledged to preserve the framework of "one country, two systems." “We call on Beijing to remove the national security law and for the Hong Kong authorities to end their targeting of those who stand up for freedom and democracy," the UK foreign secretary added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Hong Kong police offer HK$1mn bounties for hunting exiled democracy activists, UK hits back

A pro-democracy unlicensed radio station has said goodbye to its listeners. This comes after the July First protests, which marked Hong Kong's handover from British colonial rule to Chinese rule, almost entirely disappeared. In addition, banking issues and a lack of resources forced the radio station to close. The closure of Citizens Radio reflects the collapse of the city's pro-democracy movement under the National Security Law following massive protests in 2007.

Pro-democracy radio shuts shop in Hong Kong

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<p>A Japanese journalist was denied entry into Hong Kong earlier this week and sent back to Tokyo, without any reason. Freelance journalist Yoshiaki Ogawa arrived in the city by plane on Thursday evening but was soon taken to a separate room by the officials after he showed his passport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, Ogawa was made to wait for a while before the officers came and interviewed him at length for nearly an hour. They made him sign a document acknowledging that he could not enter the city before being deported back to Japan. Upon asking officials why he was being sent back, they only told him that he could not be granted permission to stay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>54-year-old Ogawa is a freelance journalist renowned for his coverage of Hong Kong. After Thursday's event, he said Hong Kong had definitely changed, due to the increased Chinese influence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’ve worked to convey things about Hong Kong to Japan, but it was not like I was going to do any (suspicious) activities in the city,” Ogawa said shortly after arriving at Narita Airport near Tokyo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“(This incident) has truly made me feel how Hong Kong has changed....this would have been unthinkable before," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ogawa said he wasn't planning to write anything when he landed in Hong Kong. However, the 'misstep' by the authorities led to more conversation on social media and media organisations, highlighting the situation in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pro-democracy-radio-shuts-shop-in-hong-kong-610745"><strong>WATCH|&nbsp;Pro-democracy radio shuts shop in Hong Kong</strong></a></p>

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<p>“He wasn’t even part of a big news organisation, he was just a freelance journalist. I personally think this is a sign that the situation in Hong Kong is becoming more severe,” Sam Yip, spokesperson for the Japan-Hong Kong Democracy Alliance was quoted as saying in The Japan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China's authoritarian stamp</strong></h2>

<p>Ever since Beijing-imposed national security law was implemented across the city in 2020, Asia's financial capital has become yet another authoritarian playground where press freedom and democratic rights are non-existent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, earlier this week, prominent Chinese financial journalist Wu Xiaobo, with over 4,7 million followers on Weibo was banned from social media platforms for his critical views of the Xi Jinping government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/prominent-chinese-financial-journalist-banned-from-social-media-for-speaking-about-economic-woes-unemployment-609275" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Prominent Chinese financial journalist banned from social media for THIS reason</strong></a></p>

<p>According to media reports, all media content posted on Wu's Weibo page since April 2022 appears to have been scrubbed out. The platform's content moderators said they had blocked three verified users for "spreading smears against the development of the securities market" and "hyping up the unemployment rate".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A Japanese journalist was denied entry into Hong Kong earlier this week and sent back to Tokyo, without any reason. Freelance journalist Yoshiaki Ogawa arrived in the city by plane on Thursday evening but was soon taken to a separate room by the officials after he showed his passport.

