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South China Morning Post

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Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs visits Hengqin in push for integration

Beijing’s top official on Hong Kong and Macau affairs has visited the Hengqin cooperation zone in Zhuhai as part of a drive to help the two special administrative regions align with the nation’s 15th five-year plan. The four-day visit by Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), was his third trip to the Greater Bay Area this year. During his trip from Monday to Thursday, Xia visited a university town, research institutes, and innovation and technology companies...

South China Morning Post

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Japan’s PM Takaichi eyes India trip for talks with leader Modi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering visiting India early next month to meet with her counterpart Narendra Modi to discuss cooperation on strengthening supply chains of critical goods given concerns about China’s economic coercion, government sources said on Thursday. Takaichi aims to deepen bilateral collaboration in a wide range of fields covering defence, economic issues and cutting-edge technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, according to the...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Hong Kong, Uzbekistan move towards easing travel visa

The SAR government and Uzbekistan have agreed to begin detailed discussions on further relaxing travel arrangements, allowing travellers from both sides to stay visa-free for up to 30 days. Chief Executive John Lee who is leading a business delegation visiting Central Asia held a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uzbekistan on Wednesday. Lee said on his social media page that they exchanged views on formalising the intent to advance the arrangement. Currently, HKSAR passport holders may visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days, while Uzbek passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong. "The two governments will promptly advance the specific implementation measures to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible," Lee said. "I believe the implementation of visa-free arrangement will enhance exchanges between the two places, stimulate tourism, study and commercial cooperation and development, lay a solid foundation for long-term economic and trade relations for both sides, and assist Hong Kong in expanding into emerging markets in Central Asia," he added. Edited by Nazvi Careem

South China Morning Post

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How Beijing could use its military and trade to hit back at Tokyo-Manila ties

Beijing could conduct military operations, bolster its electronic warfare strength and roll out trade sanctions in response to Tokyo and Manila’s deepening defence cooperation, according to Chinese experts. Last week, Manila and Tokyo announced they would launch negotiations on the maritime boundary of their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves around Taiwan, a move that Beijing called “completely illegal and invalid”. In a report on Wednesday, the Beijing Lande Information...

South China Morning Post

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Taiwan opposition leader promotes cross-strait peace during US trip

The need for Beijing and Washington to pursue “reconciliation and cooperation” and avoid war is the central message of her US trip, Taiwan’s main opposition leader Cheng Li-wun said in San Francisco. Cheng, leading a delegation from the Kuomintang (KMT), arrived in San Francisco on Monday evening, beginning a two-week US visit closely watched in Beijing, Taipei and Washington. In San Francisco’s Chinatown on Tuesday, Cheng said China and the US should forge “a relationship of friendship and...

South China Morning Post

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How Japan and the Philippines are building a maritime security front against China

Japan and the Philippines are deepening defence and maritime cooperation over shared concerns about China, with broad implications that analysts said reached beyond the South China Sea. Following Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s state visit to Tokyo last week, the two sides agreed to launch formal talks on military intelligence sharing and maritime boundary delimitation, while elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Beijing responded strongly, denouncing the boundary...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Education MoUs boost HK-Kazakhstan ties: CE

Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between education institutions in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan lay the foundation for further cooperation between the two sides in the long run. He witnessed the exchange of MoUs between Nazarbayev University and Education University of Hong Kong as well as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University during a visit to the institution in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on the final day of his trip to the Central Asia country. “These agreements will deepen academic and research collaboration. They will strengthen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan,” Lee said in a speech. “This growing network of institutional partnerships is precisely how we build enduring foundations for long-term cooperation and mutual rewards." The CE noted that some 500 students from Kazakhstan are currently studying in universities in Hong Kong, and he invited more people from the country to pursue career opportunities in the SAR. “The Kazakh community in Hong Kong is growing, and I invite you to look to Hong Kong for your future. To students here, we welcome talented youth and entrepreneurs with open arms. The opportunities are wide open too.” Lee also pointed out that Nazarbayev University was where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Belt and Road Initiative back in 2013. "Since its inception, the Belt and Road has developed a comprehensive framework for global partnership. It's anchored in policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, free and unfettered trade, financial integration, and critically, people-to-people bonds. More than a decade on, the foundations laid here are delivering rewarding results," he said. Professor Waqar Ahmad, president of Nazarbayev University, said his institution, which opened in 2010, has a lot to learn from universities in the SAR. Last year, Nazarbayev University launched a partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to establish a joint Bachelor of Business Administration programme under which students spend two years at each institution. “One of the inspiring examples for us is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,” Ahmad said. “35-year-old doesn't behave like a 35-year-old institution, behaves like a fantastic, mature institution which competes with universities which are 200, 300, 400 years old, fantastic in everything that it does, and that's the kind of inspiration that we get excited by. “We are a university which is still in the making. You've got well-established universities with a global reputation. We need to learn from you to get there.” Before the exchange ceremony, Lee and his delegation toured the university and visited its teaching facilities on artificial intelligence, new materials and energy technologies. Lee will head to Uzbekistan on Wednesday afternoon to continue his trip in Central Asia. Edited by Edmond Fong

South China Morning Post

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Rising seas: Japan makes pitch to Pacific Island nations caught in US-China rivalry

Japan is positioning itself as a partner for Pacific Island nations struggling with rising seas and caught between the US-China rivalry, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledging on Wednesday to help fight climate change and boost maritime cooperation. Speaking at the inaugural Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, Takaichi made a direct pitch to Pacific leaders, presenting Japan as a reliable partner that upholds the rule of law at sea and delivers consistent support. “Japan will continue to...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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HK can be key renewable energy hub: Kazakh expert

Researchers in Kazakhstan say Hong Kong's sound financial system, infrastructure and regulatory regime make it an ideal partner and fund-raising hub for green energy projects. Chief Executive John Lee will conclude his duty visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday night, before continuing his Central Asian tour in Uzbekistan. The visit by the SAR delegation comes as Kazakhstan accelerates its decarbonisation drive, having committed to the Paris climate change treaty and a 2060 carbon neutrality target. "Our government is putting more effort on that. We have a lot of projects going on," said Nurxat Nuraje, head of the renewable energy lab at National Laboratory Astana. With petroleum reserves expected to be depleted within 50 years, he said the Kazakh government is "paying more attention to develop new technology like renewable energy technology". Nuraje, who attended the International Hydrogen Development Symposium in Wan Chai last month, believed there is plenty of room for cooperation. "We learned that Hong Kong has become a very important hub for the development of hydrogen and renewable energy," he said. "Hong Kong has a very good transportation system, also a capital investment system." Fellow researcher Yerbolat Magazov went further, suggesting Hong Kong look into developing a trading mechanism for green hydrogen. "The actual role of Hong Kong as a hub would be to make it not as an energy material, but as a valuable asset," he said. "Special frameworks, taxonomy, legislation — so hydrogen can be traded as a stock material." Their laboratory in the Kazakh capital has already demonstrated the potential of clean energy, after building a system last year that converts solar energy into hydrogen. Mainland company Zhejiang H2-Bank Technology was a key partner, supplying critical components such as electrolysers and hydrogen storage systems. But Magazov acknowledged they need to drive down costs before green hydrogen can really take off. It remains three to five times more expensive than "grey" hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels. "The biggest problem is bankability," he said. "Lots of people have lots of money, but they need to be sure that in the future, green hydrogen will be profitable. Right now, if you calculate, it's a non-profitable thing." This, according to Magazov, is where the Hong Kong brand comes into play. "If Hong Kong trusts this country, everyone can also trust. That allows future investors to put money and investments into this particular market," he said. With global energy markets remaining volatile, Magazov felt that Central Asia and China should forge closer ties. "It's better to make allies which are close to each other," he said. "China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries should bring together. In the future, if something happens, we'll be independent of others." Edited by Raymond Yeung

South China Morning Post

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China-Kazakhstan grain-trading deal shows shifting Asian food order

In a move that could rattle global grain markets, China and neighbouring Kazakhstan – Central Asia’s largest grain producer and a key Belt and Road Initiative partner – agreed last week to establish a joint grain-trading platform during talks in Astana. The two sides also discussed long-term supply contracts, logistics hubs, dry ports and technology cooperation in storage and processing. Although full details remain limited, reports indicate the platform will be modelled on China’s state-managed...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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HK, Kazakhstan forge 'hub-to-hub' partnership: CE

