Singapore Airlines cargo flight makes emergency landing in Hong Kong after plane’s fire alarm system triggered
March 24, 2023 GMTA Singapore Airlines cargo flight bound for Shanghai was forced to make an emergency landing in Hong Kong on Friday night after the Boeing 747 aircraft's fire alarm system was triggered.
A police spokesman said the fire alarm went off at 10.27pm (10.27am, US Eastern Time) and the plane landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport at 10.53pm.
Hong Kong traffic accident leaves 87 people injured
March 24, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Four passenger buses and a truck collided near a Hong Kong road tunnel Friday and 87 people were injured, including children. Most of the injuries were minor.
The accident occurred after midday near a tunnel entrance on Tseung Kwan O Road in Lam Tin, a residential area in Kowloon.
Hong Kong to probe cause of warehouse fire; 3,600 evacuated
March 24, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong firefighters will investigate the cause of a blaze that broke out Friday at a warehouse and forced 3,600 people, including students, to evacuate, authorities said.
Thick smoke was seen pouring out from the eight-story factory building where the fire broke out around 2 p.m.
Artwork that secretly honored Hong Kong dissidents removed
March 24, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong department store took down a digital artwork that contained hidden references to jailed dissidents, in an incident the artist says is evidence of erosion of free speech in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.
China Evergrande unveils restructuring plan for at least US$19.15 billion of offshore debt
March 22, 2023 GMTEmbattled China Evergrande Group has announced a long-awaited restructuring plan to tackle at least US$19.15 billion of offshore debt, including proposals to swap its creditors' debt into shares of some Hong Kong-listed affiliates, such as China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group.
Coronavirus: Hong Kong to drop mandatory tests for visitors to public hospital and care homes, lifting one of the few remaining rules
March 22, 2023 GMTVisitors to Hong Kong public hospitals and care homes will no longer be required to undergo rapid antigen tests for Covid-19 from Saturday, after the government said it was lifting one of the last remaining mandatory screening requirements.
‘Winnie the Pooh’ film pulled from Hong Kong cinemas
March 22, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Public screenings of a slasher film that features Winnie the Pooh were scrapped abruptly in Hong Kong on Tuesday, sparking discussions over increasing censorship in the city.
Google suspends Chinese shopping app amid security concerns
March 21, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Google has suspended the Chinese shopping app Pinduoduo on its app store after malware was discovered in versions of the app from other sources.
Google said in a statement Tuesday that it suspended the Pinduoduo app on the Google Play app store out of “security concerns” and that it was investigating the matter.
US: War crimes on all sides in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict
March 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Monday that it has determined all sides in the brutal conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Man arrested in Hong Kong after visiting 9 medical clinics in 5 days to obtain free Covid-19 antiviral drugs by allegedly pretending to have virus
March 18, 2023 GMTHong Kong police have arrested a man who allegedly obtained nine courses of free Covid-19 oral drugs in five days by pretending to be infected with the coronavirus, the second such case involving fraudulent claims for antivirals in weeks.
Clash between Hong Kong top sports body, ice hockey team deepens over national anthem blunder
March 17, 2023 GMTA war of words between Hong Kong's sports federation and the city's ice hockey association deepened on Friday over a blunder last month when a protest song was once again played at an international tournament instead of China's national anthem.
Hong Kong’s Mirror launches English song, revives Cantopop
March 17, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s most popular boy band Mirror, a major driving force behind the revival of the local pop music scene, launched its first English song on Friday, hoping to bring the city’s tunes to music lovers globally.
Asian stocks fall after Wall St sinks on new bank fears
March 16, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets tumbled Thursday after Wall Street sank as a plunge in Credit Suisse shares reignited worries about a possible bank crisis following the failure of two U.S.
Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai’s son and London lawyers accused of abuse of UN after appeal to human rights council over collusion trial
March 15, 2023 GMTThe son of media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and his London-based lawyers have been accused by the Hong Kong government of abuse of the United Nations after they asked its Human Rights Council to interfere in Lai's national security trial.
AP PHOTOS: Hong Kong’s ‘villain-hitting’ ritual draws crowds
March 14, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — For people holding a grudge in Hong Kong, one way to release their anger is to take part in the “villain-hitting” ritual.
Those seeking to ease their anxieties and improve their mood visit an area beneath the Canal Road Flyover in Causeway Bay, one of the city’s shopping districts.
