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It has been more than two weeks since Xiao Jianhua last crossed the threshold of his luxury suite at the Four Seasons hotel in Hong Kong. For a billionaire - even one with a relatively low profile like Xiao - to vanish would, in normal times, be alarming. But when the place he has been sucked into is the black hole of China’s security state, nerves have become increasingly rattled. Xiao is renowned for his close relationships and business dealings with elite families, including relatives of President Xi Jinping. Many believed those connections made him untouchable. His bolt hole at the Four Seasons – where suites can cost £21,000 a month – and the relatively safe environs of Hong Kong, which has a separate legal system from China, were seen as affording extra protection. Xiao also employed multiple security firms and surrounded himself with a squad of female bodyguards who were apparently known to wipe the sweat from his brow. But all that changed when he was … [Read more...] about ‘The darkest time’: Hong Kong reels over bizarre disappearance of Chinese billionaire

Hong Kong’s divisive leader has announced he will not seek a second term, amid a deepening political crisis in the former British colony. Leung Chun-ying cited family reasons for the decision to step down when his term ends in July 2017. “I need to make a responsible choice between my family and society,” Hong Kong’s chief executive said at a press conference. “If I run, my family will suffer intolerable stress due to my electioneering … I must protect them.” Under his leadership, Hong Kong has been rocked by some of the most severe challenges in history to China’s authority over the semi-autonomous city, including the umbrella movement protests in 2014, during which roads were occupied for nearly three months by demonstrators opposed to the method of electing the chief executive. The failure of the protests to win any concessions from Leung and Beijing left the city starkly divided between pro-establishment and pro-democracy camps, and … [Read more...] about Hong Kong’s divisive leader to step down amid political crisis

Thousands of students in Hong Kong have boycotted the first day of the new term in a fresh wave of protests, after a tense weekend of violent clashes between police and demonstrators. On Monday, university and secondary students marked the end of their summer break by skipping classes and holding rallies to call on the government to withdraw a controversial extradition bill, among other demands. Thousands of students wearing helmets, goggles and masks – the unofficial uniform of the protests – filled the grounds of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), holding black banners saying, “Boycott for freedom” and periodically shouting, “Reclaim Hong Kong”. “If you are not a slave, don’t act like one,” said one speaker, a woman introduced only by her surname Chiu, from an alumni group, who urged students to continue to fight for their freedoms. A stage behind her featured part of a saying by Mao Zedong: “A single spark can … [Read more...] about Hong Kong students boycott classes as Chinese media warns ‘end is coming’

It has been hailed as one of the best films to come out of Hong Kong in decades, playing to packed houses and picking up nominations for two major Asian awards. But if you want to see the independent production Ten Years the only places are private showings advertised through Facebook. As Beijing steps up its crackdown on political dissent, the film’s disappearance has left some moviegoers scratching their heads and wondering whether the long hand of the mainland authorities may be responsible. The timing of attacks from the mainland and the content of Ten Years appears to bear this out. The film is a dystopian narrative composed of five short stories in which Hong Kong has been totally taken over by China to the point that neither the language, Cantonese, nor local agricultural products can be freely used. The film first hit the screens at a local film festival in November before getting a wider release the following month. But general release ended in January – when it … [Read more...] about Ten Years – the terrifying vision of Hong Kong that Beijing wants obscured

Hong Kong’s leader Leung “CY” Chun-ying is preparing to leave office following a five-year term marred by allegations of corruption, controversial remarks, and unfulfilled promises. He will be the first chief executive not to serve a second term. With elections for his successor scheduled for 26 March, what does the future hold for Hong Kong? There are four contenders now seeking the top job. John Tsang Chun-wah, Leung’s former financial secretary and the current crowd favourite, has 60% of the population’s support, according to polls. Carrie Lam Cheung Yuet-ngor, Leung’s second-in-command, is a close second and reportedly Beijing’s favored candidate. Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee is the founder and chair of the pro-Beijing New People’s party. Polls show that more than 50% still oppose her election. Woo Kwok-hing is the final candidate. The first to launch his campaign, Woo differs from the other candidates in that he is a retired judge. Hong … [Read more...] about We must resist until China gives Hong Kong a say in our future