Instagram 'em all: Must-snap locations testing Hong Kong's patience

In pics: Chinese communities around the world welcome Year of the Pig

Kim Jong-un and Roderigo Duterte look-alikes take Hong Kong by storm

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city.

Chinese authorities have strived to instil greater patriotism in the former British colony at a time of heightened tension between democracy activists and forces loyal to Beijing, with some in Hong Kong even advocating independence from China.

Besides imprisonment, the measure would fix a maximum fine of HK$50,000 ($6,370) for those who publicly and intentionally disrespect the anthem, the "March of the Volunteers".

It also extends to schoolchildren, including pupils of international schools, who would be legally required to learn the anthem.

"I think teachers would feel worried about this proposal, because if we allow this government to pass a law to instruct the teachers what to teach, well, this time it is for the national anthem, maybe next time it could be other things," said secondary school teacher Simon Hung, 36.

Small groups of pro-democracy and pro-Beijing protesters taunted each other outside the Legislative Council, shouting and chanting through loud hailers.

Waving the red Chinese flag, pro-Beijing demonstrators held up banners that read: "Safeguard national dignity" and "Support the national anthem law," while democracy activists held placards that said: "Unsung freedom."

Booing the anthem at soccer matches in Hong Kong has emerged as a form of political protest in the past few years, seized upon by young people keen to demonstrate their frustration at Beijing's perceived creeping influence.

The global financial hub returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that promises the city a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of expression.

The anthem proposal is expected to pass easily when it comes to a vote - probably before the summer - as the opposition does not have enough seats to block routine legislation.

Hong Kong has already outlawed the desecration of national flags and emblems, which can attract jail terms of three years.

Calls for outright independence are a red line for China's Communist Party leaders, who deem Hong Kong an inalienable part of the nation.

But many young people in Hong Kong have become increasingly angered by what they see as China's encroachment on the city's culture and autonomy, with some advocating "localism", or a Hong Kong identity, rather than a Chinese one.

"We have no sense of belonging to China at all," one football supporter told Reuters. "Even people I know who are born since 1997, they still think they are Hongkongers, but not Chinese."

In 2017, mainland China adopted a law banning disrespect for the anthem. A similar measure is being reviewed in Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to Chinese rule in 1999.

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city.

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city. Chinese authorities have strived to instil greater patriotism in the former British colony at a time of heightened tension between democracy activists and forces loyal to Beijing, with some in Hong Kong even advocating independence from China. Besides imprisonment, the measure would fix a maximum fine of HK$50,000 ($6,370) for those who publicly and intentionally disrespect the anthem, the "March of the Volunteers". It also extends to schoolchildren, including pupils of international schools, who would be legally required to learn the anthem. "I think teachers would feel worried about this proposal, because if we allow this government to pass a law to instruct the teachers what to teach, well, this time it is for the national anthem, maybe next time it could be other things," said secondary school teacher Simon Hung, 36. Small groups of pro-democracy and pro-Beijing protesters taunted each other outside the Legislative Council, shouting and chanting through loud hailers. Waving the red Chinese flag, pro-Beijing demonstrators held up banners that read: "Safeguard national dignity" and "Support the national anthem law," while democracy activists held placards that said: "Unsung freedom." Booing the anthem at soccer matches in Hong Kong has emerged as a form of political protest in the past few years, seized upon by young people keen to demonstrate their frustration at Beijing's perceived creeping influence. The global financial hub returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that promises the city a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of expression. The anthem proposal is expected to pass easily when it comes to a vote - probably before the summer - as the opposition does not have enough seats to block routine legislation. Hong Kong has already outlawed the desecration of national flags and emblems, which can attract jail terms of three years. Calls for outright independence are a red line for China's Communist Party leaders, who deem Hong Kong an inalienable part of the nation. But many young people in Hong Kong have become increasingly angered by what they see as China's encroachment on the city's culture and autonomy, with some advocating "localism", or a Hong Kong identity, rather than a Chinese one. "We have no sense of belonging to China at all," one football supporter told Reuters. "Even people I know who are born since 1997, they still think they are Hongkongers, but not Chinese." In 2017, mainland China adopted a law banning disrespect for the anthem. A similar measure is being reviewed in Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to Chinese rule in 1999.

Hong Kong moves to make disrespecting Chinese national anthem a crime

A medical emergency and a mechanical problem left passengers on a United Airlines flight stuck for about 16 hours on the frigid tarmac of a Canadian airport in the plane's barely heated interior, the CBC network reported.&nbsp;

United Flight 179 had taken off late Saturday from Newark, New Jersey en route to Hong Kong with about 250 passengers on board.

When a passenger suffered a medical problem the plane made an emergency landing at Goose Bay airport in Newfoundland and Labrador province, on Canada's east coast, the airline told CBC.

But after paramedics took him to hospital, the plane was unable to take off, reportedly because bitterly cold temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) had caused a door to freeze.

With no customs officers on duty overnight, passengers were forced to stay on board, many shivering under the thin blankets handed out by flight attendants.

With food and water running short roughly 10 hours into the ordeal, officials finally arrived to deliver supplies from the Tim Hortons fast-food chain known in Canada for its coffee and doughnuts.

One of the passengers, Sonjay Dutt, reached by phone, said the plane was under-heated and that the arrival of the food and coffee was not enough to appease increasingly angry passengers.

A relief aircraft arrived in Goose Bay late Sunday morning. After the passengers were transferred to the plane by bus, it took off in mid-afternoon to take them back to Newark, where they originally came from the day before, CBC said.

Much of eastern Canada, as well as the US northeast, has been suffering through a glacial cold spell, with heavy snowfalls that have led to scores of flight cancellations.

At the end of the United ordeal, passenger Dutt &nbsp;tweeted that "it's been a long long long long day."

A medical emergency and a mechanical problem left passengers on a United Airlines flight stuck for about 16 hours on the frigid tarmac of a Canadian airport in the plane's barely heated interior, the CBC network reported.

A medical emergency and a mechanical problem left passengers on a United Airlines flight stuck for about 16 hours on the frigid tarmac of a Canadian airport in the plane's barely heated interior, the CBC network reported. United Flight 179 had taken off late Saturday from Newark, New Jersey en route to Hong Kong with about 250 passengers on board. When a passenger suffered a medical problem the plane made an emergency landing at Goose Bay airport in Newfoundland and Labrador province, on Canada's east coast, the airline told CBC. But after paramedics took him to hospital, the plane was unable to take off, reportedly because bitterly cold temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) had caused a door to freeze. With no customs officers on duty overnight, passengers were forced to stay on board, many shivering under the thin blankets handed out by flight attendants. With food and water running short roughly 10 hours into the ordeal, officials finally arrived to deliver supplies from the Tim Hortons fast-food chain known in Canada for its coffee and doughnuts. One of the passengers, Sonjay Dutt, reached by phone, said the plane was under-heated and that the arrival of the food and coffee was not enough to appease increasingly angry passengers. A relief aircraft arrived in Goose Bay late Sunday morning. After the passengers were transferred to the plane by bus, it took off in mid-afternoon to take them back to Newark, where they originally came from the day before, CBC said. Much of eastern Canada, as well as the US northeast, has been suffering through a glacial cold spell, with heavy snowfalls that have led to scores of flight cancellations. At the end of the United ordeal, passenger Dutt tweeted that "it's been a long long long long day."

Passengers shiver through 16-hour ordeal on Canadian tarmac

A former leader of Hong Kong's student-led Umbrella Movement protests has been refused entry to Macau as a "public security" threat in what critics said was a new escalation in Beijing's drive to curb the movement of dissidents.

Yvonne Leung, 25, was a prominent leader of the 2014 pro-democracy movement and the only female student leader to meet with senior government officials at the height of the rallies.

But in recent years she has retreated from the political frontlines.

She was refused entry to Macau on Wednesday, a decision that took some by surprise because of Leung's less prominent public profile.

Leung told AFP that the reason provided to her from authorities in Macau was "strong references that you intend to enter to participate in certain activities which may jeopardise the public security or public order".

She declined to provide further comment, including the purpose of her visit.

Like Hong Kong, Macau is a semi-autonomous part of China. Both cities have freedoms unseen on the mainland thanks to a temporary handover agreement struck by Beijing with the cities' colonial powers.

But activists and observers in both cities say Beijing's increased determination to assert control has led to an erosion of those freedoms and a widening array of movement restrictions on critics.

Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said Macau's refusal to allow Leung entry represented a "step up" in those tactics and sent "a chilling message that you have to pay your price for being disobedient, being a government critic".

"They try to have this cloud hanging over you," she told AFP.

Authorities in Macau did not reply to requests for comment.

Some prominent pro-democracy activists and Hong Kong journalists have in the past been barred from entering Macau, where the partially elected local government is loyal to Beijing.