Chief Executive John Lee has proposed a strategic “hub-to-hub” cooperation model with Kazakhstan, aiming to link the Central Asian nation’s regional reach with Hong Kong’s access to Asian markets. The proposal came during the second day of Lee’s visit to the country. Meeting with Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Lee highlighted the growing economic weight between the two sides. He noted that Hong Kong was Kazakhstan’s 10th-largest net investor globally and the fourth-biggest in Asia at the start of this year. Lee said Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of having strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle. He proposed that Kazakhstan serve as Hong Kong’s gateway to the Central Asian market, while Hong Kong would act as Kazakhstan’s springboard into East and Southeast Asia. The visit has already yielded significant commercial and diplomatic momentum, with Lee announcing that Hong Kong and Kazakhstan have agreed to accelerate exploratory discussions on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. During a meeting with Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Kazakhstan’s national sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna, Lee described Hong Kong as a stable and secure investment haven. He noted that the city ranked first globally in funds raised through initial public offerings in the first quarter of this year, positioning it as an ideal listing destination for the fund’s diverse portfolio of assets. He encouraged projects under the fund to list in the city to diversify investment risk. Earlier on Tuesday, the CE visited Baiterek National Investment Holding, a key financial operator of the Kazakh government. He encouraged the company to leverage Hong Kong’s financial system and professional services for cooperation in infrastructure financing, bonds and green finance. Lee extended an invitation for the firm to explore development potential in the Northern Metropolis. He also held talks with Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev on deepening bilateral trade, logistics and financial technology cooperation. Lee emphasised Hong Kong’s status as the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading entity and its commitment to free trade and multilateralism. He suggested that as Kazakhstan works to expand its role as a regional trading hub through digital commerce and market modernisation, the SAR could serve as a critical gateway for Kazakh enterprises looking to enter the mainland and broader Asian markets. The chief executive is scheduled to continue his visit in Kazakhstan on Wednesday before heading to Uzbekistan on the second leg of his tour. Edited by Edmond Fong

South China Morning Post

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China-UK ties thaw: Wang Yi urges that they ‘further communicate and align our positions’

China and Britain have pledged to enhance high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation amid a turbulent global landscape, following a meeting of their top diplomats in Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told visiting British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Tuesday that their countries needed to further communicate and align their positions. “We need to … anchor ourselves to the positioning of a long-term and stable China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthen high-level...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Direct flights from HK to Kazakhstan set for next year

Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said the city’s push to deepen connectivity with Central Asia is already bearing fruit, as he announced progress on direct flights to Kazakhstan alongside moves to make visa arrangements more convenient for travellers. Speaking to reporters in Astana during his first official visit to Central Asia, Lee said a Hong Kong-based airline will begin direct flights to Kazakhstan's biggest city Almaty in the first quarter of next year, significantly cutting travel time between the two places. He added that the new route will also provide access to other Central Asian, Eastern European and Caucasus regional destinations. In a statement, the SAR's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific announced plans to launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of 2027. "The airline plans to operate three flights per week using an Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft, which will be the only direct service linking Hong Kong and Kazakhstan," the airline said. Alongside the aviation breakthrough, Lee confirmed that the SAR is working to substantially extend visa-free access for Hongkongers in Central Asia. The SAR already has visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, allowing stays of between 10 and 30 days. But Lee said his target is to extend the visa-free period to 30 days for all three nations. "We and the Kazakh government both agree that this is definitely one of our goals. We have already exchanged some further information with the two governments, and everyone is working hard to work toward this target," he said. "We hope that by this year, we can reach the best arrangement." He added that Uzbekistan has also signalled its agreement to the proposal following communications before the delegation's departure, Lee added. Once agreements with these countries are finalised, the SAR government will seek to facilitate easier entry for the remaining two Central Asian countries. On Wednesday, Lee is scheduled to visit Astana's Nazarbayev University, where President Xi Jinping first proposed the concept of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013. The chief executive said Hong Kong and Kazakhstan can enhance collaboration on education. "The Education University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, they will be developing a working relationship with the Nazarbayev University, to further expand the collaboration between the higher education institutions of the two places," he said. Lee will conclude his stay in Kazakhstan on Wednesday before travelling to Uzbekistan, describing the Astana leg alone as a significant breakthrough – with 43 memoranda of understanding in areas such as economic and trade cooperation, investment, and green finance expected to be signed in the country. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