A Japanese journalist was denied entry into Hong Kong earlier this week and sent back to Tokyo, without any reason. Freelance journalist Yoshiaki Ogawa arrived in the city by plane on Thursday evening but was soon taken to a separate room by the officials after he showed his passport. Afterwards, Ogawa was made to wait for a while before the officers came and interviewed him at length for nearly an hour. They made him sign a document acknowledging that he could not enter the city before being deported back to Japan. Upon asking officials why he was being sent back, they only told him that he could not be granted permission to stay. 54-year-old Ogawa is a freelance journalist renowned for his coverage of Hong Kong. After Thursday's event, he said Hong Kong had definitely changed, due to the increased Chinese influence. “I’ve worked to convey things about Hong Kong to Japan, but it was not like I was going to do any (suspicious) activities in the city,” Ogawa said shortly after arriving at Narita Airport near Tokyo. “(This incident) has truly made me feel how Hong Kong has changed....this would have been unthinkable before," he added. Ogawa said he wasn't planning to write anything when he landed in Hong Kong. However, the 'misstep' by the authorities led to more conversation on social media and media organisations, highlighting the situation in the city. WATCH| Pro-democracy radio shuts shop in Hong Kong × “He wasn’t even part of a big news organisation, he was just a freelance journalist. I personally think this is a sign that the situation in Hong Kong is becoming more severe,” Sam Yip, spokesperson for the Japan-Hong Kong Democracy Alliance was quoted as saying in The Japan Times. China's authoritarian stamp Ever since Beijing-imposed national security law was implemented across the city in 2020, Asia's financial capital has become yet another authoritarian playground where press freedom and democratic rights are non-existent. Notably, earlier this week, prominent Chinese financial journalist Wu Xiaobo, with over 4,7 million followers on Weibo was banned from social media platforms for his critical views of the Xi Jinping government. Also read | Prominent Chinese financial journalist banned from social media for THIS reason According to media reports, all media content posted on Wu's Weibo page since April 2022 appears to have been scrubbed out. The platform's content moderators said they had blocked three verified users for "spreading smears against the development of the securities market" and "hyping up the unemployment rate". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japanese journalist barred from entering Hong Kong, deported from airport

<p>Hong Kong's pro-democracy online Citizens' Radio station will cease operations on Friday owing to what its founder described as a "dangerous" political situation and the freezing of its bank account.</p>

<p>Launched in 2005 by veteran activist Tsang Kin-shing, the Cantonese-language broadcaster gained a steady following for its hard-hitting talk shows that were critical of authorities, as well as its years-long campaign for press freedom.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-shortage-hong-kongs-apartment-building-for-the-dead-offers-final-resting-place-at-58000-for-two-609053">Amid shortage, Hong Kong's 'apartment building for the dead' offers final resting place at $58,000 for two</a></strong></p>

<p>Its closure represents a further erosion of Hong Kong's media diversity, critics say, with a China-imposed national security law having already led to the shutting of other liberal outlets including the Apple Daily newspaper and Stand News.</p>

<p>"Citizens' Radio had no choice but to suspend broadcasting," Tsang said in a Facebook post, citing increasing pressures in the former British colony as authorities clamped down on dissent and arrested activists following a pro-democracy movement in 2019 that drew millions onto the streets.</p>

<p>"Faced with a cliff-like change in the political situation, the red line is everywhere, the situation is dangerous, and it is difficult to invite guests to the programme," Tsang wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hong Kong rolls out first AI curriculum</strong></p>

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<p>Tsang also said his radio station's bank account had been frozen, without giving specifics.</p>

<p>"The rent can only be paid until August," he said.</p>

<p>Hong Kong authorities have repeatedly said that media freedoms are respected and enshrined in city laws. The government denies cracking down on dissent but has said the protests in 2019 threatened the stability upon which the financial hub's economic success depends.</p>

<p>Media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranked Hong Kong 140th out of 180 in its annual global media freedom index this year, down from 73 before the national security law was enacted in 2020.</p>

<p>"For nearly two decades, Citizens' Radio has been an emblematic contributor to Hong Kong's independent broadcasting landscape and its shutdown would be an irreplaceable loss for media diversity," the press freedom group's East Asia director, Cédric Alviani, said in a statement.</p>

<p>Citizens' Radio submitted an application for a broadcasting licence in 2005, but it was never granted. It was later raided by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) for allegedly using an illegal radio transmitter for FM broadcasting, but the station continued to broadcast online.</p>

<p>In 2019, four masked men wielding bats and hammers barged into the radio station after smashing through its glass door. No arrests were made.</p>

<p>In a response to a query from Reuters, OFCA declined to comment specifically on the closure or the erosion of press freedom but said the radio station was internet-based and "not a sound broadcasting licensee" under telecommunications laws.</p>

<p>A national security case against Apple Daily and its tycoon founder, Jimmy Lai, will begin in September, which could see the veteran China critic jailed for life.</p>

