https://www.scmp.com/rss/318206/feed Hong Kong political news including political reform and Hong Kong/China relations. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Updated declarations of interest by members of Hong Kong’s top decision-making body have revealed new business ventures and corporate board appointments for several former veteran lawmakers, while constitutional affairs chief Janice Tse Siu-wa remains the biggest landlord among ministers. The Executive Council’s annually updated declarations of interest were published on Thursday in accordance with regulations requiring all members, including senior politically appointed officials, to declare... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368705/exco-declarations-reveal-new-roles-ex-lawmakers-minister-retains-22-flats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368705/exco-declarations-reveal-new-roles-ex-lawmakers-minister-retains-22-flats?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:50:44 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A Hong Kong and Macau youth delegation trip to Beijing to pay tribute to the national flag has showcased the “fruitful results” of the two cities’ patriotic education efforts, according to the central government. A commentary published by the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office on Tuesday also said that President Xi Jinping and the central government attached great importance to the five-day visit, during which the delegation received “vivid patriotic education” through immersive visits and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368485/hong-kong-macau-student-trip-beijing-shows-fruitful-results-patriotic-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368485/hong-kong-macau-student-trip-beijing-shows-fruitful-results-patriotic-push?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:37:45 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung The Hong Kong government has rejected an annual European Union report alleging that the administration is undermining the city’s fundamental freedoms, calling its claims “unfounded and biased”. The more than 4,500-word statement, issued early on Wednesday, followed the publication on Tuesday of the EU’s 2025 annual report on Hong Kong. The report was jointly issued by the European Commission and the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas. It highlighted... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368464/hong-kong-rejects-eu-reports-claims-freedoms-unfounded-and-biased?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368464/hong-kong-rejects-eu-reports-claims-freedoms-unfounded-and-biased?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 04:23:01 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong authorities have appointed a five-member supervisory committee to investigate the conviction of a district councillor for having sex with a 13-year-old girl 15 years ago. Yuen Long district councillor Sei Chun-hing, 39, is the first elected officeholder to face possible imprisonment for a criminal offence since Beijing’s 2021 electoral overhaul, which restricted candidates to those vetted as “patriots”. The offence is punishable by up to five years in jail.. Secretary for Home and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368429/hong-kong-appoints-committee-investigate-councillors-sex-crime-conviction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368429/hong-kong-appoints-committee-investigate-councillors-sex-crime-conviction?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:01:14 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A top official will determine where responsibility lies when a public complaint spans multiple departments under a new handling mechanism for the 1823 hotline, set to be implemented early next year. Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said on Monday that he would ensure a “very fair” distribution of responsibility when assigning complaints that involved more than one government department. The reform, which will take effect in the first quarter of next year, will see... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368239/no-more-not-our-job-top-official-pick-lead-department-complex-1823-cases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368239/no-more-not-our-job-top-official-pick-lead-department-complex-1823-cases?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:40:01 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma,Ng Kang-chung Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma,Ng Kang-chung Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders sent condolences from Beijing as Hong Kong bade farewell to the city’s first postcolonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, at a sombre yet poignant state funeral on Sunday. A report by the official Xinhua News Agency praised Tung, who died on September 8 at the age of 89, as “an outstanding contributor to ‘one country, two systems’, a renowned patriot, an outstanding social activist and a close friend of” the Communist Party of China. “While Tung was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368170/his-love-hong-kong-was-profound-tung-chee-hwa-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368170/his-love-hong-kong-was-profound-tung-chee-hwa-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:24:33 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s first post-colonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, has been lauded as a pioneer of “one country, two systems”, a staunch patriot and a close friend of the Communist Party who also contributed to Sino-US relations, according to a eulogy delivered by a senior Beijing official. In his remarks at Tung’s state funeral on Sunday, seen by the South China Morning Post, Shi Taifeng – a Politburo member and first vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – also... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368145/staunch-patriot-close-friend-beijing-official-hails-tung-chee-hwas-legacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368145/staunch-patriot-close-friend-beijing-official-hails-tung-chee-hwas-legacy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 07:19:11 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung The United States Congress has reportedly launched a probe after a shipment of sensitive F-35 fighter jet parts was said to have been unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong and went missing, with the city’s authorities declining to comment on the case. A spokesman for the Hong Kong government said over the weekend that it would not comment on individual cases, a day after US media outlet Politico reported the story. Citing three anonymous sources, Politico said the F-35 parts were shipped from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3368143/us-congress-investigates-diversion-sensitive-f-35-parts-hong-kong-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3368143/us-congress-investigates-diversion-sensitive-f-35-parts-hong-kong-report?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 07:08:22 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s political and business elite bade a solemn farewell to Tung Chee-hwa, the city’s first chief executive, at a vigil on Saturday, as Beijing leaders sent wreaths ahead of his state funeral and members of the public streamed into community centres to sign condolence books. Hundreds of wreaths lined the pavement at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, spilling into a nearby playground, while inside the hall the mood was hushed as top officials, former politicians and business... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368127/hong-kongs-political-business-elite-pay-final-respects-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368127/hong-kongs-political-business-elite-pay-final-respects-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:00:39 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s leader has defended measures in his policy address to boost the economy and improve livelihoods, stressing that businesses must also do their part to remain competitive and survive, even with government aid. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Saturday that the section on livelihoods was the longest and broadest in scope in his policy address when asked about residents who had yet to benefit from the government’s economic policies. “You need to develop the economy first to have... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368093/hong-kong-leader-says-firms-must-strive-survive-despite-government-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368093/hong-kong-leader-says-firms-must-strive-survive-despite-government-support?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:42:01 +0000 SCMP Reporter SCMP Reporter This weekend, Hong Kong mourns the loss of former chief executive and elder statesman Tung Chee-hwa. The shipping tycoon who became the city’s first leader after its transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997 died on September 8 at the age of 89, leaving a legacy of determined stewardship and dedicated public service. He is remembered for steering Hong Kong through uncharted waters following the end of colonial rule, as well as his tireless efforts as a state leader and business heavyweight to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368071/friend-leader-mentor-how-political-veterans-remember-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368071/friend-leader-mentor-how-political-veterans-remember-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:00:11 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Residents visited three community halls across Hong Kong to pay tribute to the city’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, bringing flowers and writing heartfelt messages in public condolence books on Friday. The arrangements came ahead of a vigil on Saturday and a state funeral on Sunday honouring Tung, who died aged 89 on September 8. “Tung’s contribution to Hong Kong is conspicuous and his death made everyone sad,” said Peggy Lam Pei Yu-dja, a former member of the nation’s top political... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367947/hongkongers-pay-tribute-late-leader-tung-chee-hwa-community-halls?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367947/hongkongers-pay-tribute-late-leader-tung-chee-hwa-community-halls?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:12:54 +0000 SCMP SCMP This is the second part of a Factsheet series on Hong Kong’s debut five-year plan and the 2026 policy address. Click here for part one. The series was produced with support from the Hong Kong SAR government. To see the South China Morning Post’s coverage of the five-year plan, click here. This Factsheet will be available in the SCMP print edition on September 21. You can find it at newsstands and convenience stores. For any inquiries, contact printsupport@scmp.com. https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367918/story-begins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367918/story-begins?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:01:09 +0000 SCMP SCMP This is the first part of a Factsheet series on Hong Kong’s debut five-year plan and the 2026 policy address. Click here for part two. The series was produced with support from the Hong Kong SAR government. To see the South China Morning Post’s coverage of the five-year plan, click here. This Factsheet will be available in the SCMP print edition on September 21. You can find it at newsstands and convenience stores. For any inquiries, contact printsupport@scmp.com. https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367919/hong-kongs-new-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367919/hong-kongs-new-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:00:05 +0000 Simpson Cheung,Jess Ma Simpson Cheung,Jess Ma Hong Kong police will impose a high level of security for this weekend’s state funeral of the city’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, including providing protection for the three top Beijing officials attending the event, the South China Morning Post has learned. However, the memorial service, originally planned as a public event, will instead be by invitation only due