Hong Kong marks anniversary milestone

Published

3 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.

Trump: No ceasefire with Iran, just surrender

Trump rejects ceasefire with Iran, demands total conflict end, warns of military action and nuclear threats.

Published

12 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump rejects ceasefire with Iran, demands total conflict end, warns of military action and nuclear threats.

Trump: No Ceasefire With Iran, Just Surrender — President Donald Trump has escalated his stance on Iran, rejecting the idea of a ceasefire and stating he wants a complete end to the conflict.

He warned Iran against developing nuclear weapons and hinted at potential military action, including the use of “bunker buster” bombs. Trump’s remarks, including a threatening post on Truth Social, have reignited fears of a broader confrontation in the Middle East.

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#Trump #IranCrisis #MiddleEastTensions #NuclearThreat #TruthSocial #G7Summit #USMilitary #Geopolitics

News

Markets drop as Trump threatens Iran strike

“Markets slide as Trump’s threats against Iran and abrupt G7 exit heighten investor fears, boosting oil prices amid rising inflation concerns.”

Published

12 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

“Markets slide as Trump’s threats against Iran and abrupt G7 exit heighten investor fears, boosting oil prices amid rising inflation concerns.”

Markets Drop As Trump Threatens Iran Strike — President Trump’s hardline stance on Iran and his early G7 departure spooked investors.

Stock markets slumped while oil and energy surged, raising concerns over inflation and global trade instability. With Middle East tensions flaring, Wall Street braces for more volatility.

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#Markets #IranTensions #WallStreet #OilPrices #TradeWar #TrumpNews #EconomicOutlook #StockMarket

News

Israel targets Iran’s Fordow facility amid tensions

Israel seeks to damage Iran’s Fordow facility before halting operations; Trump suggests US knows Khamenei’s location, avoids assassination.

Published

14 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Israel seeks to damage Iran’s Fordow facility before halting operations; Trump suggests US knows Khamenei’s location, avoids assassination.

In Short:
Israel aims to damage Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility and is seeking US assistance, despite uncertainty about American military involvement. Tensions rise as President Trump holds national security meetings, contemplating military options against Iran.

Israel plans to continue its operations against Iran until the Fordow nuclear facility is significantly damaged. The facility, located underground near Qom, is crucial for uranium enrichment.

Israel acknowledges that its own military capabilities cannot reach the depths of Fordow, but it is relying on the United States for support.

Israel’s National Security Advisor, Tzachi Hanegbi, indicated ongoing discussions with US officials but expressed uncertainty regarding US involvement in military actions.

Iran’s nuclear weapon

Many in Israel and the West suspect that Fordow is part of Iran’s nuclear weapon development, a claim that Iran denies.

President Donald Trump left the G7 summit early due to this ongoing conflict and convened a national security meeting at the White House.

The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, included key security figures such as CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Reports suggest that Trump is considering the use of a “bunker buster” bomb against Fordow.