<p>In October, a verdict will be handed down in a sedition trial against two editors at the now-shuttered Stand News.</p>

<p>Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" agreement aimed at preserving its freedoms for 50 years.</p>

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Hong Kong's pro-democracy online Citizens' Radio station will cease operations on Friday owing to what its founder described as a "dangerous" political situation and the freezing of its bank account.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy online Citizens' Radio station will cease operations on Friday owing to what its founder described as a "dangerous" political situation and the freezing of its bank account. Launched in 2005 by veteran activist Tsang Kin-shing, the Cantonese-language broadcaster gained a steady following for its hard-hitting talk shows that were critical of authorities, as well as its years-long campaign for press freedom. Also read | Amid shortage, Hong Kong's 'apartment building for the dead' offers final resting place at $58,000 for two Its closure represents a further erosion of Hong Kong's media diversity, critics say, with a China-imposed national security law having already led to the shutting of other liberal outlets including the Apple Daily newspaper and Stand News. "Citizens' Radio had no choice but to suspend broadcasting," Tsang said in a Facebook post, citing increasing pressures in the former British colony as authorities clamped down on dissent and arrested activists following a pro-democracy movement in 2019 that drew millions onto the streets. "Faced with a cliff-like change in the political situation, the red line is everywhere, the situation is dangerous, and it is difficult to invite guests to the programme," Tsang wrote. Watch | Hong Kong rolls out first AI curriculum × Tsang also said his radio station's bank account had been frozen, without giving specifics. "The rent can only be paid until August," he said. Hong Kong authorities have repeatedly said that media freedoms are respected and enshrined in city laws. The government denies cracking down on dissent but has said the protests in 2019 threatened the stability upon which the financial hub's economic success depends. Media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranked Hong Kong 140th out of 180 in its annual global media freedom index this year, down from 73 before the national security law was enacted in 2020. "For nearly two decades, Citizens' Radio has been an emblematic contributor to Hong Kong's independent broadcasting landscape and its shutdown would be an irreplaceable loss for media diversity," the press freedom group's East Asia director, Cédric Alviani, said in a statement. Citizens' Radio submitted an application for a broadcasting licence in 2005, but it was never granted. It was later raided by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) for allegedly using an illegal radio transmitter for FM broadcasting, but the station continued to broadcast online. In 2019, four masked men wielding bats and hammers barged into the radio station after smashing through its glass door. No arrests were made. In a response to a query from Reuters, OFCA declined to comment specifically on the closure or the erosion of press freedom but said the radio station was internet-based and "not a sound broadcasting licensee" under telecommunications laws. A national security case against Apple Daily and its tycoon founder, Jimmy Lai, will begin in September, which could see the veteran China critic jailed for life. In October, a verdict will be handed down in a sedition trial against two editors at the now-shuttered Stand News. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" agreement aimed at preserving its freedoms for 50 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Hong Kong pro-democracy radio closes in face of 'dangerous' pressure

<p>The dead in China's Hong Kong has a new, lavish place for their final rest. While lavish is rarely an adjective one would use to describe anyone's last resting place, what else could anyone say about a 12-storey tower, with a marble foyer and huge dramatic chandeliers?&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hong Kong struggles with space to keep its dead</strong></h2>

<p>The city boasts some 7.3 million residents, who share some of the most densely populated neighbourhoods on the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per AFP, in the past, the sheer number of people has meant that families wait for years to secure space for their loved one's ashes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation was further exacerbated by the city's ageing population, which pushed the death rates higher. It further created a dire shortage of urn space, with death rates rising above the government's capacity in the mid-2010s.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/liar-liar-pants-on-fire-irony-at-its-best-teacher-of-honesty-accused-of-fraud-608897">Liar liar pants on fire! A Harvard professor who studies honesty has been accused of fraud</a></strong></p>

<p>To remedy the situation, the Chinese government came up with a policy that brought in the private sector to help ease the pressure on China's death care sector. The new hotel-like columbarium is part of the government's decade-long efforts.</p>