Three writers, including bestselling "Wild Swans" author Jung Chang and investigative journalist Suki Kim, dropped out of the Macau Literary Festival last year after authorities there said they were likely to be barred.

Hong Kong has also ramped up the frequency and variety of people banned from entering. Recent examples include a Western journalist and a Taiwanese heavy metal band.

A former leader of Hong Kong's student-led Umbrella Movement protests has been refused entry to Macau as a "public security" threat in what critics said was a new escalation in Beijing's drive to curb the movement of dissidents.

A former leader of Hong Kong's student-led Umbrella Movement protests has been refused entry to Macau as a "public security" threat in what critics said was a new escalation in Beijing's drive to curb the movement of dissidents. Yvonne Leung, 25, was a prominent leader of the 2014 pro-democracy movement and the only female student leader to meet with senior government officials at the height of the rallies. But in recent years she has retreated from the political frontlines. She was refused entry to Macau on Wednesday, a decision that took some by surprise because of Leung's less prominent public profile. Leung told AFP that the reason provided to her from authorities in Macau was "strong references that you intend to enter to participate in certain activities which may jeopardise the public security or public order". She declined to provide further comment, including the purpose of her visit. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a semi-autonomous part of China. Both cities have freedoms unseen on the mainland thanks to a temporary handover agreement struck by Beijing with the cities' colonial powers. But activists and observers in both cities say Beijing's increased determination to assert control has led to an erosion of those freedoms and a widening array of movement restrictions on critics. Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said Macau's refusal to allow Leung entry represented a "step up" in those tactics and sent "a chilling message that you have to pay your price for being disobedient, being a government critic". "They try to have this cloud hanging over you," she told AFP. Authorities in Macau did not reply to requests for comment. Some prominent pro-democracy activists and Hong Kong journalists have in the past been barred from entering Macau, where the partially elected local government is loyal to Beijing. Three writers, including bestselling "Wild Swans" author Jung Chang and investigative journalist Suki Kim, dropped out of the Macau Literary Festival last year after authorities there said they were likely to be barred. Hong Kong has also ramped up the frequency and variety of people banned from entering. Recent examples include a Western journalist and a Taiwanese heavy metal band.

Macau denies entry to Hong Kong's former activist leader

The Indian&nbsp;women's football team will play two matches each against Hong Kong and Indonesia in a bid to qualify for the 2020&nbsp;Olympics.&nbsp;

The official handle of football India tweeted to inform that a twenty-five&nbsp;member Indian women's senior national team will travel to Hong Kong to play back-to-back friendlies on January 21 and 23.&nbsp;

After that, they will travel to&nbsp;Indonesia to play matches on January 27 and January 30.&nbsp;

"In our quest to qualify from the Round 2, we have to play against tough teams and both Hong Kong and Indonesia will provide us with challenges of their own and help in our development," head coach Maymol Rocky said.

"The Olympic qualifiers will be a test and a challenge for all of us and we are preparing to script history and make the nation proud," he added.&nbsp;

The second round of the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers is slated to be held from April 1-9 with the draw for the same yet to take place.&nbsp;

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A 25 member Indian women's senior national team preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, will be travelling to Hong Kong &amp; Indonesia to play 2 matches each against the senior national teams of both nations. The Indian team will depart on January 19.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/30AS0IJpqk">pic.twitter.com/30AS0IJpqk</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1085148940708720641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Squad: 
Goalkeepers: Aditi Chauhan, M&nbsp;Linthoingambi Devi, Sowmiya Narayansamy, Shreya Hooda 
Defenders: Ashalata Devi, Sweety Devi, Jabamani Tudu, Dalima Chhibber, Lako Phuti, Michel Castanha, Poly Koley 
Midfielders: Sangita Basfore, Sanju Yadav, Sumithra Kamaraj, Ranjana Chanu, Indumathi Kathiresan, Ranjita Devi, Manisha 
Forwards: Roja Devi, Anju Tamang, Ratanbala Devi, Pyari Xaxa, Dangmei Grace, Sandhiya R, Mamta.

The Indian women's football team will play two matches each against Hong Kong and Indonesia in a bid to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. The official handle of football India tweeted to inform that a twenty-five member Indian women's senior national team will travel to Hong Kong to play back-to-back friendlies on January 21 and 23.

The Indian women's football team will play two matches each against Hong Kong and Indonesia in a bid to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. The official handle of football India tweeted to inform that a twenty-five member Indian women's senior national team will travel to Hong Kong to play back-to-back friendlies on January 21 and 23. After that, they will travel to Indonesia to play matches on January 27 and January 30. "In our quest to qualify from the Round 2, we have to play against tough teams and both Hong Kong and Indonesia will provide us with challenges of their own and help in our development," head coach Maymol Rocky said. "The Olympic qualifiers will be a test and a challenge for all of us and we are preparing to script history and make the nation proud," he added. The second round of the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers is slated to be held from April 1-9 with the draw for the same yet to take place. A 25 member Indian women's senior national team preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, will be travelling to Hong Kong & Indonesia to play 2 matches each against the senior national teams of both nations. The Indian team will depart on January 19.#BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/30AS0IJpqk — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 15, 2019 × Squad: Goalkeepers: Aditi Chauhan, M Linthoingambi Devi, Sowmiya Narayansamy, Shreya Hooda Defenders: Ashalata Devi, Sweety Devi, Jabamani Tudu, Dalima Chhibber, Lako Phuti, Michel Castanha, Poly Koley Midfielders: Sangita Basfore, Sanju Yadav, Sumithra Kamaraj, Ranjana Chanu, Indumathi Kathiresan, Ranjita Devi, Manisha Forwards: Roja Devi, Anju Tamang, Ratanbala Devi, Pyari Xaxa, Dangmei Grace, Sandhiya R, Mamta.

Indian women's football team prepares for 2nd round of 2020 Olympic qualifiers

At least one person has died after an oil tanker caught fire off Hong Kong on Tuesday, police said, sending a huge cloud of dark smoke billowing into the air.

Twenty-one people have been rescued after those on the vessel either fell or jumped into the sea, according to a police spokesperson, but it is not yet clear if more people are still missing. A number of the victims had suffered burns.

In a picture posted by the Hong Kong Police, the tanker was seen listing sharply with large plumes of black smoke coming from its middle and flames still burning on the deck.

Officers said they received a report of an oil tanker exploding and catching fire&nbsp;in waters south of the outlying Lamma Island.

"I heard several banging and rumbling sounds, like someone with big hands knocking my glass door," a resident of Lamma Island's Mo Tat New Village who gave his name as Shu told AFP.

He added that a smaller banging sound followed about 10 seconds later.

Photos on local news site Apple Daily showed an orange blaze on the ship which was also belching out heavy smoke.

The name on the front of the tanker was Aulac Fortune, which the Hong Kong marine department tracker website showed as arriving at the South Lamma anchorage at 2.58 am Tuesday local time.

The MarineTraffic.com website listed the tanker as registered in Vietnam and leaving the southern Chinese industrial city of Dongguan on Monday.

Authorities have dispatched marine police vessels, fireboats and a helicopter in an ongoing rescue operation, the South China Morning Post reported.

Officers said they received a report of an oil tanker exploding and catching fire in waters south of the outlying Lamma Island.

At least one person has died after an oil tanker caught fire off Hong Kong on Tuesday, police said, sending a huge cloud of dark smoke billowing into the air. Twenty-one people have been rescued after those on the vessel either fell or jumped into the sea, according to a police spokesperson, but it is not yet clear if more people are still missing. A number of the victims had suffered burns. In a picture posted by the Hong Kong Police, the tanker was seen listing sharply with large plumes of black smoke coming from its middle and flames still burning on the deck. Officers said they received a report of an oil tanker exploding and catching fire in waters south of the outlying Lamma Island. "I heard several banging and rumbling sounds, like someone with big hands knocking my glass door," a resident of Lamma Island's Mo Tat New Village who gave his name as Shu told AFP. He added that a smaller banging sound followed about 10 seconds later. Photos on local news site Apple Daily showed an orange blaze on the ship which was also belching out heavy smoke. The name on the front of the tanker was Aulac Fortune, which the Hong Kong marine department tracker website showed as arriving at the South Lamma anchorage at 2.58 am Tuesday local time. The MarineTraffic.com website listed the tanker as registered in Vietnam and leaving the southern Chinese industrial city of Dongguan on Monday. Authorities have dispatched marine police vessels, fireboats and a helicopter in an ongoing rescue operation, the South China Morning Post reported.

One dead in oil tanker blaze off Hong Kong

Breaking News: Oil tanker fire in Hong Kong waters kills one; two crew members still missing

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Hong Kong on Tuesday to demand full democracy, fundamental rights, and even independence from China in the face of what many see as a marked clampdown by the Communist Party on local freedoms.

