Hong Kong marks anniversary milestone

Published

2 years ago

June 30, 2022

Hong Kong is marking the 25th anniversary of the return to Chinese rule from Britain

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Hong Kong in his first trip outside of mainland China since the start of the pandemic.

Government officials have increased their security arrangements, including a closed-loop system, which has shut down many parts of the city.

Journalists from more than seven outlets have also been banned from covering the ceremony.

“The authorities have made ad hoc and narrow interview arrangements at this important juncture and have put forth vague grounds for refusal, seriously undermining the freedom of the press in Hong Kong.”
Hong kong journalists association

Authorities say the government is “striking a balance” between journalist access and security.

When Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule, Beijing said it would grant 50 years to keep its capitalist system. It also promised to keep some of the freedoms, which are not enjoyed by mainlanders.

But that changed when Beijing imposed its national security law after anti-government protests in 2019.

Drones have also prohibited and political activists have been told not to protest at this week’s ceremony.

Officials say the national security law ensures stability and individual rights and freedoms.

But Human Rights Watch is urging other countries to raise their voices.

“Concerned governments should avoid these official handover events and not risk legitimizing Beijing’s insults to Hongkongers. Instead, they should publicly show their support for Hong Kong people’s steadfast struggle for human rights.”
HUman rights watch

The U.S. and Britain are among those who are urging Beijing to honour its commitment to freedom in the former British colony.

Earlier this month, vigils to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre were cancelled for the third year in a row.

The EV transformation expands to legacy vehicles

Published

3 hours ago

April 29, 2024

ticker NEWS

This week witnessed another milestone in the automotive industry as the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen embarked on its electric journey, aligning with global sustainability efforts.

Simultaneously, Toyota and Mazda debuted EV offerings tailored for the booming Chinese market, signalling a strategic shift towards collaboration with advanced Chinese partners.

While the electric G-Wagen promises both eco-friendliness and off-road prowess with its innovative design, questions arise about Japanese automakers’ perceived lag in EV development, countered by the strategic imperative to tap into the rapidly growing Chinese EV market. As automotive icons embrace electrification and traditional players adapt through partnerships, it’s clear that collaboration and innovation will drive the future of mobility.

News

The degree dilemma, income shifts, debt, and dream homes

Published

3 hours ago

April 29, 2024

ticker NEWS

As individuals face the daunting choice between paying off student debt, saving for a first home deposit, or exploring alternative options like rentvesting, careful consideration of various factors becomes imperative.

In the midst of these challenges, a couple in the inner north ingeniously employed a strategy to realise their dream of a larger home while managing HECS debt and affordability hurdles.

Rentvesting emerges as a viable solution for individuals grappling with the burdens of high HECS debt and property affordability issues.

Moreover, the decreasing income premium tied to a university degree is closely intertwined with changing economic dynamics and shifts in the job market, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to education and financial planning in today’s society.

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President Biden signs TikTok bill – what’s next?

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

ticker NEWS

TikTok users could soon find that the popular social media service is either under new ownership or could be outright banned in the United States.

President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that requires TikTok to find a new owner—or face a ban in the United States.

Over the past several months, Washington D.C. has been under pressure to ban the popular Chinese-owned social media app.

Lawmakers and security experts have long raised concerns that the Chinese government could tap TikTok’s trove of personal data about millions of U.S. users.

TikTok’s CEO said the bill is disappointing and reiterated that the company has committed to challenge it.

David Zhang from China Insider. joins Veronica Dudo to discuss