Hong Kong activists behind Tiananmen vigil jailed for months
March 11, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Three former organizers of Hong Kong's annual vigil in remembrance of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy protests were jailed Saturday for 4 1/2 months for failing to provide authorities with information on the group under a national security law.
Hong Kong security police arrest veteran labor activist
March 9, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong national security police on Thursday arrested a veteran labor activist who is also the wife of an organizer of annual vigils commemorating China’s 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, two people close to her said.
Will China’s next premier be a moderating influence on Xi?
March 9, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — The pro-business track record of the man poised to become China’s top economic official will make his term a test of whether he might moderate President Xi Jinping ’s tendency to intervene.
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific posts $834 million loss for 2022
March 8, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. said it was ready to rebuild as Hong Kong opened up to global visitors despite reporting wider losses in 2022.
The airline reported an annual loss of 6.55 billion Hong Kong dollars ($834.4 million) for the year ending Dec.
UN rights chief cites ‘communication’ about issues in China
March 8, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — The new U.N. human rights chief said Tuesday that his office has opened “channels of communication” to help follow up on concerns about the rights of minorities in China, including Uyghur Muslims and Tibetans.
Woman arrested in gruesome killing of Hong Kong model
March 7, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — A woman accused of assisting a suspect in the gruesome killing and dismemberment of model Abby Choi in Hong Kong has been arrested in mainland China and charged, Hong Kong police said Tuesday.
UN-backed panel calls on China to improve basic human rights
March 6, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — U.N.-backed experts Monday urged China to improve its courts' independence, share data on COVID-19, suspend construction of coal-fired power plants and “immediately" end human rights violations in its western Xinjiang region.
Hong Kong police stop activists from joining women’s march
March 5, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong pro-democracy group on Sunday said the national security police stopped activists from joining a highly-anticipated protest that was canceled last minute by the organizer.
Hong Kong court convicts activists behind Tiananmen vigil
March 4, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Three Hong Kong activists from a now-defunct group that organized annual vigils commemorating China’s 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters were convicted on Saturday for failing to provide authorities with information on the group in accordance with a national security law.
Hong Kong probes cause of blaze in shopping district
March 3, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong authorities on Friday were investigating the cause of a huge blaze that broke out overnight at a construction site in a popular shopping district and forced 170 people in nearby buildings to evacuate.
Publisher behind Xi biography released from China prison
March 3, 2023 GMTA Hong Kong-based publisher who was arrested while preparing to release an unauthorized biography of Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been freed after serving a 10-year sentence in a south China prison.
Two taken to hospital after fire hits skyscraper being built on site of old Mariner’s Club in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui
March 2, 2023 GMTTwo people were taken to hospital on Thursday night after a blaze broke out at an under-construction skyscraper in one of Hong Kong's major shopping districts.
Scaffolding around the building was engulfed in flames and burning embers from the building, in Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, ignited objects on the ground.
One more man arrested in case of slain Hong Kong model
March 2, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong police on Thursday arrested a man accused of assisting another suspect in the gruesome killing of model Abby Choi, whose dismembered body parts were found in a refrigerator.
Melco: Q4 Earnings Snapshot
March 1, 2023 GMTHONG KONG., Hong Kong (AP) — HONG KONG., Hong Kong (AP) — Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd. (MLCO) on Wednesday reported a loss of $251.9 million in its fourth quarter.
The Hong Kong., Hong Kong-based company said it had a loss of 57 cents per share.
Asian shares trade mixed with earnings, regional tensions
March 1, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mixed Wednesday as investors watched for upcoming earnings reports and other indicators on how inflationary pressures might be denting global growth.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 was virtually unchanged in morning trading, inching up less than 0.1% to 27,446.91.
Hong Kong to lift COVID-19 mask mandate on Wednesday
February 28, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong will lift its mask mandate on Wednesday, ending the city’s last major restriction imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city's chief executive, John Lee, said masks will no longer be required both outdoors and indoors, including on public transit, but some high-risk areas including hospitals and elderly homes can still require their use.
Police look for evidence in slain Hong Kong model’s case
February 28, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong police began searching a landfill Tuesday for evidence related to the grisly killing of model Abby Choi, whose dismembered body parts were found in a refrigerator and pots.