to venue constraints, the Office of Former Chief Executives announced on Thursday. A command centre would be set up at the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367908/blanket-security-planned-state-funeral-tung-chee-hwa-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367908/blanket-security-planned-state-funeral-tung-chee-hwa-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:30:06 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong authorities have hit out at a US congressional commission for colluding with “anti-China politicians” to hold a hearing on jailed former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and introducing a bill to “intimidate” local national security officials with sanctions. The government issued the condemnation on Thursday night after the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) held a hearing the previous day on Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. During the hearing,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367906/hong-kong-hits-out-us-panel-over-jimmy-lai-hearing-and-sanctions-bill?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367906/hong-kong-hits-out-us-panel-over-jimmy-lai-hearing-and-sanctions-bill?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:59:15 +0000 Simpson Cheung,Eric Jiang Simpson Cheung,Eric Jiang Hong Kong’s leader has expressed renewed support for the local media industry, including strengthening its global reach and reviewing the code of practice for television to ensure it keeps abreast with the times. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the pledges in both the city’s first five-year plan and the policy address he unveiled on Wednesday. In the section on “Develop an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange” under the five-year plan, Lee said: “We will strengthen... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367766/hong-kong-leader-vows-support-medias-global-reach-review-tv-practice-code?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367766/hong-kong-leader-vows-support-medias-global-reach-review-tv-practice-code?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:55:39 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au About 10 artificial intelligence (AI) and biotech companies will be the first to access cross-border data flows under a new pilot scheme, securing an early edge over roughly 100 other firms set up in Hong Kong’s flagship tech hub at the border. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed on Wednesday during the final policy address of his current term that more than 100 innovation and technology firms had moved into the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, while a “white list” to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367756/10-ai-biotech-firms-northern-metropolis-get-early-cross-border-data-access?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367756/10-ai-biotech-firms-northern-metropolis-get-early-cross-border-data-access?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:31:25 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Simpson Cheung Matthew Cheng,Simpson Cheung Hong Kong will create an “AI city brain” system to strengthen its response to extreme weather events, major incidents and public order management, while creating the role of artificial intelligence commissioner to tackle emerging challenges. While the city’s first five-year plan set out a vision to advance technology development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu outlined seven key areas of AI risk governance in Wednesday’s policy address, including efforts to combat the use of AI in crime and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367746/hong-kong-set-ai-city-brain-boost-disaster-response-and-public-safety?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367746/hong-kong-set-ai-city-brain-boost-disaster-response-and-public-safety?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:27:10 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang The Hong Kong Jockey Club has said it will funnel HK$3 billion to support the construction of a Life and Health Academic Research Building at the city’s new Northern Metropolis University Town. During his policy address on Wednesday, Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu announced the creation of an integrated teaching and scientific research building in the Northern Metropolis. In a statement issued soon after the chief executive’s speech, the club said its Charities Trust had made a donation that... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367739/hong-kong-jockey-club-plough-hk3bn-new-research-facility-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367739/hong-kong-jockey-club-plough-hk3bn-new-research-facility-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:53:27 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has placed deepening integration with mainland China and developing new economic engines centre stage as he unveiled the city’s first-ever five-year plan alongside the last policy address of his term. During his landmark speech on Wednesday, which ran just one minute shy of three hours, Lee laid out how the city’s first five-year plan would align the city more closely with the national development blueprint, while the policy address would serve as the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367706/14-key-takeaways-john-lees-policy-address-hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367706/14-key-takeaways-john-lees-policy-address-hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:37:58 +0000 Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presented the city’s first ever five-year plan, including steps to bolster innovation, birth rates and financial activity. The city aims to raise spending on innovation to 3 per cent of gross domestic product after 2030 from 1.63 per cent in 2024, Lee said as he announced the plan on Wednesday alongside the traditional annual policy address. There were also steps to accelerate construction of the tech-focused Northern Metropolis megaproject on the... https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367711/hong-kongs-first-five-year-plan-seeks-boost-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367711/hong-kongs-first-five-year-plan-seeks-boost-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:24:01 +0000 Olga Wong,Edith Lin,Vivian Au Olga Wong,Edith Lin,Vivian Au Hong Kong’s leader will unveil two bold initiatives on housing and mediation in his policy address, the South China Morning Post has learned, with the government planning to boost home ownership rates among young couples and prioritise settling official commercial disputes through the city’s mediation body. The new measures, to be unveiled by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday, aimed to strengthen the city’s status as a global mediation capital while improving livelihoods, government... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367625/hong-kong-policy-address-unveil-bold-youth-housing-and-mediation-initiatives?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367625/hong-kong-policy-address-unveil-bold-youth-housing-and-mediation-initiatives?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:30:05 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Vivian Au,Danny Mok Lo Hoi-ying,Vivian Au,Danny Mok The first vice-chairman of the nation’s top political advisory body is overseeing an 87-member committee of political and business heavyweights to arrange the state funeral for Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa. A vigil will be held from 3pm to 10pm on Saturday at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point and a public memorial service will start at 9am on Sunday, according to an obituary placed by Tung’s family in the South China Morning Post on Tuesday. “In lieu of flowers,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367639/top-chinese-official-leads-87-member-committee-tung-chee-hwa-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367639/top-chinese-official-leads-87-member-committee-tung-chee-hwa-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:00:18 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s first five-year plan will include both binding and anticipatory targets, the city’s leader has said, stressing that the long-term blueprint will not signal a move towards a planned economy. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also revealed on Tuesday that the plan, which will be unveiled alongside his annual policy address the following day, would feature a blue cover symbolising “blue skies”, openness, progress and steadiness. “There will be indicators which are binding and indicators... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367537/hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan-set-goals-not-alter-economic-system-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367537/hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan-set-goals-not-alter-economic-system-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:31:35 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong authorities will hold construction firms and government personnel accountable for faulty lift installation work at Queen Mary Hospital’s new block, the city’s leader has said, as he tasked the Development Bureau with submitting a report within a month. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the problem should be rectified “very, very quickly”, adding that he had instructed the bureau, which had given him a preliminary briefing, to “thoroughly investigate the matter and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367528/hong-kong-leader-vows-accountability-over-faulty-lifts-queen-mary-hospital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367528/hong-kong-leader-vows-accountability-over-faulty-lifts-queen-mary-hospital?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 03:53:22 +0000 Olga Wong,Jeffie Lam,Matthew Cheng Olga Wong,Jeffie Lam,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu’s coming policy address will introduce measures to remove hurdles for businesses setting up shop in the Northern Metropolis and include proactive initiatives to strengthen innovation hubs, research efforts and tech applications, the South China Morning Post has learned. Government sources said measures supporting the megaproject in the northern New Territories and backing innovation were expected to be major highlights of the chief executive’s policy address on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367502/hong-kongs-next-policy-address-just-around-corner-heres-what-expect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367502/hong-kongs-next-policy-address-just-around-corner-heres-what-expect?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:30:05 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li The China-United States Exchange Foundation has launched a permanent tribute webpage to Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive, and collected more than 100 reflections from political and business heavyweights around the world. The foundation, established by Tung in 2008, said the webpage, which launched on Monday, included tributes from Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and Max Baucus, former United States ambassador to China. “This permanent tribute not only placemarks his remarkable... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367496/foundation-collects-tributes-hong-kongs-tung-chee-hwa-online-memorial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367496/foundation-collects-tributes-hong-kongs-tung-chee-hwa-online-memorial?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:35:35 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Lo Hoi-ying Jeffie Lam,Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s inaugural five-year plan will not change the capitalist system and instead fully exploit its advantages to map the city’s long-term development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said. In an opinion piece published in the South China Morning Post on Monday, the city leader also stressed that the blueprint, in focusing on the economy, would ultimately “enable citizens to flourish” by creating employment opportunities and upward mobility. Lee will unveil Hong Kong’s first-ever... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367355/hong-kong-5-year-plan-stick-capitalism-uphold-one-country-two-systems-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367355/hong-kong-5-year-plan-stick-capitalism-uphold-one-country-two-systems-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:35 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Natalie Wong Matthew Cheng,Natalie Wong In the final instalment of our series of previews on the five-year plan and policy address, to be announced on September 16, Natalie Wong and Matthew Cheng look at how national security spans areas such as finance and technology and what Hong Kong must do to earn Beijing’s trust. Read part one here, part two here, part three here and part four here. With the recent sentencing of former leaders of Hong Kong’s Tiananmen Square vigil concluding a key high-profile subversion case, it would be easy... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367367/beijings-trust-issue-hong-kong-and-what-city-can-promise-its-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367367/beijings-trust-issue-hong-kong-and-what-city-can-promise-its-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:30:12 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, has been remembered by former colleagues for his foresight in advancing the city’s tech sector and for actively engaging with mainland China to boost economic development during his tenure, while Singapore’s prime minister hailed his leadership. Singapore’s Lawrence Wong praised Tung, who died last week, for his “steady and visionary leadership” in a letter to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to extend his condolences to Hong Kong. “[Tung]... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367340/tung-chee-hwa-remembered-foresight-developing-hong-kongs-tech-sector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367340/tung-chee-hwa-remembered-foresight-developing-hong-kongs-tech-sector?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:37:49 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong The state funeral for the city’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, is scheduled for next Sunday, the South China Morning Post has learned. A source confirmed on Saturday that the service would take place on September 20, with details being arranged. State leaders and central government officials are expected to join the funeral committee, in line with previous practice. The SCMP reported earlier that a state funeral would be accorded to Tung to honour his legacy as a deputy national-level... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367278/state-funeral-hong-kongs-first-leader-tung-chee-hwa-set-september-20?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367278/state-funeral-hong-kongs-first-leader-tung-chee-hwa-set-september-20?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:22:54 +0000 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam Alibaba Group Holding has mourned the death of Tung Chee-hwa, who served as an independent director, saying the global perspective of Hong Kong’s first leader helped the e-commerce giant to remain rooted in the country while expanding internationally. Tung, Hong Kong’s first postcolonial chief executive, later became a vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s top political advisory body. He joined Alibaba Group’s board as an independent... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367165/alibaba-mourns-former-independent-director-tung-chee-hwa-hails-his-global-vision?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367165/alibaba-mourns-former-independent-director-tung-chee-hwa-hails-his-global-vision?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Sep 2026 06:15:58 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Mainland Chinese have paid tribute to Hong Kong’s first chief executive, the late Tung Chee-hwa, for introducing a solo-travel scheme more than two decades ago that opened the city to millions of travellers and created indelible memories for middle-class families. The Individual Visit Scheme has grown from a handful of cities in Guangdong province in 2003 to its current 59 spanning the country as far west as Urumqi in Xinjiang, contributing to a more than fivefold increase in the number of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367102/mainland-chinese-pay-tribute-tung-chee-hwa-opening-door-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367102/mainland-chinese-pay-tribute-tung-chee-hwa-opening-door-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:53:21 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities are coordinating a state funeral for the city’s first chief executive, the late Tung Chee-hwa, the South China Morning Post has learned, honouring his legacy as a deputy national-level leader and his contributions to the “one country, two systems” framework. A source familiar with the matter said “preparations were under way” and were being coordinated by the city government after Tung’s death on Tuesday at the age of 89. Responding to queries from the SCMP, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367075/hong-kongs-first-leader-tung-chee-hwa-be-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367075/hong-kongs-first-leader-tung-chee-hwa-be-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:25:11 +0000 Natalie Wong,Matthew Cheng Natalie Wong,Matthew Cheng In the first of our series of previews on the five-year plan and policy address, to be announced on September 16, Natalie Wong and Matthew Cheng look at the key political issues and the city leader’s hopes for a second term. When Hong Kong’s leader John Lee Ka-chiu steps up to the Legislative Council podium next Wednesday, he will break from decades of political tradition. Lee’s coming policy address will summarise his four years in office while setting out what is expected to be his most... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366967/softer-focus-national-security-hong-kongs-5-year-plan-why-it-wont-happen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366967/softer-focus-national-security-hong-kongs-5-year-plan-why-it-wont-happen?