Over the past year, countries such as the United States and Britain have expressed concerns about a number of incidents they say have undermined confidence in Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy under Chinese rule.

These include the jailing of activists, a ban on a pro-independence political party, the de facto expulsion of a Western journalist and barring democracy activists from contesting local elections.

The New Year's day march included calls to restart stalled democratic reforms and to fight "political repression" from Beijing.

"Looking back at the year that passed, it was a very bad year ... The rule of law in Hong Kong is falling backwards," said Jimmy Sham, one of the organisers.

Organisers said the march drew 5,500 people, revised down from an earlier estimate of 5,800, while police said 3,200 people were on the streets at the march's peak.

The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, with the promise of a high degree of autonomy and universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim".

While authorities have clamped down hard on the city's fringe, pro-independence movement, that didn't deter around 100 independence activists from joining the march, holding up banners and chanting for the city to split from China.

China considers Hong Kong to be an inalienable part of its territory, and denounces "separatists" as a threat to national sovereignty, even though the movement has not garnered much popular backing in the city.

"There will be continuous suppression on the Hong Kong independence movement, but the movement will grow stronger and stronger," said Baggio Leung, an independence leader who said several of his members had been harassed by purported "triads" or gangsters, before the march.

Last year, in an unprecedented move, Hong Kong authorities banned a political group, the Hong Kong National Party, for its pro-independence stance on national security grounds.

A western journalist, Victor Mallet, was also effectively expelled from Hong Kong, soon after he hosted a talk at a press club by the head of the National Party.

Mallet's visa denial, which the government has so far refused to explain, was criticised by some foreign governments and the American Chamber of Commerce.

Some protesters carried "wanted" posters of Hong Kong's top legal official, Theresa Cheng, criticising a decision to drop a corruption investigation into Hong Kong's former pro-Beijing leader Leung Chun-ying, without a satisfactory explanation.

"I'm afraid the pressure will continue," said Joseph Cheng, a veteran rights campaigner and retired professor who was raising money for a "justice" fund for activists facing hefty legal fees for several trials.

"We're going to face a few difficult years, but we must stand firm ... Unlike in mainland China, at least we can still protest."

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Hong Kong on Tuesday to demand full democracy, fundamental rights, and even independence from China in the face of what many see as a marked clampdown by the Communist Party on local freedoms.

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Hong Kong on Tuesday to demand full democracy, fundamental rights, and even independence from China in the face of what many see as a marked clampdown by the Communist Party on local freedoms. Over the past year, countries such as the United States and Britain have expressed concerns about a number of incidents they say have undermined confidence in Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy under Chinese rule. These include the jailing of activists, a ban on a pro-independence political party, the de facto expulsion of a Western journalist and barring democracy activists from contesting local elections. The New Year's day march included calls to restart stalled democratic reforms and to fight "political repression" from Beijing. "Looking back at the year that passed, it was a very bad year ... The rule of law in Hong Kong is falling backwards," said Jimmy Sham, one of the organisers. Organisers said the march drew 5,500 people, revised down from an earlier estimate of 5,800, while police said 3,200 people were on the streets at the march's peak. The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, with the promise of a high degree of autonomy and universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim". While authorities have clamped down hard on the city's fringe, pro-independence movement, that didn't deter around 100 independence activists from joining the march, holding up banners and chanting for the city to split from China. China considers Hong Kong to be an inalienable part of its territory, and denounces "separatists" as a threat to national sovereignty, even though the movement has not garnered much popular backing in the city. "There will be continuous suppression on the Hong Kong independence movement, but the movement will grow stronger and stronger," said Baggio Leung, an independence leader who said several of his members had been harassed by purported "triads" or gangsters, before the march. Last year, in an unprecedented move, Hong Kong authorities banned a political group, the Hong Kong National Party, for its pro-independence stance on national security grounds. A western journalist, Victor Mallet, was also effectively expelled from Hong Kong, soon after he hosted a talk at a press club by the head of the National Party. Mallet's visa denial, which the government has so far refused to explain, was criticised by some foreign governments and the American Chamber of Commerce. Some protesters carried "wanted" posters of Hong Kong's top legal official, Theresa Cheng, criticising a decision to drop a corruption investigation into Hong Kong's former pro-Beijing leader Leung Chun-ying, without a satisfactory explanation. "I'm afraid the pressure will continue," said Joseph Cheng, a veteran rights campaigner and retired professor who was raising money for a "justice" fund for activists facing hefty legal fees for several trials. "We're going to face a few difficult years, but we must stand firm ... Unlike in mainland China, at least we can still protest."

Thousands march in Hong Kong against China 'repression' after grim 2018

In pics: This is how the New year celebration across the world looked like

The trial of a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer took place Wednesday but was closed to the public because of "state secrets", a northern Chinese court said.

Wang Quanzhang, 42, who defended political activists and victims of land seizures, disappeared in a 2015 sweep&nbsp;known as the "709" crackdown aimed at courtroom critics of Communist authorities.

Charged in January 2016 with alleged "subversion of state power", Wang had been in legal limbo detained without a trial date until Monday, when his government-appointed lawyer finally contacted his wife with the court date.

"The defendant... was tried in the first instance of the Tianjin Second Intermediate People's Court today," the court said in a statement.

"Due to the state secrets involved, the court decided not to open the trial to the public. The verdict, in this case, will be pronounced at a later date."

The closed-door proceedings were conducted in a heavily-guarded courthouse in the northern city of Tianjin, with Wang's wife prevented from attending the session and at least two activists detained for protesting outside the building.

Wang's wife, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wife-of-vanished-chinese-lawyer-marches-for-answers-128622">Li Wenzu</a>, was on Tuesday placed under de facto house arrest with "more than 20" security personnel outside her apartment.&nbsp;

In an account posted on Twitter early Wednesday morning, a supporter Wang Qiaoling detailed how she and Li were barred from leaving a Beijing housing compound by groups of police officers for over an hour.

'Another potential enemy'&nbsp;

"The authorities in cases like these see the defendant as their enemy and anyone close to them as either a potential tool to be manipulated... or as another potential enemy to be controlled," Eva Pils, a professor specialising in human rights law at King's College London, told AFP.

"Placing Li Wenzu under house arrest would fall in that category."

Just before 10:00 am (0200 GMT), AFP journalists witnessed Heilongjiang activist Yang Chunlin getting arrested after he protested outside the court in Tianjin, describing the situation as "fascist rule" and "absurd".

Several plainclothes officers set on Yang and bundled him into a waiting black SUV.

Witnesses told AFP that Zhang Zhecheng, a rights activist from central China, had been taken away at about 8:15 am after holding up a sign calling for Wang's release.

Wang is charged with being influenced by "infiltrating anti-China forces", of being trained by a foreign group and accepting their funding, and of having subversive thoughts as a result.

The documents seen by AFP said he worked with Peter Dahlin, a Swedish human rights activist whose group offered training to lawyers who have tried to use the tightly controlled Chinese judiciary to redress apparent government abuses.

Dahlin was deported in 2016 after a 23-day detention.

Wang is also accused of hyping up and distorting facts in cases he worked on, including a "cult" he was defending.

Stay quiet'&nbsp;

In Hong Kong, about 50 people marched to China's liaison office on Wednesday, demanding the release of Wang and others detained during the 709 crackdowns.

The sweep has dealt a blow to China's human rights defence movement, with most lawyers either jailed, disbarred or under heavy surveillance, making it impossible for them to work, said Human Rights Watch China researcher Yaqiu Wang.

"The Chinese government, paranoiacally, sees grassroots Chinese activists and organisations working with foreign non-government organisations as attempts to foment a 'colour revolution' to challenge the Communist Party's grip on power," she said.&nbsp;

Li and three others last week shaved their heads in protest of Wang's indefinite detention and tried to submit a petition to the courts but were prevented from doing so by the police.

"Family members of detained activists are often warned to 'stay quiet' to avoid their loved ones getting harsher sentences," said Doriane Lau, China researcher at Amnesty International.&nbsp;

"In the hope of getting the activist out earlier by succumbing to the threats of the authorities, family members and friends avoid bringing the case to journalists or calling for support on social media."

The trial of a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer took place Wednesday but was closed to the public because of "state secrets", a northern Chinese court said.

