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A government investigation into an alleged indecent assault of a four-year-old kindergarten pupil at an international school in Hong Kong’s Stanley has concluded that the claim of child maltreatment was “not established”, drawing the weeks-long probe to a close. The International Montessori School (IMS) welcomed the Social Welfare Department’s conclusion, expressing “immense relief” after going through “a very difficult time” alongside the entire community. In a letter to parents, Timothy Veale,...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Goodies and performances galore on July 1

Celebratory events across 18 districts such as flag-raising ceremonies, marching performances, and carnivals, as well as freebies and discounts will help mark the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. In announcing the celebration plans on Tuesday, Chief Executive John Lee said perks would be offered across five aspects, with more than 1,000 restaurants and about 100 shopping malls, along with different other facilities participating in the gala. "I am deeply grateful for the enthusiastic response from all sectors of society in providing a variety of activities and special offers for our citizens," he said. "I also encourage more businesses and organisations to join in, so that we can all celebrate this occasion which marks the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland," he added. In terms of public transport, the MTR Corporation will hand out 71,000 electronic tickets on July 1 to allow commuters to take one free trip. The Airport Express will be free to children aged between three and 11, while students and those aged 60 or above will enjoy half-price rides. The tram will be free in the first three days of next month, along with several ferry routes being at no cost on July 1. People will enjoy free access to various indoor and outdoor facilities under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Wetland Park, and permanent exhibitions at the Space Museum and Science Museum on the day. A number of exhibitions, including those at M+ and the Palace Museum, will offer free entry. Tickets to Ngongping 360, Peak Tram, and Ocean Park will be available at a discounted price. Gifts and special offers will be rolled out at participating restaurants, stores, malls, as well as four wet markets under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the airport, science park, and cyberport. To promote green living, residents can also enjoy double points when they recycle at GREEN@COMMUNITY locations on July 1. Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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Chinese President Xi Jinping pledges ‘unwavering’ support for North Korea and Kim Jong-un

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing’s commitment to North Korea and its leader Kim Jong-un was “unwavering ” on Monday. The trip is Xi’s first foreign visit of the year, and during his talks with Kim in afternoon, Xi expressed strong support for the North Korean leader. “No matter how the international situation changes, the firm stance of the Chinese [Communist] Party and government in highly valuing the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Southbound cars scheme opens for five more GBA cities

The government on Monday announced plans to expand a scheme that allows Guangdong residents to drive to Hong Kong to eventually cover the entire province. Starting July 25, five more Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities – Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou and Zhaoqing – will be included in the "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” arrangement, allowing approved vehicles entry into Hong Kong. Under the newly launched “Park & Visit” service, motorists from the province can leave their vehicles in automated car parks at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port and then enter urban areas in the SAR with local public transport. Applications open at 9am on July 16. Motorists can also apply for the existing “Park & Fly” service, under which they can park their vehicles and transfer directly to an overseas flight at Hong Kong International Airport without having to go through SAR immigration. This expansion means the southbound travel scheme will now cover nine mainland GBA cities. Officials said the target is to expand the scheme to all 21 Guangdong cities by the first quarter of next year. The daily quota of cars permitted to enter Hong Kong urban areas under the scheme will be doubled to 200, also starting July 25, but their stay will still be limited to three days. Officials stressed that the scheme has been operating in a smooth and orderly manner since its inception half a year ago. As of the end of last month, about 8,400 applications for entry into Hong Kong urban areas had been approved, with a total of 6,700 bookings made. Officials stressed that they had taken into account port operations, overall road traffic conditions, user feedback and public adaptation before making the expansion decision. In a statement, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan expressed gratitude to her Guangdong counterparts and the central government for facilitating the expansion of the scheme. “The SAR government will continue to take forward the southbound travel scheme, enabling the inflow of additional tourists from more mainland cities ... to help drive Hong Kong's economic growth, and promote the integrated development of Guangdong and Hong Kong to a new level," she said. The chairman of the Legislative Council's transport panel, Ben Chan, welcomed the decision to expand the scheme to cover more GBA cities. However, he said improvements can be made before expanding the scheme to the whole of Guangdong. “These factors include our city’s development, and whether there is an explicit growth in the number of parking spaces," Ben Chan said. "On the other hand, regarding our border checkpoint facilities, there are constant traffic jams at the Zhuhai port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, especially during peak seasons. These facilities all need improvement.” Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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More than 1 million people flood Madrid streets to see Pope Leo preside over open-air Mass

Pope Leo honoured Spain’s centuries-old tradition of religious devotion on Sunday as a “school of faith” for today, as he presided over a Mass before more than a million people that highlighted one of the most iconic expressions of Spanish popular piety: a procession over flower-petal carpets. The crowd cheered and shouted “This is the youth of the pope!” as Leo arrived for the Mass at a central Madrid plaza. He looped around the plaza and surrounding streets in his Popemobile before a crowd...

South China Morning Post

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Hong Kong parents of undocumented baby Danny confident of regaining custody

The Hong Kong parents of undocumented baby Danny have expressed confidence that they can obtain legal guardianship of their son, who is now in a care home, as immigration authorities could process his birth certificate as early as Saturday. The unmarried couple also said they saw a “glimmer of hope” in resolving the custody case of their four-year-old daughter Lily, whom Swedish authorities have taken into care over child welfare concerns. “We believe the social workers will handle the matter in...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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CE wraps up 'fruitful' Central Asia visit