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:30:05 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong is mourning the death of Tung Chee-hwa, the city’s first leader after its return to Chinese sovereignty and a respected elder statesman, who died on Tuesday at the age of 89. Tung was surrounded by his family when he “passed away peacefully” at 9.57pm, according to state news agency Xinhua. Tributes and messages of grief poured in on Wednesday from across Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as from overseas, with top officials, politicians, business leaders and others praising his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366966/tributes-flow-hong-kong-mourns-tung-chee-hwa-pioneering-first-leader?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366966/tributes-flow-hong-kong-mourns-tung-chee-hwa-pioneering-first-leader?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:13:46 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, who died on Tuesday, has been lauded as “one of the greatest movers in China-US relations”, with a foundation established by Neil Bush, a former American president’s son, praising Tung’s “profound contributions” to deepening ties between the two nations. The US consulate and former city leader Donald Tsang Yam-kuen also praised Tung’s work in strengthening ties between the United States and Hong Kong, paving the way for deeper business links and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366963/tung-chee-hwa-hailed-visionary-leader-who-helped-build-us-china-relations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366963/tung-chee-hwa-hailed-visionary-leader-who-helped-build-us-china-relations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:08:36 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first leader following its return to Chinese sovereignty, has been remembered as a “kind-hearted man” who mentored others and inspired some to take up public office. As tributes poured in for Tung, who died on Tuesday aged 89, people who worked closely with him shared touching anecdotes about the man they said cared deeply about Hong Kong even in the years after he stepped down as chief executive in 2005. Bernard Chan, chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366945/his-heart-was-always-hong-kong-tributes-pour-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366945/his-heart-was-always-hong-kong-tributes-pour-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:33:16 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive who died on Tuesday at the age of 89, kept a low profile in the final years of his life, making only a few public appearances but continuing to help bridge the China-US divide. Wearing a face mask and accompanied by his wife Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping, Tung visited the South China Morning Post’s headquarters in Causeway Bay on December 1, 2020, to deliver a keynote speech at the China Conference organised by the company. Tung spoke in his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366946/ex-hong-kong-leader-tung-chee-hwa-worked-bridge-us-china-divide-even-final-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366946/ex-hong-kong-leader-tung-chee-hwa-worked-bridge-us-china-divide-even-final-years?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:30:02 +0000 Emily Hung,Denise Tsang,Simpson Cheung,Matthew Cheng,Orange Wang,Danny Mok Emily Hung,Denise Tsang,Simpson Cheung,Matthew Cheng,Orange Wang,Danny Mok Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive who oversaw the city’s 1997 return to Chinese rule, has died. According to a statement from his office issued in the early hours on Wednesday, he died on Tuesday at the age of 89, surrounded by his loved ones. It is understood that he died at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. Tung was also a vice-chairman of China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. In this live blog, the South China Morning... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366843/tributes-pour-hong-kong-mourns-death-tung-chee-hwa-first-chief-executive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366843/tributes-pour-hong-kong-mourns-death-tung-chee-hwa-first-chief-executive?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:07:50 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong A shipping tycoon who was thrust onto the international stage as Hong Kong’s first chief executive and went on to become an elder statesman and consummate diplomat, Tung Chee-hwa will be remembered as a defining figure of the city’s modern history. The legacy of Tung, who died on Tuesday at age 89, is closely tied to his role as a patriot who led Hong Kong through uncharted waters, navigating a stormy post-handover period beset with economic, public health and political crises. With his Shanghai... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366827/hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-tung-chee-hwa-dies-aged-89?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366827/hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-tung-chee-hwa-dies-aged-89?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:00:36 +0000 Kristen Cheung Kristen Cheung Beijing has recommended the largest-ever cohort of civil servants from Hong Kong for roles at United Nations agencies this year, expecting the deployments to broaden their global perspective and strengthen the city’s position as a bridge between the country and the international community. The 16 officers sent under the UN Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme represent 13 grades and departments, including customs, police and the anti-corruption agency. This marks a steady increase from the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366729/beijing-recommends-16-hong-kong-civil-servants-un-roles-highest-number-date?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366729/beijing-recommends-16-hong-kong-civil-servants-un-roles-highest-number-date?