The trial of a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer took place Wednesday but was closed to the public because of "state secrets", a northern Chinese court said. Wang Quanzhang, 42, who defended political activists and victims of land seizures, disappeared in a 2015 sweep known as the "709" crackdown aimed at courtroom critics of Communist authorities. Charged in January 2016 with alleged "subversion of state power", Wang had been in legal limbo detained without a trial date until Monday, when his government-appointed lawyer finally contacted his wife with the court date. "The defendant... was tried in the first instance of the Tianjin Second Intermediate People's Court today," the court said in a statement. "Due to the state secrets involved, the court decided not to open the trial to the public. The verdict, in this case, will be pronounced at a later date." The closed-door proceedings were conducted in a heavily-guarded courthouse in the northern city of Tianjin, with Wang's wife prevented from attending the session and at least two activists detained for protesting outside the building. Wang's wife, Li Wenzu, was on Tuesday placed under de facto house arrest with "more than 20" security personnel outside her apartment. In an account posted on Twitter early Wednesday morning, a supporter Wang Qiaoling detailed how she and Li were barred from leaving a Beijing housing compound by groups of police officers for over an hour. 'Another potential enemy' "The authorities in cases like these see the defendant as their enemy and anyone close to them as either a potential tool to be manipulated... or as another potential enemy to be controlled," Eva Pils, a professor specialising in human rights law at King's College London, told AFP. "Placing Li Wenzu under house arrest would fall in that category." Just before 10:00 am (0200 GMT), AFP journalists witnessed Heilongjiang activist Yang Chunlin getting arrested after he protested outside the court in Tianjin, describing the situation as "fascist rule" and "absurd". Several plainclothes officers set on Yang and bundled him into a waiting black SUV. Witnesses told AFP that Zhang Zhecheng, a rights activist from central China, had been taken away at about 8:15 am after holding up a sign calling for Wang's release. Wang is charged with being influenced by "infiltrating anti-China forces", of being trained by a foreign group and accepting their funding, and of having subversive thoughts as a result. The documents seen by AFP said he worked with Peter Dahlin, a Swedish human rights activist whose group offered training to lawyers who have tried to use the tightly controlled Chinese judiciary to redress apparent government abuses. Dahlin was deported in 2016 after a 23-day detention. Wang is also accused of hyping up and distorting facts in cases he worked on, including a "cult" he was defending. Stay quiet' In Hong Kong, about 50 people marched to China's liaison office on Wednesday, demanding the release of Wang and others detained during the 709 crackdowns. The sweep has dealt a blow to China's human rights defence movement, with most lawyers either jailed, disbarred or under heavy surveillance, making it impossible for them to work, said Human Rights Watch China researcher Yaqiu Wang. "The Chinese government, paranoiacally, sees grassroots Chinese activists and organisations working with foreign non-government organisations as attempts to foment a 'colour revolution' to challenge the Communist Party's grip on power," she said. Li and three others last week shaved their heads in protest of Wang's indefinite detention and tried to submit a petition to the courts but were prevented from doing so by the police. "Family members of detained activists are often warned to 'stay quiet' to avoid their loved ones getting harsher sentences," said Doriane Lau, China researcher at Amnesty International. "In the hope of getting the activist out earlier by succumbing to the threats of the authorities, family members and friends avoid bringing the case to journalists or calling for support on social media."

Prominent Chinese human rights lawyer trial held behind closed doors

The pattern is familiar: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-court-grants-conditional-bail-to-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-183357">Canada arrests a Chinese </a>national wanted in the US. Shortly after, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-information-from-chinese-officials-about-detention-of-canadian-diplomat-michael-kovrig-icg-183394">Canadian national is locked up </a>in China.

Friends and experts say former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who was detained in Beijing on Monday, may have become a "hostage" and "pawn" in a three-nation feud.

Kovrig was detained just nine days after Chinese tech giant Huawei's chief financial officer, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-183193">Meng Wanzhou</a>, was arrested in Vancouver at the behest of the United States on Iran sanctions-related charges.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-freed-on-bail-leaves-courthouse-183504">She was released on bail</a> on Tuesday while awaiting a US extradition hearing.

China has warned Canada of "grave consequences" over Meng's arrest, though neither country has confirmed a link between the two cases.

But experts and friends of Kovrig, who now works at the International Crisis Group think tank, say the two are intertwined.

"In this case, it is clear the Chinese government wants to put maximum pressure on the Canadian government," Guy Saint-Jacques, the former Canadian ambassador to Beijing, told AFP.

He pointed to a similar case in 2014 when Canadian Christian aid workers Kevin and Julia Garratt were detained shortly after Canadian authorities arrested a Chinese national in connection with a hacking case in the United States.&nbsp;

Julia Garratt was released on bail and allowed to leave China in 2016.

China charged Kevin Garratt with espionage but allowed him to leave the country in 2016, months after the Chinese citizen, Su Bin, agreed to go to the United States and pleaded guilty.

Meng's arrest has sandwiched Ottawa between Washington and Beijing as they feud over trade, cyber espionage and a raft of issues.

Saint-Jacques said Kovrig is going to be "a victim" of the US-China trade war.

"China wants to demonstrate to the world that it is a rival superpower to the United States and that countries have to choose to align with the US or with China," said Shaun Rein, who looked at the sticks and carrots Beijing wields in his book "The War for China's Wallet".&nbsp;

"The former Canadian diplomat is a pawn and he's going to be stuck unless (Meng) is released," he said.

Meng's arrest occurred on the same day that the US and Chinese presidents agreed at a G20 summit to a trade war truce and a March 1 deadline to negotiate a deal.

"By getting a Canadian it's a power play, the US Congress won't kick and scream. The trade talks can still go on because China has still been adhering to the agreement at the G20 with Trump," Rein said.

US officials have not linked Meng's arrest to the trade talks underway between China and the US.&nbsp;

NGO law

Friends describe Kovrig as a friendly, decent man who loves China.

He was based in Hong Kong for the International Crisis Group, an organisation known for its research on peaceful solutions to global conflicts.

His duties included research and analysis on foreign affairs and security issues facing countries in the region, especially on the Korean peninsula.

He wrote op-eds and gave frequent interviews on the issues.

But ICG closed its office in China's capital as Beijing rolled out a more restrictive law that took effect in early 2017 to better control foreign NGOs operating in the country.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Wednesday that ICG was not registered in China and its employees would be "in violation" of the law if they engage in activities in the country.

China watcher

Kovrig served as political officer at the Canadian embassy from 2014-2016. He met with dissidents and travelled to China's restive far west Xinjiang region, Saint-Jacques said.

He took an unpaid leave from the embassy because he wanted to be able to return to China, the former ambassador said.

"He is a really nice guy, soft spoken, good sense of morals," said David Zweig, a friend of Kovrig's and a fellow Canadian China watcher, noting Kovrig is well respected in the Hong Kong community.&nbsp;

"They've got their hostage and hopefully they'll let him go very quickly," said Zweig, a professor of Chinese politics at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. 
&nbsp;

The pattern is familiar: Canada arrests a Chinese national wanted in the US. Shortly after, a Canadian national is locked up in China. Friends and experts say former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who was detained in Beijing on Monday, may have become a "hostage" and "pawn" in a three-nation feud.

The pattern is familiar: Canada arrests a Chinese national wanted in the US. Shortly after, a Canadian national is locked up in China. Friends and experts say former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who was detained in Beijing on Monday, may have become a "hostage" and "pawn" in a three-nation feud. Kovrig was detained just nine days after Chinese tech giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested in Vancouver at the behest of the United States on Iran sanctions-related charges. She was released on bail on Tuesday while awaiting a US extradition hearing. China has warned Canada of "grave consequences" over Meng's arrest, though neither country has confirmed a link between the two cases. But experts and friends of Kovrig, who now works at the International Crisis Group think tank, say the two are intertwined. "In this case, it is clear the Chinese government wants to put maximum pressure on the Canadian government," Guy Saint-Jacques, the former Canadian ambassador to Beijing, told AFP. He pointed to a similar case in 2014 when Canadian Christian aid workers Kevin and Julia Garratt were detained shortly after Canadian authorities arrested a Chinese national in connection with a hacking case in the United States. Julia Garratt was released on bail and allowed to leave China in 2016. China charged Kevin Garratt with espionage but allowed him to leave the country in 2016, months after the Chinese citizen, Su Bin, agreed to go to the United States and pleaded guilty. Meng's arrest has sandwiched Ottawa between Washington and Beijing as they feud over trade, cyber espionage and a raft of issues. Saint-Jacques said Kovrig is going to be "a victim" of the US-China trade war. "China wants to demonstrate to the world that it is a rival superpower to the United States and that countries have to choose to align with the US or with China," said Shaun Rein, who looked at the sticks and carrots Beijing wields in his book "The War for China's Wallet". "The former Canadian diplomat is a pawn and he's going to be stuck unless (Meng) is released," he said. Meng's arrest occurred on the same day that the US and Chinese presidents agreed at a G20 summit to a trade war truce and a March 1 deadline to negotiate a deal. "By getting a Canadian it's a power play, the US Congress won't kick and scream. The trade talks can still go on because China has still been adhering to the agreement at the G20 with Trump," Rein said. US officials have not linked Meng's arrest to the trade talks underway between China and the US. NGO law Friends describe Kovrig as a friendly, decent man who loves China. He was based in Hong Kong for the International Crisis Group, an organisation known for its research on peaceful solutions to global conflicts. His duties included research and analysis on foreign affairs and security issues facing countries in the region, especially on the Korean peninsula. He wrote op-eds and gave frequent interviews on the issues. But ICG closed its office in China's capital as Beijing rolled out a more restrictive law that took effect in early 2017 to better control foreign NGOs operating in the country. China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Wednesday that ICG was not registered in China and its employees would be "in violation" of the law if they engage in activities in the country. China watcher Kovrig served as political officer at the Canadian embassy from 2014-2016. He met with dissidents and travelled to China's restive far west Xinjiang region, Saint-Jacques said. He took an unpaid leave from the embassy because he wanted to be able to return to China, the former ambassador said. "He is a really nice guy, soft spoken, good sense of morals," said David Zweig, a friend of Kovrig's and a fellow Canadian China watcher, noting Kovrig is well respected in the Hong Kong community. "They've got their hostage and hopefully they'll let him go very quickly," said Zweig, a professor of Chinese politics at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Former Canadian diplomat held in China a 'pawn': Experts