For man behind gene-edited babies, a rocky return to science
February 28, 2023 GMTFive years ago, scientist He Jiankui shocked his peers and the world with claims that he created the first genetically edited babies.
Slain Hong Kong model’s in-laws, ex-husband detained
February 27, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — The ex-husband and former in-laws of a slain Hong Kong model were detained Monday on charges in her killing after police found body parts in a refrigerator and a pot. The case has gripped many in a Chinese territory where any violent crime is rare.
Company says missing Chinese banker Bao Fan aiding probe
February 27, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Missing Chinese investment banker Bao Fan is co-operating with an investigation in China, his company China Renaissance said in a stock market filing Sunday.
Since Bao went missing, China Renaissance Holdings Ltd.'s Hong Kong-listed shares have slumped as much as 29%.
Macao eases COVID mask mandate as virus situation stabilizes
February 27, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Macao, the world’s biggest gambling hub, has eased its requirements for people to wear masks after mandating them for most of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting Monday, people no longer have to wear masks when outdoors, the statement by authorities in the Chinese territory said.
Hong Kong model’s in-laws charged after body parts found
February 27, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Police in Hong Kong filed murder charges against the former father-in-law and brother-in-law of a model and influencer whose body parts were found in a refrigerator and a skull believed to be hers in a pot at a rural house.
Beijing official in Hong Kong warns US envoy after speech
February 25, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — A Chinese diplomat accused the U.S. consul general in Hong Kong of interfering in its affairs after he said the city's freedoms were eroding and warned the American not to cross political “red lines.”
Hong Kong model killed, body parts found in refrigerator
February 24, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — The former in-laws of a Hong Kong model are under arrest after her body parts were found in a refrigerator days after she disappeared, police said Saturday.
Police are searching for her ex-husband but have arrested his parents and brother, according to Police Superintendent Alan Chung.
Alibaba: Fiscal Q3 Earnings Snapshot
February 23, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — HONG KONG (AP) — Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA) on Thursday reported fiscal third-quarter net income of $6.79 billion.
The Hong Kong-based company said it had net income of $2.60 per share.
Asian stocks rise after Wall St slides on rate hike fears
February 23, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets rose Thursday following Wall Street's biggest one-day decline in two months after notes from a Federal Reserve meeting showed officials expect to keep U.S. interest rates high to fight stubborn inflation.
China’s exports in 2023 weighed down by ‘very weak’ outlook, analysts say
February 21, 2023 GMTChina's export growth percentage is estimated to remain in the "low single digits" this year, with the possibility of a pickup in the second half, according to an outlook by Goldman Sachs that comes amid supply-chain disruptions and sluggish global demand.
Hong Kong pulls visa for man behind gene-edited babies claim
February 21, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Hong Kong on Tuesday revoked a visa it granted to a Chinese scientist who set off an ethical debate five years ago with claims that he made the world’s first genetically edited babies, pulling it hours after he announced his research plans in the financial hub.
Rise in Hong Kong hiking mishaps and deaths as Covid-19 drove hordes outdoors, with many trekkers clueless, unprepared
February 19, 2023 GMTHiking accidents rose sharply in Hong Kong during the three years of the Covid-19 pandemic, with spikes in the number of casualties and deaths, as many more Hongkongers took to the outdoors.
Hong Kong start-up Sandbox VR bets on Squid Game experience in Netflix partnership to help global expansion
February 19, 2023 GMTFans of the hit South Korean dystopian drama Squid Game who thought competing in life-or-death childhood games looked like fun will soon have the chance to experience it in virtual reality thanks to a collaboration between Hong Kong-based Sandbox VR and US-based video streamer Netflix.
Hong Kong’s landmark transgender ruling: will the rest of Asia now follow suit?
February 19, 2023 GMTLGBTQ advocates are hopeful that a landmark court ruling on transgender rights in Hong Kong earlier this month will create a legal ripple effect granting greater official recognition for trans people living elsewhere in Asia.
Hong Kong distance runner Wong Wan-chun fears Nike sponsorship issue could derail Paris Olympics bid
February 19, 2023 GMTHong Kong multiple record holder Wong Wan-chun finished in the top 100 at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships at Mount Panorama in Bathurst, Australia on Saturday, despite dealing with a sponsorship issue that is threatening his running career.