<h2><strong>A columbarium with a 'neighbourhood village feel'</strong></h2>

<p>The Shan Sum Columbarium opened last month in Hong Kong. It was designed by German architect Ulrich Kirchhoff, who told AFP that he attempted to blend various natural elements to create a high-density space with a "neighbourhood village feel".</p>

<p>He describes the columbarium as "an apartment building for the dead ... It feels more like a close-knit neighbourhood."</p>

<p>As per Kirchhoff, his design was inspired by traditional Chinese graveyards, that can often be found perched on mountainsides.</p>

<p>It eventually aims to offer a final resting place to 23,000 people. As per AFP, in air-conditioned chambers, ashes are stored in ornate compartments, some as small as 26 by 34 centimetres (10 by 13 inches).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coast-guard-investigation-to-recover-titan-submersible-debris-to-lookout-for-human-remains-608749">US Coast Guard launches investigation to recover Titan submersible debris, to lookout for human remains</a></strong></p>

<p>Kirchhoff says that in contrast to the cramped confines of a public columbarium, each room in his design is designed to provide intimacy.</p>

<p>"How do we maintain quality of life and dignity for the people in this high density?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Is it just a shoebox or is there something else?" he asked.</p>

<h2><strong>How much does it cost?</strong></h2>

<p>Hong Kong is an expensive city. Much like the high-rent apartments, the final resting places too are expensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The basic two-person option in this lavish columbarium costs around $58,000. A top-tier family package can come up to $3 million. In contrast, the median monthly household income in Hong Kong, as per government data, is currently around $3,800, which means this lavish resting place is out of the reach of most people and thousands will remain on the lookout for places to keep their dead.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The dead in China's Hong Kong has a new, lavish place for their final rest. While lavish is rarely an adjective one would use to describe anyone's last resting place, what else could anyone say about a 12-storey tower, with a marble foyer and huge dramatic chandeliers?

The dead in China's Hong Kong has a new, lavish place for their final rest. While lavish is rarely an adjective one would use to describe anyone's last resting place, what else could anyone say about a 12-storey tower, with a marble foyer and huge dramatic chandeliers? Hong Kong struggles with space to keep its dead The city boasts some 7.3 million residents, who share some of the most densely populated neighbourhoods on the planet. As per AFP, in the past, the sheer number of people has meant that families wait for years to secure space for their loved one's ashes. The situation was further exacerbated by the city's ageing population, which pushed the death rates higher. It further created a dire shortage of urn space, with death rates rising above the government's capacity in the mid-2010s. Also read | Liar liar pants on fire! A Harvard professor who studies honesty has been accused of fraud To remedy the situation, the Chinese government came up with a policy that brought in the private sector to help ease the pressure on China's death care sector. The new hotel-like columbarium is part of the government's decade-long efforts. A columbarium with a 'neighbourhood village feel' The Shan Sum Columbarium opened last month in Hong Kong. It was designed by German architect Ulrich Kirchhoff, who told AFP that he attempted to blend various natural elements to create a high-density space with a "neighbourhood village feel". He describes the columbarium as "an apartment building for the dead ... It feels more like a close-knit neighbourhood." As per Kirchhoff, his design was inspired by traditional Chinese graveyards, that can often be found perched on mountainsides. It eventually aims to offer a final resting place to 23,000 people. As per AFP, in air-conditioned chambers, ashes are stored in ornate compartments, some as small as 26 by 34 centimetres (10 by 13 inches). Also read | US Coast Guard launches investigation to recover Titan submersible debris, to lookout for human remains Kirchhoff says that in contrast to the cramped confines of a public columbarium, each room in his design is designed to provide intimacy. "How do we maintain quality of life and dignity for the people in this high density?" "Is it just a shoebox or is there something else?" he asked. How much does it cost? Hong Kong is an expensive city. Much like the high-rent apartments, the final resting places too are expensive. The basic two-person option in this lavish columbarium costs around $58,000. A top-tier family package can come up to $3 million. In contrast, the median monthly household income in Hong Kong, as per government data, is currently around $3,800, which means this lavish resting place is out of the reach of most people and thousands will remain on the lookout for places to keep their dead. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid shortage, Hong Kong's 'apartment building for the dead' offers final resting place at $58,000 for two

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