Tue, 21-Oct-2025

What is APEC? Asia-Pacific leaders travel to San Francisco

APEC

The 30th APEC summit is set to convene in San Francisco this month. This is the first time the United States has hosted the event since 2011. The organization operates based on non-binding commitments. The 30th APEC summit is set to convene in San Francisco this month, marking the first time the United States has … Read more

Hong Kong lifts its mask mandate after 945 days

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has removed the mask requirement for the Covid virus. But many locals still wear them in public settings. Although wearing a mask has never been required in Japan, most individuals do. One of the longest-standing Covid restrictions worldwide has been eliminated with Hong Kong‘s removal of the mask requirement. According to John Lee, … Read more

Hong Kong scraps most Covid restrictions

China

Hong Kong is relaxing almost all Covid prohibitions, following China’s lead. Starting Thursday, visitors won’t have to undergo PCR tests. Outside gathering restrictions will be lifted. This week, Hong Kong is lifting practically all of its bans on the use of Covid, following the example set by mainland China. Beginning on Thursday, visitors entering the … Read more

Hong Kong requests Beijing’s ruling on foreign attorneys

Hong Kong

John Lee asked Beijing if foreign lawyers can work on national security issues. Hong Kong’s top court rejected a move by the city’s Department of Justice. They wanted to ban a British barrister from representing Jimmy Lai. John Lee has asked Beijing if foreign lawyers can work on national security issues. Hong Kong’s top court … Read more

China’s National Day, Hong Kong leader John Lee promises rebirth

China's National Day

China’s ruling Communist Party celebrated its 73rd anniversary in power under strict anti-virus controls. A 96-person honour guard raised the Chinese flag on Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Authorities asked people not to travel on holidays, so there were no parades or other public events. Hong Kong’s leader promised to get the struggling economy back on … Read more

Hong Kong reduces the quarantine at the Covid hotel to three days

quarantine

Hong Kong will relax its Covid hotel quarantine restrictions for visitors from other countries. Those coming in the city will be required to remain in quarantine accommodations for three days They will subsequently be subjected to four days of “medical surveillance,” either at home or at a hotel. Hong Kong will relax its Covid hotel … Read more

Hong Kong lifts Covid flight ban

hong kong

Hong Kong’s new govt. has reversed a long-standing flight route ban that punished airlines for bringing in coronavirus cases and severely hindered travel into the city. The ban was harshly criticised by people in the industry, who said Hong Kong was in danger of losing its status as an aviation hub. Hong Kong new govt … Read more

Hong Kong’s new leader has been congratulated by Western multinationals

hong kong

Western corporations and local tycoons congratulated John Lee on his election as Hong Kong’s next leader on Monday, following a rubber-stamp selection process criticised by opponents as anti-democratic. Lee, 64, a former security director who supervised the crackdown on Hong Kong’s democratic movement, was sworn in as the next leader of the commercial centre on … Read more

Hong Kong leader appointment violates democratic norms: EU chief

Hong Kong

The appointment of a former security chief as Hong Kong’s new leader, according to the European Union’s foreign policy chief, violated democratic norms. A small committee of Beijing loyalists appointed John Lee, 64, who oversaw the crackdown on Hong Kong’s democracy movement, as Hong Kong leader on Sunday. “The European Union regrets this violation of … Read more