Hong Kong Free Press

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Huge state subsidies give China unfair edge over foreign rivals, OECD says

Chinese companies in 15 key industrial sectors received vastly more state support than their international competitors between 2005 and 2024, according to an OECD report released on Monday. The 15 sectors received US$108 billion in 2024 alone, according to data compiled by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in its Manufacturing Groups and Industrial […]

South China Morning Post

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China urges Brazil to jointly repel ‘external challenges’ as ties deepen in Beijing

China’s top diplomat said on Monday that Beijing and Brasilia should “jointly repel external challenges”, as the two countries opened a high-level strategic dialogue in Beijing. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remark during a visit by his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, who arrived in the Chinese capital this weekend for the fifth Global Strategic Dialogue between the two governments. “Practical cooperation in all areas has been steadily enhanced, and the two peoples have never been so...

South China Morning Post

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Make use of Hong Kong’s advantages, John Lee urges Kazakhstan leaders, companies

Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has held talks with Kazakhstan’s president at the start of a visit to Central Asia, highlighting the city’s role as a “superconnector” bridging businesses with global markets, as his delegation sealed a wide range of partnership deals with the nation. Lee began his five-day trip on Monday by discussing ways to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties with Kazakhstan, meeting President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as well as Serik Zhumangarin, the...

South China Morning Post

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Hong Kong steps up random dog licence checks, warns owners of prosecutions

Hong Kong authorities have stepped up inspections of dog licences by launching regular enforcement operations and random checks on pets in public places, warning they will prosecute owners who breach relevant rules. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said officers would commence such operations on Monday at public places where dogs gathered and appealed for cooperation from owners. “During inspections, AFCD officers will conduct random checks on dogs and scan them to...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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MOUs signed during Lee's visit to Kazakhstan

Chief Executive John Lee on Monday witnessed the signing of a number of memoranda of understanding on his first full day of visit to Kazakhstan. The MOUs were signed during Lee's tour of the Astana Hub – Kazakhstan’s premier technology and innovation park – and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). These included an agreement between Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Office and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development; separate deals between the Astana Hub and Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park; as well as an agreement between InvestHK and the AIFC. The chief executive met with Deputy Kazakh Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev at the Astana Hub. Noting that 2026 has been designated Kazakhstan’s “Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence,” Lee described the Astana Hub as a regional innovation cluster and invited Kazakh tech firms to consider setting up operations in Hong Kong. He outlined Hong Kong’s own I&T ambitions, pointing to global digital competitiveness rankings and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster. The CE highlighted infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis that aim to deepen industry-research integration. Lee also visited the AIFC where he met with its governor, Renat Bekturov. The day was packed with other high-level meetings and site visits as Hong Kong pushes to deepen economic, financial and innovation ties with Central Asia. Lee met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who reiterated Kazakhstan's role as a gateway on the Belt and Road and stressed Hong Kong’s ability to connect the mainland with global markets. Noting that Kazakhstan is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, the chief executive emphasised mutual opportunities stemming from the country’s push to diversify its economy. Lee also held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, where the two sides exchanged views on deepening economic cooperation. Joining the chief executive's delegation is a Henan firm that specialises in mining development and trading of mineral products and is among the mainland enterprises seeking closer ties with Kazakhstan. Speaking at an exchange session, Henan Yudi Technology Group chairman and party committee secretary Yu Jiyun said his company has taken part in geological exploration projects in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and it wants to further boost cooperation with Kazakhstan because it doesn't have mining rights there. "Kazakhstan has rich mineral resources and offers vast development opportunities. Also, Kazakhstan is closely connected with China’s Xinjiang. Cooperation between the two sides offers natural geographical advantages." Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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HK delegation finds 'tremendous' Kazakh opportunities

A delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee has wrapped up a productive meeting in Kazakhstan, with business leaders describing the talks as "a very good start" and flagging strong mutual interest in investment and cooperation. The delegation participated in the Roundtable Forum on Economic Development, Trade and Investment Opportunities on Monday morning. Jeffrey Lam, chairman of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park's board of directors, said the delegation met with numerous companies and representatives from Kazakhstan who showed keen interest in investing in Hong Kong — while also seeking to attract Hong Kong firms to invest in their markets. "We felt the opportunity invested here is tremendous," he said. Lam, who is also an executive councillor, added the delegation is looking forward to hosting Kazakh counterparts in Hong Kong, potentially helping them set up factories, family offices or regional headquarters that could serve as a platform to expand into the mainland and other Asian countries. He said discussions from the forum covered a wide range of sectors, from industries to gold trading. Lam confirmed he would be signing several memoranda of understanding (MOUs), including a joint cooperation agreement with the largest business chamber in Kazakhstan and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Another MOU in the technology sector, he said, is also planned. “The MOU will breed a lot of cooperation in areas of manpower exchange, information exchange, so on and so forth,” he said. “Business chambers, they are very important to trading.” Meanwhile, Frederick Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, described the presentations from Kazakh partners as "very interesting," spanning logistics, hotel operations and other industries. "There are lots of opportunities for Kazakhstan and Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland to cooperate," Ma said. "This is an excellent opportunity for us to get to know each other much better." Ma revealed that Kazakh partners are already planning a conference and roundtable in Hong Kong in mid-June, adding the delegation looks forward to a closer relationship between the two sides. He praised the chief executive's decision to lead such a large group to Central Asia, calling it "wonderful" as it allows businesspeople from Hong Kong and the mainland to mingle with their Kazakh counterparts. Edited by Tony Sabine

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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High value placed on Central Asia trip: CE

Chief Executive John Lee began his first day of activities in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on Monday. In the morning, a group photo was taken of the delegation, which was described as the largest of its kind in the current term of the SAR government. The photo included Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung, Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau and around 70 business representatives from Hong Kong and the mainland. Speaking to the delegation, Lee said Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan authorities attach great importance to the visit. Lee said he would meet senior officials of the two countries. He stressed the importance of teamwork and urged delegation members to stay energetic and keep their spirits high to deliver good results on the trip. In a social media post, Lee also said the 70-strong delegation brings together industry elites from various sectors in Hong Kong and the mainland. “We will jointly explore the vast potential of Central Asia, gain in-depth insights into this vibrant emerging market, exchange ideas through cross-sectoral interactions, and achieve win-win outcomes through complementary strengths,” he said. Lee added that the visit would boost long-term economic and trade cooperation between Hong Kong, the mainland and Central Asia. Lee will stay in Kazakhstan until Wednesday before heading to Uzbekistan. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

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타임라인 키워드

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs visits Hengqin in push for integration

Japan’s PM Takaichi eyes India trip for talks with leader Modi

Hong Kong, Uzbekistan move towards easing travel visa

How Beijing could use its military and trade to hit back at Tokyo-Manila ties

Taiwan opposition leader promotes cross-strait peace during US trip

How Japan and the Philippines are building a maritime security front against China

Education MoUs boost HK-Kazakhstan ties: CE

Rising seas: Japan makes pitch to Pacific Island nations caught in US-China rivalry

HK can be key renewable energy hub: Kazakh expert

China-Kazakhstan grain-trading deal shows shifting Asian food order

HK, Kazakhstan forge 'hub-to-hub' partnership: CE

China-UK ties thaw: Wang Yi urges that they ‘further communicate and align our positions’

Direct flights from HK to Kazakhstan set for next year

Huge state subsidies give China unfair edge over foreign rivals, OECD says

China urges Brazil to jointly repel ‘external challenges’ as ties deepen in Beijing

Make use of Hong Kong’s advantages, John Lee urges Kazakhstan leaders, companies

Hong Kong steps up random dog licence checks, warns owners of prosecutions

MOUs signed during Lee's visit to Kazakhstan

HK delegation finds 'tremendous' Kazakh opportunities

High value placed on Central Asia trip: CE