Category Archives: Blog

The Congressional-Executive Commission on China issues its annual report, putting Hong Kong together with Xinjiang and Tibet as a place where Beijing ‘most brutally’ violates human rights. HKFP says… “The façade of an alternative system of political governance that was … Continue reading →

Hong Kong bureaucrats tasked with boosting the tourism industry furiously organize mega-events in an attempt to meet arbitrary targets for visitor numbers. As a HKFP op-ed points out, the results are mixed… The idea that events should be supported by … Continue reading →

The trial of Jimmy Lai continues, with judges suggesting that more of his opinions – eg that Xi Jinping has put China onto a dangerous path – could be ‘inciting hatred’… Lai, 77, told his national security trial on Thursday … Continue reading →

It’s one of those times all-patriots folk find themselves opposing the government: legislators derail a plan for ‘smart ballot boxes’… But within just two days, the bureau decided to withdraw the initiative after the backlash. “The original intention of the … Continue reading →

The Lowy Interpreter looks at China’s ‘panda diplomacy’ (article especially recommended for those who like using the word ‘gifted’ instead of ‘given’ or ‘donated’)… The sudden influx of pandas to California reflects the pro-China stance of Californian officials, which contrasts … Continue reading →

Long Hair and 12 others found guilty in the primary elections/‘conspiracy to commit subversion’ trial plan to appeal… Of the 47 charged in the subversion case, 16 pleaded not guilty and sat through a 118-day trial, with 14 found guilty … Continue reading →

An interesting not-too-long but thorough report by Samuel Bickett – Asia’s Walled City: The Erosion of Transparency in Hong Kong. It covers a wide range of subjects, including: weakening freedom of information; removal of material from government websites and reports; … Continue reading →

Not a great day for Hong Kong justice Seven people, including former legislator Lam Cheuk-ting, are convicted of rioting after going to Yuen Long MTR station (unlike the police, who mysteriously failed to show up) when a violent mob ambushed … Continue reading →

Chart of the day: monthly remuneration of ‘politically appointed officials’ in the Hong Kong government… Rank and file civil servants’ pay – look at the ads in the SCMP on Saturdays – is similarly generous. People who work in the … Continue reading →

The amazing things that happen when you don’t get tried by a National Security court: Grandpa Chan cleared of unauthorized display of banners in a park… Siding with 78-year old Chan Ki-kau at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, … Continue reading →