Shares across Asia plunged Thursday, with technology firms in Hong Kong and Shanghai battered after the arrest of a top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei that has also fuelled fears about the recent China-US trade deal.

As Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's tariffs ceasefire last weekend -- which sparked a one-day rally -- fades to a distant memory, investors are back in selling mood as they fret over a range of issues including the state of the world economy, oil prices and Brexit.

The chances of trade peace between the US and China took a blow Thursday as it emerged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou </a>had been held in Canada and faces extradition to the United States over alleged Iran sanctions breaches by the firm.

Meng is also the daughter of company founder Ren Zhengfei, a former Chinese People's Liberation Army engineer.

The company had been investigated by US intelligence, who deemed it a national security threat.

However, the arrest drew a swift response from China, which said it "firmly opposes and strongly protests" the move, adding it had urged Canada and the US to "immediately correct the wrongdoing".

The news sent shudders through Hong Kong and Shanghai markets, where tech firms were hammered.

Hong Kong-listed ZTE, which was subject to a US banning order earlier his year over security fears before that was reduced to a massive fine, was almost five per cent down. Market heavyweight Tencent was two per cent lower and AAC Technologies was five per cent off.

And in Shanghai, Wingtech Technology was four per cent down, Raisecome Technology sank 2.8 per cent and Fujian Raynen Technology lost 2.6 per cent.

Taipei-listed tech firms were also hurt. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company lost 2.2 per cent and Hong Hai Precision was 2.7 per cent lower.

'Significant'

There were also losses for other tech firms in the region, with Sony down three per cent in Tokyo and Samsung almost two per cent lower. The sector was already under pressure from concerns about future growth and following a surge in recent years.

"This headline is quite significant as the US government is attempting to persuade allies to stop using Huawei equipment due to security fears," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA.

"Recall that over 100 Chinese companies traded limit down (last month) when news broke the US urged allies to blacklist Huawei?"

On broader markets Hong Kong was down more than two per cent while Shanghai lost more than one per cent and Tokyo shed 1.8 per cent by the break. Taipei was two per cent off, while Manila and Jakarta also took a hit.

Sydney fell 0.5 per cent, Singapore gave up 1.2 per cent and Seoul was one per cent lower.

"This is what you call playing hardball," said Michael Every, head of Asia financial markets research at Rabobank in Hong Kong.

"China is already asking for her release, as can be expected, but if the charges are serious, don't expect the US to blink."

Oil prices extended losses ahead of the weekend's meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC production giants, with investors unsure about how much and for how long they plan to reduce output.

The commodity has come under selling pressure, having soared Monday and Tuesday, owing to uncertainty about the reduction plans while Trump has called on OPEC to lift output to keep prices low.

Key figures around 0230 GMT

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.8 per cent at 21,514.98 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 2.3 per cent at 26,193.09

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 1.1 per cent at 2,620.84

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1346 from $1.1312 at 1700 GMT

Dollar/yen: UP at 112.84 yen from 113.47

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2725 from $1.2745

Oil - West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 26 cents at $52.63 per barrel

Oil - Brent Crude: DOWN 19 cents at $61.37 per barrel

New York - Dow Jones: CLOSED for day of mourning

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 1.4 percent at 6,921.84 (close)&nbsp;

Shares across Asia plunged Thursday, with technology firms in Hong Kong and Shanghai battered after the arrest of a top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei that has also fuelled fears about the recent China-US trade deal.

Shares across Asia plunged Thursday, with technology firms in Hong Kong and Shanghai battered after the arrest of a top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei that has also fuelled fears about the recent China-US trade deal. As Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's tariffs ceasefire last weekend -- which sparked a one-day rally -- fades to a distant memory, investors are back in selling mood as they fret over a range of issues including the state of the world economy, oil prices and Brexit. The chances of trade peace between the US and China took a blow Thursday as it emerged Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou had been held in Canada and faces extradition to the United States over alleged Iran sanctions breaches by the firm. Meng is also the daughter of company founder Ren Zhengfei, a former Chinese People's Liberation Army engineer. The company had been investigated by US intelligence, who deemed it a national security threat. However, the arrest drew a swift response from China, which said it "firmly opposes and strongly protests" the move, adding it had urged Canada and the US to "immediately correct the wrongdoing". The news sent shudders through Hong Kong and Shanghai markets, where tech firms were hammered. Hong Kong-listed ZTE, which was subject to a US banning order earlier his year over security fears before that was reduced to a massive fine, was almost five per cent down. Market heavyweight Tencent was two per cent lower and AAC Technologies was five per cent off. And in Shanghai, Wingtech Technology was four per cent down, Raisecome Technology sank 2.8 per cent and Fujian Raynen Technology lost 2.6 per cent. Taipei-listed tech firms were also hurt. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company lost 2.2 per cent and Hong Hai Precision was 2.7 per cent lower. 'Significant' There were also losses for other tech firms in the region, with Sony down three per cent in Tokyo and Samsung almost two per cent lower. The sector was already under pressure from concerns about future growth and following a surge in recent years. "This headline is quite significant as the US government is attempting to persuade allies to stop using Huawei equipment due to security fears," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. "Recall that over 100 Chinese companies traded limit down (last month) when news broke the US urged allies to blacklist Huawei?" On broader markets Hong Kong was down more than two per cent while Shanghai lost more than one per cent and Tokyo shed 1.8 per cent by the break. Taipei was two per cent off, while Manila and Jakarta also took a hit. Sydney fell 0.5 per cent, Singapore gave up 1.2 per cent and Seoul was one per cent lower. "This is what you call playing hardball," said Michael Every, head of Asia financial markets research at Rabobank in Hong Kong. "China is already asking for her release, as can be expected, but if the charges are serious, don't expect the US to blink." Oil prices extended losses ahead of the weekend's meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC production giants, with investors unsure about how much and for how long they plan to reduce output. The commodity has come under selling pressure, having soared Monday and Tuesday, owing to uncertainty about the reduction plans while Trump has called on OPEC to lift output to keep prices low. Key figures around 0230 GMT Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.8 per cent at 21,514.98 (break) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 2.3 per cent at 26,193.09 Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 1.1 per cent at 2,620.84 Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1346 from $1.1312 at 1700 GMT Dollar/yen: UP at 112.84 yen from 113.47 Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2725 from $1.2745 Oil - West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 26 cents at $52.63 per barrel Oil - Brent Crude: DOWN 19 cents at $61.37 per barrel New York - Dow Jones: CLOSED for day of mourning London - FTSE 100: DOWN 1.4 percent at 6,921.84 (close)

Asian markets tumble, China tech hit after Huawei arrest

A Hong Kong legislator has been barred from standing in a local election after being accused of supporting independence from China, sparking fury Monday among the city's pro-democracy camp who warn of tightening ideological control.

The disqualification of popular lawmaker Eddie Chu is the latest blow to the democratic movement as room for an opposition in semi-autonomous Hong Kong shrinks under an assertive China.

Chu is the first person to be blocked from standing in rural village elections after poll officials decided he is pro-independence a red line for Beijing.

While he has supported self-determination for Hong Kong, he maintains he does not advocate its separation from China.Voices for self-determination emerged from the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, and believe in the right of Hong Kongers to decide their own fate, including how the city should be governed.

Chu said the decision to ban him reveals a Cultural Revolution-style approach that everyone has to be "thought police".

"Not only must a person in Hong Kong not advocate independence themselves... But if you didn't oppose the right of others to advocate it, then your own political rights will be taken away," he said.

Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told reporters Monday the decision to bar Chu from rural elections "makes a mockery of Hong Kong in the international community."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We express our fury and our strongest condemnation."

She was one of a group of Democratic legislators who accused the government of destroying the constitutionally protected right to free speech.&nbsp;

"Now they've literally, practically put a noose around our necks," Mo said.

Though Hong Kong democrats or self-determination activists do not themselves campaign for independence, many including Chu have defended others' rights to express their support or freely discuss the subject.

Chu earlier told an election official that "the peaceful proposition for Hong Kong independence" was "a right of the Hong Kong people as protected by the Basic Law", referring to the city's mini-constitution.

The official said in a letter to Chu late Sunday that his views "could be understood as implicitly confirming that he supports that independence could be an option for Hong Kong people."&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on a high-profile visit to the semi-autonomous city last year that any threat to China's sovereignty is "absolutely impermissible". Authorities have since turned the screws on pro-independence advocates.

The Hong Kong government said Sunday it supports the decision not to let Chu run and that it was not a case of political censorship.

Democracy lawmakers also warned Monday that Hong Kong's special economic status and participation in global trade as a "separate customs territory" could be undermined as the city's autonomy comes under "severe attacks".

A Hong Kong legislator has been barred from standing in a local election after being accused of supporting independence from China, sparking fury Monday among the city's pro-democracy camp who warn of tightening ideological control.

A Hong Kong legislator has been barred from standing in a local election after being accused of supporting independence from China, sparking fury Monday among the city's pro-democracy camp who warn of tightening ideological control. The disqualification of popular lawmaker Eddie Chu is the latest blow to the democratic movement as room for an opposition in semi-autonomous Hong Kong shrinks under an assertive China. Chu is the first person to be blocked from standing in rural village elections after poll officials decided he is pro-independence a red line for Beijing. While he has supported self-determination for Hong Kong, he maintains he does not advocate its separation from China.Voices for self-determination emerged from the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, and believe in the right of Hong Kongers to decide their own fate, including how the city should be governed. Chu said the decision to ban him reveals a Cultural Revolution-style approach that everyone has to be "thought police". "Not only must a person in Hong Kong not advocate independence themselves... But if you didn't oppose the right of others to advocate it, then your own political rights will be taken away," he said. Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told reporters Monday the decision to bar Chu from rural elections "makes a mockery of Hong Kong in the international community." "We express our fury and our strongest condemnation." She was one of a group of Democratic legislators who accused the government of destroying the constitutionally protected right to free speech. "Now they've literally, practically put a noose around our necks," Mo said. Though Hong Kong democrats or self-determination activists do not themselves campaign for independence, many including Chu have defended others' rights to express their support or freely discuss the subject. Chu earlier told an election official that "the peaceful proposition for Hong Kong independence" was "a right of the Hong Kong people as protected by the Basic Law", referring to the city's mini-constitution. The official said in a letter to Chu late Sunday that his views "could be understood as implicitly confirming that he supports that independence could be an option for Hong Kong people." Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on a high-profile visit to the semi-autonomous city last year that any threat to China's sovereignty is "absolutely impermissible". Authorities have since turned the screws on pro-independence advocates. The Hong Kong government said Sunday it supports the decision not to let Chu run and that it was not a case of political censorship. Democracy lawmakers also warned Monday that Hong Kong's special economic status and participation in global trade as a "separate customs territory" could be undermined as the city's autonomy comes under "severe attacks".

Hong Kong democrats 'furious' over new election ban

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Both players were hungry for the win, drawing level 13 times in the second game before the sixth-ranked Okuhara beat the Thai, a former world champion, 21-19, 24-22 in 64 minutes.

"This match is very important for me," she said afterwards.

Okuhara went on to say that she would spend the next year working to secure her place at next year's Olympics alongside world number two Akane Yamaguchi, who Intanon beat in three games in the quarter-finals.

"I and Akane will get a gold medal," she said.&nbsp;

"Of course."&nbsp;

Sunday was Okuhara's last game of the tournament before next month's World Tour finals in China.

Intanon had won four of their previous five match-ups and the respect between the players were palpable, with both sharing a long embrace in her opponent's court at the end of play.

"I feel like my performance at the moment is quite good," Intanon told reporters.

"It was a tough game for me. It's not easy to beat her but I tried my best.

"She is a strong woman, she always plays long rallies and I tried to hold her and fight to the end."&nbsp;

In the women's doubles, top-ranked Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat Korean challengers Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-18, 21-17.

Lee and Shin both fell on the court to save a long second-game rally to level at 15-all before conceding the next five points.

The Japanese duo are now 2-0 against Lee and Shin after their two-game victory in the Asian Games quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Both players were hungry for the win, drawing level 13 times in the second game before the sixth-ranked Okuhara beat the Thai, a former world champion, 21-19, 24-22 in 64 minutes. "This match is very important for me," she said afterwards. Okuhara went on to say that she would spend the next year working to secure her place at next year's Olympics alongside world number two Akane Yamaguchi, who Intanon beat in three games in the quarter-finals. "I and Akane will get a gold medal," she said. "Of course." Sunday was Okuhara's last game of the tournament before next month's World Tour finals in China. Intanon had won four of their previous five match-ups and the respect between the players were palpable, with both sharing a long embrace in her opponent's court at the end of play. "I feel like my performance at the moment is quite good," Intanon told reporters. "It was a tough game for me. It's not easy to beat her but I tried my best. "She is a strong woman, she always plays long rallies and I tried to hold her and fight to the end." In the women's doubles, top-ranked Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat Korean challengers Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-18, 21-17. Lee and Shin both fell on the court to save a long second-game rally to level at 15-all before conceding the next five points. The Japanese duo are now 2-0 against Lee and Shin after their two-game victory in the Asian Games quarter-finals.

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara defeats Intanon to win maiden Hong Kong Open title

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Hong Kong Open after losing 24-26, 20-22 to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun women's singles second round on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Hyderabadi shuttler lost to Sung for the sixth time in her career. However, she still leads the head-to-head record by 8-6.

Sindhu, yesterday, had defeated Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol to enter the pre-quarterfinals.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, shuttler Kidambi Srikanth defeated his compatriot HS Prannoy in men's singles clash to enter the quarter-final of the tournament.

Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, outwitted fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes.

Srikanth will face either Japan's Kenta Nishimoto or Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Hong Kong Open after losing 24-26, 20-22 to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun women's singles second round on Thursday.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Hong Kong Open after losing 24-26, 20-22 to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun women's singles second round on Thursday. The 23-year-old Hyderabadi shuttler lost to Sung for the sixth time in her career. However, she still leads the head-to-head record by 8-6. Sindhu, yesterday, had defeated Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol to enter the pre-quarterfinals. Earlier in the day, shuttler Kidambi Srikanth defeated his compatriot HS Prannoy in men's singles clash to enter the quarter-final of the tournament. Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, outwitted fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes. Srikanth will face either Japan's Kenta Nishimoto or Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

Hong Kong Open: Sindhu crashes out after losing to South Korea's Sung

Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Thursday.

Fourth-seeded Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, had to dig deep in his reservoir to outwit fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes.

Srikanth will face either Japan's Kenta Nishimoto or Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

Sameer, however, qualified for the quarterfinals after his formidable opponent, Olympic champion Lin Dan pulled out of the competition due to injury. He will face either Denmark's Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus or local hope Lee Cheuk Yiu on Friday.&nbsp;

However, mixed doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa lost 17-21 11-21 to Chinese Taipei's Lee Yang and Hsu Ya Ching to bow out of the tournament.

The match between the two trainees of the Pulella Gopichand academy turned out to be a pulsating contest as former world no 1 Srikanth did the catch up act with Prannoy enjoying the early spoils.&nbsp;

Prannoy, who had defeated Srikanth at the Senior National final last year, moved neck-and-neck till 9-9 before the former jumped to a 14-10 lead.&nbsp;

Srikanth clawed back at 15-15 before Prannoy again moved ahead to secure the opening game.

The second game was a cliffhanger as the duo played out of their skin, giving nothing away. After a close-battle, Srikanth grabbed a slender 11-10 lead at the break, which evaporated soon as Prannoy took a 15-12 lead.

Srikanth again drew parity at 16-16 and moved to 19-17. However, Prannoy took two points to make it 19-19.&nbsp;

After that there was nothing to separate the two as both kept taking points alternatively before Srikanth managed to grab the upper limit of 30 points first to pocket the game and roar back into the contest.

In the decider, Srikanth continued his momentum surging to outwitted 11-4 lead at the interval. Prannoy caught up at 16-16 before Srikanth again moved ahead to seal the contest.&nbsp;

Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Thursday. Fourth-seeded Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, had to dig deep in his reservoir to outwit fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes.

Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Thursday. Fourth-seeded Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, had to dig deep in his reservoir to outwit fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes. Srikanth will face either Japan's Kenta Nishimoto or Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen. Sameer, however, qualified for the quarterfinals after his formidable opponent, Olympic champion Lin Dan pulled out of the competition due to injury. He will face either Denmark's Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus or local hope Lee Cheuk Yiu on Friday. However, mixed doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa lost 17-21 11-21 to Chinese Taipei's Lee Yang and Hsu Ya Ching to bow out of the tournament. The match between the two trainees of the Pulella Gopichand academy turned out to be a pulsating contest as former world no 1 Srikanth did the catch up act with Prannoy enjoying the early spoils. Prannoy, who had defeated Srikanth at the Senior National final last year, moved neck-and-neck till 9-9 before the former jumped to a 14-10 lead. Srikanth clawed back at 15-15 before Prannoy again moved ahead to secure the opening game. The second game was a cliffhanger as the duo played out of their skin, giving nothing away. After a close-battle, Srikanth grabbed a slender 11-10 lead at the break, which evaporated soon as Prannoy took a 15-12 lead. Srikanth again drew parity at 16-16 and moved to 19-17. However, Prannoy took two points to make it 19-19. After that there was nothing to separate the two as both kept taking points alternatively before Srikanth managed to grab the upper limit of 30 points first to pocket the game and roar back into the contest. In the decider, Srikanth continued his momentum surging to outwitted 11-4 lead at the interval. Prannoy caught up at 16-16 before Srikanth again moved ahead to seal the contest.

Hong Kong Open: Srikanth, Sameer enter quarterfinals

Hong Kong barred the Asia news editor of the Financial Times from entering the city as a visitor, the newspaper said, after authorities refused to renew his work visa in October, raising questions about the city's commitment to free speech.

Victor Mallet "attempted to enter Hong Kong on Thursday as a visitor but was turned away at the border after several hours of questioning by immigration officers," the Financial Times said.

Mallet did not comment further when contacted by Reuters.

Hong Kong's government said the case had nothing to do with freedom of expression or the press.

"In considering any application for entry, we will be acting in accordance with the law and the prevailing immigration policy to make a decision," it said in an emailed statement on Friday. Analysts have cited the FT editor's case among other examples of Hong Kong officials taking a tough line on perceived critics and dissent in the former British colony.

In Mallet's case, the government declined to renew his work visa last month after a speech he hosted at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) by an independence activist was strongly condemned by officials in China and Hong Kong.

Authorities did not give a reason for the visa decision, which shocked many in the city's international community and revived a debate over promised freedoms in the financial hub.

The FCC said on its website on Friday it was "shocked and baffled" by Mallet's denied entry into Hong Kong.

Joshua Rosenzweig, East Asia Research Director for rights group Amnesty International, tweeted that Hong Kong's action was "totally unacceptable and smacks of continued retaliation."

RIGHTS UNDER SCRUTINY

Beijing and Hong Kong authorities say independence violates the "one country, two systems" principle which has governed the territory since it was handed back to China in 1997.

The principle promises Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed elsewhere in China, rights which are enshrined in a mini-constitution known as the Basic Law.

The human rights situation in Hong Kong came under scrutiny in Geneva this week from several foreign governments at a United Nations hearing on rights in China.

On Friday, prominent Chinese dissident writer, Ma Jian, was allowed entry into the Chinese territory.

Ma, who lives in Britain, tweeted on Thursday that the Tai Kwun arts centre, which was set up with government support, had cancelled two events where he was had expected to speak as part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival.

Tai Kwun director Timothy Calnin said in an emailed statement that the centre "did not want to become a platform to promote the political interests of any individual."

Ma said he had been unable to find a Hong Kong publisher for his satirical novel, China Dream, dubbed by Hong Kong's literary festival organisers as "Ma's answer to President Xi Jinping's goal of restored national greatness".

"I'm a novelist, not an activist, and am attending the Festival to discuss my new novel, China Dream. My 'politics' are simple: I believe in free thought and free speech. Without them, life has no meaning," Ma wrote on Twitter.

Hong Kong barred the Asia news editor of the Financial Times from entering the city as a visitor, the newspaper said, after authorities refused to renew his work visa in October, raising questions about the city's commitment to free speech.

Hong Kong barred the Asia news editor of the Financial Times from entering the city as a visitor, the newspaper said, after authorities refused to renew his work visa in October, raising questions about the city's commitment to free speech. Victor Mallet "attempted to enter Hong Kong on Thursday as a visitor but was turned away at the border after several hours of questioning by immigration officers," the Financial Times said. Mallet did not comment further when contacted by Reuters. Hong Kong's government said the case had nothing to do with freedom of expression or the press. "In considering any application for entry, we will be acting in accordance with the law and the prevailing immigration policy to make a decision," it said in an emailed statement on Friday. Analysts have cited the FT editor's case among other examples of Hong Kong officials taking a tough line on perceived critics and dissent in the former British colony. In Mallet's case, the government declined to renew his work visa last month after a speech he hosted at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) by an independence activist was strongly condemned by officials in China and Hong Kong. Authorities did not give a reason for the visa decision, which shocked many in the city's international community and revived a debate over promised freedoms in the financial hub. The FCC said on its website on Friday it was "shocked and baffled" by Mallet's denied entry into Hong Kong. Joshua Rosenzweig, East Asia Research Director for rights group Amnesty International, tweeted that Hong Kong's action was "totally unacceptable and smacks of continued retaliation." RIGHTS UNDER SCRUTINY Beijing and Hong Kong authorities say independence violates the "one country, two systems" principle which has governed the territory since it was handed back to China in 1997. The principle promises Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed elsewhere in China, rights which are enshrined in a mini-constitution known as the Basic Law. The human rights situation in Hong Kong came under scrutiny in Geneva this week from several foreign governments at a United Nations hearing on rights in China. On Friday, prominent Chinese dissident writer, Ma Jian, was allowed entry into the Chinese territory. Ma, who lives in Britain, tweeted on Thursday that the Tai Kwun arts centre, which was set up with government support, had cancelled two events where he was had expected to speak as part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. Tai Kwun director Timothy Calnin said in an emailed statement that the centre "did not want to become a platform to promote the political interests of any individual." Ma said he had been unable to find a Hong Kong publisher for his satirical novel, China Dream, dubbed by Hong Kong's literary festival organisers as "Ma's answer to President Xi Jinping's goal of restored national greatness". "I'm a novelist, not an activist, and am attending the Festival to discuss my new novel, China Dream. My 'politics' are simple: I believe in free thought and free speech. Without them, life has no meaning," Ma wrote on Twitter.

Hong Kong bars British editor from visiting city following visa ban

Hong Kong police shot and critically injured a man who they said threatened officers with a knife during a stop-and-search operation in a busy subway station on Wednesday.

It is rare for police to shoot suspects in Hong Kong, where it is illegal for the public to carry firearms.

Officers intercepted a "suspicious" man in Sham Shui Po station but he then pulled a six-inch (15-centimetre) knife from his backpack, divisional commander Chow Ngai-kong told reporters.

After giving him a warning, a policewoman shot him and he was sent to hospital with a stomach injury.

The 55-year-old knifeman, who has been arrested, is in a critical condition.

Asked by reporters why police had fired at the man during rush hour in a crowded station, Chow said their lives had been under threat.

"The male was using a life-threatening sharp-edged weapon to try to attack officers at the scene," Chow said.

"She has considered whether she has the opportunity to hit the target before she actually opened fire," he added.

The man was a Hong Kong identity card holder, Chow said, giving no further detail on the suspect.

Hong Kong police shot and critically injured a man who they said threatened officers with a knife during a stop-and-search operation in a busy subway station on Wednesday.

Hong Kong police shot and critically injured a man who they said threatened officers with a knife during a stop-and-search operation in a busy subway station on Wednesday. It is rare for police to shoot suspects in Hong Kong, where it is illegal for the public to carry firearms. Officers intercepted a "suspicious" man in Sham Shui Po station but he then pulled a six-inch (15-centimetre) knife from his backpack, divisional commander Chow Ngai-kong told reporters. After giving him a warning, a policewoman shot him and he was sent to hospital with a stomach injury. The 55-year-old knifeman, who has been arrested, is in a critical condition. Asked by reporters why police had fired at the man during rush hour in a crowded station, Chow said their lives had been under threat. "The male was using a life-threatening sharp-edged weapon to try to attack officers at the scene," Chow said. "She has considered whether she has the opportunity to hit the target before she actually opened fire," he added. The man was a Hong Kong identity card holder, Chow said, giving no further detail on the suspect.