Hong Kong’s return to normality does not guarantee a reversal of population decline
February 19, 2023 GMTThe city's population decline accelerated last year, driven by emigration and plummeting birth numbers. This reflected abnormal times, exacerbated by the devastating fifth wave of Covid-19. But it still raises the question whether a return to normal life after the pandemic will be enough to reverse both trends, or officials need to do something to make it happen and slow the ageing of society.
Why sick minks are reigniting worries about bird flu
February 18, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — A recent bird flu outbreak at a mink farm has reignited worries about the virus spreading more broadly to people.
Scientists have been keeping tabs on this bird flu virus since the 1950s, though it wasn't deemed a threat to people until a 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong among visitors to live poultry markets.
Wall Street closes another bumpy week with a mixed finish
February 17, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street closed another bumpy week with a mixed performance on Friday amid worries that inflation is not cooling as quickly or as smoothly as hoped.
The S&P fell 0.3% after paring a bigger loss from the morning.
China top tech dealmaker goes missing amid graft crackdown
February 17, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Shares of the company that operates one of China’s top investment banks, China Renaissance, plunged Friday after the firm said it had lost touch with its founder Bao Fan, one of the country's most high-profile bankers and a top tech-sector dealmaker.
Chinese defend Hong Kong, Xinjiang record at UN hearing
February 17, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Chinese envoys have defended Beijing’s treatment of Hong Kong and Muslim minorities in an unusual public confrontation with human rights advocates at a U.N. meeting.
China faces grilling in review of key rights by UN committee
February 17, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — China came in for a grilling Wednesday over its human rights record as a two-day hearing opened at the United Nations human rights office, with rights advocates raising issues like relocations from Tibet, COVID-19, reprisals against human rights defenders and a security law that crushed dissidents in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong population drops for 3rd year under COVID shadow
February 16, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s government announced Thursday that the territory's population dropped for a third straight year as deaths rose during the pandemic and anti-virus measures reduced the number of arriving workers, but did not mention an exodus of residents sparked by a crackdown on the pro-democracy movement.
Hong Kong sees more pro-Beijing voices at UN rights review
February 16, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong supporters of a tough national security law imposed by China’s ruling Communist Party have set their sights on a United Nations session, drawing concern from rights advocates.
Asian stocks fall after US inflation feeds rate hike fears
February 15, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets fell Wednesday after U.S. inflation edged down less than expected, fueling concern the Federal Reserve might think more interest rate hikes are needed.
Market benchmarks in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Sydney declined.
5 Hong Kong TV and radio stations must air 30 minutes each week on national identity, security, but will people tune in?
February 14, 2023 GMTHong Kong authorities will require TV and radio broadcasters using the public airwaves to run at least 30 minutes of content each week about national education and identity, as well as the national security law imposed by Beijing following anti-government protests in 2019.
Cat meat destined for human consumption seized in raid on Hong Kong store
February 14, 2023 GMTStaff at a Hong Kong store are to be prosecuted after a raid by government agencies discovered cat DNA in meat samples seized from the premises.
The blitz on the trade in illegal meat came after an investigation by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Beijing eases meeting rule for US top diplomat in Hong Kong
February 14, 2023 GMTHong Kong (AP) — The United States consul general no longer needs to secure China’s approval before meeting officials in the semi-autonomous Chinese city of Hong Kong, after a rule put in place during heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing was relaxed.
Asian stocks slide ahead of US inflation update
February 13, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets sank Monday ahead of a U.S. inflation update that traders worry might lead to more interest rate hikes.
Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul declined. Shanghai advanced.
Buffett’s firm has now sold 95 million shares of China’s BYD
February 10, 2023 GMTOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Warren Buffett's company has now sold nearly 95 million of its original 225 million shares of Chinese electric carmaker BYD's stock, but it remains a significant shareholder.
Berkshire Hathaway said in a filing with the Hong Kong stock market Thursday that it had sold another 4.235 million BYD shares since last month.
Disney cuts Simpsons ‘forced labor’ episode in Hong Kong
February 8, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Walt Disney Co. has removed an episode from cartoon series The Simpsons that included a reference to “forced labor camps” in China from its streaming service in Hong Kong.
Silicon Motion: Q4 Earnings Snapshot
February 7, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — HONG KONG (AP) — Silicon Motion Technology Corp. (SIMO) on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $23.5 million.
The Hong Kong-based company said it had net income of 71 cents per share.
