Author: Hong Kong Wire

Hong Kong police have reportedly arrested a bookstore owner and three staff members for allegedly selling publications deemed “seditious,” including a biography of jailed pro-democracy activist and publisher Jimmy Lai. The owner of Book Punch, Pong Yat-ming, and three employees were accused by broadcaster TVB of selling copies of “The Troublemaker,” a biography of Lai penned by his former business director, Mark Clifford. The bookstore displayed a notice citing an “emergency” for its temporary closure, and Reuters could not immediately confirm charges. This incident marks a significant escalation in the city’s ongoing crackdown on dissent, targeting not just media outlets…

Around 380 households from the fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, have expressed a preliminary interest in a second opportunity to revisit their homes and collect belongings. This request comes ahead of the first round of scheduled visits, which are set to commence from April 20 and run until May 4. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing revealed this development on Sunday, emphasizing the ongoing efforts by authorities to facilitate the retrieval process for residents affected by the recent blaze. Social workers have been actively engaging with over 1,730 families across seven of the eight towers at…

Hong Kong and Shanghai have achieved a significant milestone in their digital integration efforts, successfully linking their respective digital authentication systems. This progress, highlighted during the inaugural meeting of the Working Group on Shanghai and Hong Kong Digital Cooperation, marks a crucial step towards seamless cross-boundary operations for businesses and residents. Officials underscored the practical results of this digital push, including the establishment of five mainland Chinese enterprises in Hong Kong, signaling growing economic ties and enhanced ease of doing business between the two major financial hubs. The joint initiative aims to dismantle technical barriers and streamline data flow, fostering…

The Manhattan district attorney’s office has confirmed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against US Congressman Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat and leading candidate for governor. The inquiry stems from a woman, formerly employed in Swalwell’s district office, accusing him of two nonconsensual sexual encounters: one in 2019 during her employment, and another in 2024 after she left his staff. She told CNN that the 2024 incident, occurring in a New York hotel, was rape. This development casts a significant shadow over Swalwell’s political aspirations, immediately drawing national attention to the congressman’s conduct and the legal scrutiny now underway, impacting…

Christopher Mung Siu-tat, a UK-based NGO director, has received multiple retroactive tax bills from Hong Kong authorities after fleeing Beijing’s national security laws. This experience, he states, demonstrates how “The regime can reach me by their long arms wherever I am.” His case exemplifies a worrying trend of transnational repression (TNR) tactics, which now include the weaponisation of financial departments for political ends. Beyond the tax demands, Siu-tat has faced a bounty for his arrest, questioning of relatives, passport cancellation, and even a visit from UK counter-terrorism police concerning his safety, highlighting a multifaceted campaign against dissidents abroad. These incidents…

PETA Asia has staged a dramatic protest outside Hong Kong Technology Venture Company (HKTV) headquarters, condemning the “horrific experiments” revealed in HKTV’s recent annual report. Four PETA Asia supporters donned pig and sheep costumes, mock-bloodied, to highlight what they describe as the decapitation and dismemberment of dozens of animals, kept alive for up to seven hours. The protest specifically targeted HKTVmall, the e-commerce arm of HKTV, urging consumers to boycott the platform until the practices cease. This highly visible demonstration in Tseung Kwan O aimed to draw public attention to the controversial research and pressure HKTV to halt its Life…

Harbin in Heilongjiang province will host the 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) from December 15 to 17. This marks the first time the event is held outside Macao. Over 1,000 global tourism leaders are expected to attend, highlighting China’s evolving tourism landscape. The forum will serve as a platform for industry experts, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss trends, innovations, and opportunities in the global tourism economy. It will also spotlight China’s strategies for sustainable growth, destination marketing, and travel infrastructure development. Hosting GTEF in Harbin underscores the city’s growing importance as a tourism hub. Known for its winter…