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:38:25 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Jess Ma Jeffie Lam,Jess Ma Hong Kong is committed to being a “trusted partner” in driving Central Asia’s emergence as a global growth engine, according to the city’s leader, who hailed the substantial outcomes achieved since his landmark mission to the region. In a virtual appearance at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Central Asia 2026 held in Astana on Monday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that a bank in his June delegation had since backed the Development Bank of Kazakhstan with US$785 million... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3366604/hong-kong-trusted-partner-drive-central-asia-growth-city-leader-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3366604/hong-kong-trusted-partner-drive-central-asia-growth-city-leader-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Sep 2026 06:04:40 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to improve residents’ livelihoods through long-term strategies in the city’s first five-year plan, with concrete measures to be set out in the coming policy address. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Sunday that the administration would continue to uphold its people-oriented governance philosophy, focus on residents’ needs and push Hong Kong forward. Lee will unveil Hong Kong’s first five-year plan and deliver the annual policy address on September 16. Lee... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366528/5-year-plan-boost-livelihoods-policy-address-set-out-concrete-measures-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366528/5-year-plan-boost-livelihoods-policy-address-set-out-concrete-measures-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 07:15:09 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung Hong Kong’s leader has urged the banking sector to support financing the city’s creation of a new economic engine in innovation and technology (I&T) while expanding offshore yuan business, a key area for aligning with national strategies. Speaking at a Hong Kong Association of Banks event on Friday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu called for closer partnership between the government and banking sector in four areas. They are: expanding offshore renminbi business; encouraging I&T through... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3366350/john-lee-urges-banks-finance-citys-tech-growth-expand-offshore-yuan-business?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3366350/john-lee-urges-banks-finance-citys-tech-growth-expand-offshore-yuan-business?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:15:45 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong Retired Catholic leader Joseph Zen Ze-kiun and four other activists have lost an appeal against their convictions for failing to register their legal defence fund for those involved in the 2019 anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld a magistrate’s findings that the now-defunct 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund fell within the definition of a society under the Societies Ordinance and its members were required to register the group with police or ask for an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3366194/retired-cardinal-joseph-zen-4-others-lose-appeal-over-failure-register-defence-fund?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3366194/retired-cardinal-joseph-zen-4-others-lose-appeal-over-failure-register-defence-fund?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Sep 2026 05:25:55 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A veteran mainland Chinese economic crime investigator and former police official has been appointed to lead the discipline inspection and supervision group at Beijing’s top office overseeing Hong Kong affairs. Hua Liebing, a former director of the Ministry of Public Security’s economic crime investigation bureau, fills the vacancy at the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) left by Geng Changyou, who stepped down last year to become secretary of Hebei province’s Commission for Discipline... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3365940/hua-liebing-lead-discipline-inspection-group-hong-kong-and-macau-affairs-office?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3365940/hua-liebing-lead-discipline-inspection-group-hong-kong-and-macau-affairs-office?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:21:33 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong lawmakers will hold a three-day joint debate in early October on the city’s annual policy address and first five-year plan, with Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king seeking to extend the session so legislators have enough time to reflect residents’ views. The Legco earlier announced a combined debate from October 7 to 9, requested by the government, to cover both the motion of thanks on the policy address and a government motion on the five-year blueprint moved by the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3365755/starry-lee-seeks-longer-legco-session-joint-policy-address-5-year-plan-debate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3365755/starry-lee-seeks-longer-legco-session-joint-policy-address-5-year-plan-debate?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:17:30 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s leader will deliver the city’s first five-year plan and his annual policy address on September 16, stressing that presenting the blueprints together will help residents better understand how they are deeply connected. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced the move on Wednesday after he visited residents from lower-income households and inspected community services at Un Chau Estate in Sham Shui Po district to gather public views. Lee said unveiling the five-year plan and then... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3365319/5-year-plan-policy-address-be-unveiled-september-16-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3365319/5-year-plan-policy-address-be-unveiled-september-16-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:05:01 +0000