Asian stocks rebound after Wall St sinks on rate fears
February 7, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets rebounded Tuesday after Wall Street sank under pressure from worries about higher interest rates and after Japan reported stronger wage gains than expected.
Hong Kong transgender men win appeal over status change
February 7, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s top court ruled Monday that full sex reassignment surgery should not be a prerequisite for transgender people to have their gender changed on their official identity cards, in a move that is likely to have a far-reaching impact on the transgender community.
Subversion trial for Hong Kong political activists opens
February 6, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Some of Hong Kong’s best-known pro-democracy activists went on trial Monday in the biggest prosecution yet under a law imposed by China’s ruling Communist Party to crush dissent.
Asian stocks sink after US jobs data fan rate hike fears
February 6, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets sank Monday after strong U.S. jobs data fanned fears of more interest rate hikes to cool inflation.
Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul retreated. Tokyo gained. Oil prices edged higher.
Saudi International: Ancer and Young in 2-horse race, while Hong Kong’s Cheung gives himself shot at top 25 finish
February 4, 2023 GMTAbraham Ancer will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the PIF Saudi International on Sunday, after firing a bogey-free six-under-par 64 in King Abdullah Economic City.
The Mexican, who is 17-under for his three rounds and is bidding to be the first player to win the tournament wire-to-wire, has America's Cameron Young hot on his heels.
China, Hong Kong scrap cross-border travel quota, COVID test
February 3, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Travel between Hong Kong and China will no longer require COVID-19 PCR tests nor be held to a daily limit, authorities announced Friday, as both places seek to drive economic growth.
Hong Kong woos tourists with air tickets and vouchers
February 2, 2023 GMTHong Kong (AP) — Hong Kong will give away air tickets and vouchers to woo tourists back to the international financial hub, racing to catch up with other popular travel destinations in a fierce regional competition.
Hong Kong bans CBD, forcing businesses to shut or revamp
February 1, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong banned CBD as a “dangerous drug” and imposed harsh penalties for its possession on Wednesday, forcing fledging businesses to shut down or revamp.
Supporters say CBD, or cannabidiol, derived from the cannabis plant, can help relieve stress and inflammation without getting its users high, unlike its more famous cousin THC, the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana which has long been illegal in Hong Kong.
Former Shanghai bookseller’s wife hit with ‘exit ban’
January 31, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Chinese police have prevented a woman from returning to her home in Florida in an effort to compel her husband to return to China, she wrote in a letter he made public.
The case appears to be the latest example of Chinese authorities placing an “exit ban” on a person’s relatives to pressure them to return.
Tree management must be effective
January 28, 2023 GMTThanks to the "not in my backyard" mindset among some civil servants, it is not uncommon to see issues of public concern being passed around or falling through the cracks of departments. But even when something is clearly in one's turf, it may still go woefully wrong.
FTX creditors list includes more than 50 Hong Kong institutions, including regulators HKMA and SFC
January 28, 2023 GMTA broad list of potential creditors to collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX includes more than 50 Hong Kong entities, with two government bodies that regulate virtual assets, in a display of the one-time crypto giant's extensive reach.
Coronavirus: Hong Kong bosses taking no chances with infected workers even as mandatory isolation for Covid patients is axed
January 28, 2023 GMTCovid-19 patients in Hong Kong will no longer be required to undergo mandatory isolation from Monday, but employers in some sectors have said they will still ask infected staff to stay at home to protect other workers and the people they serve.
Enough of the cute: Hong Kong’s Year of the Rabbit stamps reflect a taste for tame public art
January 28, 2023 GMTHow do you like your rabbit this Lunar New Year? Netizens have given the China Post stamp commemorating the Year of the Rabbit an emphatic thumbs down, complaining that the rabbit painted by legendary artist Huang Yongyu is "horrific", "evil" and "ugly".
Manslaughter counts against doctors raise uncomfortable truths in Hong Kong
January 28, 2023 GMTReports of medical blunders are, thankfully, relatively few and far between in Hong Kong's comprehensive healthcare sector. The consequences can be serious or even tragic for all concerned.
Blunders are, rightly, subject to review under established procedures, possible disciplinary action and measures to prevent a recurrence.
British workers are striking as UK rights come under scrutiny
January 28, 2023 GMTHalf a million people could join one of Britain's biggest strikes in decades next week, as the UK government pushes for new laws that could mean dismissal for essential workers who join in industrial action.