Police shoot knifeman in Hong Kong subway station

President Xi inaugurates world's longest sea bridge connecting Hong Kong, Macau & Zhuhai

Croatia's Borna Coric produced a masterful display of power-hitting to stun holder Roger Federer&nbsp;6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters on Saturday&nbsp;and book a final against Novak Djokovic.

Coric was quick out of the blocks at the Qi Zhong Stadium as he broke in the opening game against the top seed in China and only lost five points on serve to clinch the first set in 34 minutes.

Federer, competing in his first ATP tournament since a shock last-16 exit at the US&nbsp;Open, struggled for control against Coric's bludgeoning returns as the 13th seeded Croat clinched another early break to reach his first ATP Masters final.

The 21-year-old got his second straight win over&nbsp;Federer, having beaten the Swiss to lift the Halle title in June.

Coric, world-ranked 19th, will face one of his toughest tests of the season against Djokovic in Sunday's showpiece.

Three-time Shanghai Open winner Djokovic stormed past German Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-1 in Saturday's earlier semi and claimed the world number two ranking from&nbsp;Federer.

Djokovic did not face a break point en route to a 59-minute victory as he extended his winning streak to 17 ATP matches.

Second seed Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the US Open will surpass&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;as world number two when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday.

Croatia's Borna Coric produced a masterful display of power-hitting to stun holder Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters on Saturday and book a final against Novak Djokovic.

Croatia's Borna Coric produced a masterful display of power-hitting to stun holder Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters on Saturday and book a final against Novak Djokovic. Coric was quick out of the blocks at the Qi Zhong Stadium as he broke in the opening game against the top seed in China and only lost five points on serve to clinch the first set in 34 minutes. Federer, competing in his first ATP tournament since a shock last-16 exit at the US Open, struggled for control against Coric's bludgeoning returns as the 13th seeded Croat clinched another early break to reach his first ATP Masters final. The 21-year-old got his second straight win over Federer, having beaten the Swiss to lift the Halle title in June. Coric, world-ranked 19th, will face one of his toughest tests of the season against Djokovic in Sunday's showpiece. Three-time Shanghai Open winner Djokovic stormed past German Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-1 in Saturday's earlier semi and claimed the world number two ranking from Federer. Djokovic did not face a break point en route to a 59-minute victory as he extended his winning streak to 17 ATP matches. Second seed Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the US Open will surpass Federer as world number two when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday.

Borna Coric stuns Federer in Shanghai, faces Djokovic in final

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open.

She needed just 10 minutes on court to end the Ukrainian's resistance, sealing the 6-2, 6-4 quarterfinal win with an ace.

The 26-year-old was serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set when the heavens opened Friday evening.

Svitolina, the tournament's top seed, was Wang's highest-ranked top 10 scalp this year.

She was unable to capitalise on her stay of execution despite breaking Wang to go 3-5 and then holding her own serve.

The Rome champion, who had been hoping to sew up qualification in Hong Kong for the WTA Finals, said Saturday that she was "fighter" and had come back on court believing he still had a chance.

"But in the end (Wang) had the advantage, she had the confidence definitely," Svitolina said.

"Yesterday she was playing really great tennis -- I was missing a lot, my game was really off."

She added: "It was a really bad performance from me so I was very disappointed that I couldn't play even 20 percent of the game that I can play."

Wang, the world number 24, grabbed headlines at the French Open with her straight-sets demolition of Venus Williams, offering a hint of what was to come, and later overcame Karolina Pliskova in both Beijing and Wuhan.

She also beat Caroline Wozniacki in 2013 aged just 21 when the Dane was ranked number 10.

The Hong Kong quarter-final was a repeat of August's US Open third round contest, which the Ukrainian won in straight sets, but here the tables were turned with Svitolina receiving a tennis masterclass from her opponent.

Both players came to the tournament in hot form, with Svitolina winning two WTA titles in just four months. She is battling four other players, including Pliskova, for the final three places at the WTA Finals in Singapore later this month.

Svitolina, who is now looking for a tournament wild card to boost her Singapore chances, is also in the hunt for a new fitness and main coach for next season.

Wang leapfrogged Zhang Shuai to become China's number one women's singles player after winning the Guangzhou Open in September.

It was her second career title after beating compatriot Zheng Saisai at the Jiangxi Open in July.

She has said she is aiming to break into the top 20 in the new year.

Wang, a semi-finalist in Hong Kong last year, faces former world number one Garbine Muguruza later Saturday for place in the final.

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open.

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open. She needed just 10 minutes on court to end the Ukrainian's resistance, sealing the 6-2, 6-4 quarterfinal win with an ace. The 26-year-old was serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set when the heavens opened Friday evening. Svitolina, the tournament's top seed, was Wang's highest-ranked top 10 scalp this year. She was unable to capitalise on her stay of execution despite breaking Wang to go 3-5 and then holding her own serve. The Rome champion, who had been hoping to sew up qualification in Hong Kong for the WTA Finals, said Saturday that she was "fighter" and had come back on court believing he still had a chance. "But in the end (Wang) had the advantage, she had the confidence definitely," Svitolina said. "Yesterday she was playing really great tennis -- I was missing a lot, my game was really off." She added: "It was a really bad performance from me so I was very disappointed that I couldn't play even 20 percent of the game that I can play." Wang, the world number 24, grabbed headlines at the French Open with her straight-sets demolition of Venus Williams, offering a hint of what was to come, and later overcame Karolina Pliskova in both Beijing and Wuhan. She also beat Caroline Wozniacki in 2013 aged just 21 when the Dane was ranked number 10. The Hong Kong quarter-final was a repeat of August's US Open third round contest, which the Ukrainian won in straight sets, but here the tables were turned with Svitolina receiving a tennis masterclass from her opponent. Both players came to the tournament in hot form, with Svitolina winning two WTA titles in just four months. She is battling four other players, including Pliskova, for the final three places at the WTA Finals in Singapore later this month. Svitolina, who is now looking for a tournament wild card to boost her Singapore chances, is also in the hunt for a new fitness and main coach for next season. Wang leapfrogged Zhang Shuai to become China's number one women's singles player after winning the Guangzhou Open in September. It was her second career title after beating compatriot Zheng Saisai at the Jiangxi Open in July. She has said she is aiming to break into the top 20 in the new year. Wang, a semi-finalist in Hong Kong last year, faces former world number one Garbine Muguruza later Saturday for place in the final.

Wang Qiang downs Svitolina for biggest win of the year

Three Hong Kong cricketers, including one who had already served a 30-month ban, have been charged with breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code.

The trio has been provisionally suspended pending an investigation, the ICC said on Monday.

Irfan Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed, and Haseeb Amjad, are the players who have been charged by the ICC on a total of 19 counts of breaching the code.&nbsp;

Irfan faces nine charges, while Nadeem and Hasib face five charges each.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2167553/cricket-corruption-three-hong-kong-players-charged-and-suspended">Five cricket captains approached to spot-fix last year, says ICC</a>

“The players have 14 days from 8 October 2018 to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage,” the ICC said.

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BREAKING: Irfan Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed and Haseeb Amjad of Hong Kong have been charged with breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. 
 
All three players have been provisionally suspended with immediate effect.<a href="https://t.co/EFNtZdZFKf">https://t.co/EFNtZdZFKf</a> <a href="https://t.co/gr9wE1oYBt">pic.twitter.com/gr9wE1oYBt</a>
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Irfan ended a suspension on May 4, 2018 having been found guilty of failing to report requests to fix matches several times between January 2012 and January 2014, although he did not act on any of the approaches.

However, the latest charges include the 2016 ICC World T20 tournament in India, held in March – two months after Irfan started his first suspension.

Three Hong Kong cricketers, including one who had already served a 30-month ban, have been charged with breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code.

Three Hong Kong cricketers, including one who had already served a 30-month ban, have been charged with breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code. The trio has been provisionally suspended pending an investigation, the ICC said on Monday. Irfan Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed, and Haseeb Amjad, are the players who have been charged by the ICC on a total of 19 counts of breaching the code. Irfan faces nine charges, while Nadeem and Hasib face five charges each. Also read: Five cricket captains approached to spot-fix last year, says ICC “The players have 14 days from 8 October 2018 to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage,” the ICC said. BREAKING: Irfan Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed and Haseeb Amjad of Hong Kong have been charged with breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. All three players have been provisionally suspended with immediate effect.https://t.co/EFNtZdZFKf pic.twitter.com/gr9wE1oYBt — ICC (@ICC) October 8, 2018 × Irfan ended a suspension on May 4, 2018 having been found guilty of failing to report requests to fix matches several times between January 2012 and January 2014, although he did not act on any of the approaches. However, the latest charges include the 2016 ICC World T20 tournament in India, held in March – two months after Irfan started his first suspension.

Three Hong Kong players charged under ICC Anti-Corruption Code

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