Chief Executive John Lee on Friday expressed confidence that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will further advance their "win-win cooperation" as he concluded his week-long Central Asia trip. Speaking on the final day of his visit to the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, Lee described his trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as fruitful, noting achievements have been secured in eight areas. These include the establishment of high-level contacts and ties between the SAR government and the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with the respective sides reaching consensus on cooperation across multiple areas, he said. Lee added that a total of 96 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding, involving investments exceeding US$1.65 billion, had been reached during his visit. Before returning to Hong Kong on Friday night, Lee attended a business exchange event and met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov. Lee said he looked forward to strengthening co-operation between the two places and laying a solid foundation in areas that include capital markets connectivity, infrastructure financing and green finance. The CE thanked the government of Uzbekistan for making arrangements for his visit, saying he was confident that the two places would open up a new chapter of mutual benefits and win-win cooperation. Earlier in the day, Lee attended a luncheon hosted by the Chinese Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Yu Jun. There, he expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for its continued support and for making arrangements for the visit. Lee also visited the Center for Islamic Civilization – the country’s largest cultural, scientific, and educational complex – to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. During the visit, he noted that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan could further strengthen cooperation in arts and culture, people-to-people exchanges and museum collaboration. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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CE hails Central Asia trip a major success

Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday declared his trip to Central Asia a major success, revealing that a total of 96 memoranda of understanding and partnership agreements worth an estimated US$1.65 billion have been made. Summing up the tour from the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, Lee said 15 pacts were signed directly on a government-to-government level with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, covering business, education and development projects. Lee also announced that Uzbekistan has agreed to establish a consulate-general in Hong Kong. He added that details for a relaxed travel arrangement – where Hong Kong and Uzbekistan could each allow the other's passport holders to enter visa-free for up to 30 days – will be announced soon. “Both governments are working very hard to implement this visa-free 30-day arrangement. We have overcome the most difficult part, that is both sides work on the details and yesterday we exchanged the notes verbally on this matter,” he said. “With the enthusiastic attitude of both governments, I think we can see very early implementation of the arrangement. I will push my colleagues to work harder, and I received the same assurance by my counterparts in the government of Uzbekistan.” The Chief Executive said that the SAR and Uzbekistan governments also signed an aviation agreement, adding that some SAR airlines are already planning to launch direct flights to Uzbekistan. He noted that the two sides have also initiated talks to establish an avoidance of double taxation agreement to lower fiscal barriers for cross-border businesses. When asked about plans for the next trip, Lee said officials will summarise the experience from the current visit and assess locations that would bring long-term benefits to the SAR's economic and trade development. For his part, Frederick Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), noted that many small doors of business opportunity have opened up in the past few days. One example, he said, was that at least one state-owned Kazakh enterprise has explicitly expressed interest in pursuing a public listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Since arriving in the Uzbek capital on Wednesday, Lee has met with several senior Uzbek officials, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. The Chief Executive will attend a business dinner hosted by the SAR government and HKTDC on Thursday night to promote the SAR’s business opportunities to local commercial representatives. On Friday, Lee and his delegation will visit IT Park Uzbekistan – the country's primary technology and innovation hub – before setting off on his return journey to Hong Kong. Edited by Aaron Tam

South China Morning Post

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MTR Corp boss Jacob Kam elected chairman of Hong Kong’s largest business chamber

The non-executive chairman of Hong Kong rail giant the MTR Corporation has been elected as the new head of the city’s largest business chamber for a one-year term. Jacob Kam Chak-pui, 64, took over as chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday following an election among members, expressing “strong confidence” in the city’s economic development. Kam, previously the chamber’s vice-chairman, said he believed the market outlook was rebounding as the global macroeconomic...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Chung King-fai, a giant of HK theatre, dies at 89

Veteran stage actor and director Chung King-fai on Wednesday passed away in his sleep at the age of 89. Affectionately known as "King Sir", Chung was the founding Dean of the School of Drama at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and is best remembered for being a mentor to generations of performers. In a career spanning decades, he worked as an actor, director, drama educator, television producer, host and voice-over artist. On social media, Chung's nephew, Chung Chi-kuen, wrote that he dedicated his entire life to theatre, nurturing countless students and earning deep respect and love from everyone. Former RTHK programme host Serina Ha, who knew Chung for more than 20 years, described him as steady and graceful, and someone who took his work very seriously. "He's a gentleman. Very polite and genuine. Among all the people I know, he is a mentor who truly connected with the times. He gave me the kind of guidance that a senior should. And his attitude – his seriousness – that is something worth learning from," she said. Chung held a bachelor's degree in speech and drama from Oklahoma Baptist University in the United States and and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University. A pioneer in staging Cantonese versions of absurdist dramas and Broadway musicals, he won Best Actor eight times and Best Director four times at the Hong Kong Drama Awards, along with many other accolades throughout his career. In addition to the Academy for Performing Arts, he lectured at Hong Kong Baptist University for 23 years and worked in various local television outlets. In a statement, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law expressed her condolences to Chung's family, saying he dedicated his life to the performing arts with countless productions and contributions to Hong Kong theatre. "His passing is a tremendous loss to Hong Kong's performing arts sector. We will always treasure the memory of this stage veteran and remain deeply grateful for his distinguished contributions to the performing arts in Hong Kong," she said. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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TDC chair eyes Uzbekistan opportunities in next stop

With the chief executive and his delegation wrapping up the Kazakhstan leg of his Central Asia mission, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) chairman Frederick Ma said he now turns his focus to Uzbekistan, expressing strong expectations for reciprocal deals and new collaboration models during the upcoming visit. Ma described the Kazakhstan stop as “very meaningful,” noting it's the birthplace of the New Silk Road where President Xi Jinping first announced the Belt and Road Initiative at a landmark speech delivered at Nazarbayev University in 2013. He also pointed to the signing of 43 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty next year, saying the visit had opened “a lot more doors for Hong Kong and Chinese mainland businesses.” Turning to Uzbekistan, the TDC chief outlined clear goals for the next leg. “We will meet again many government officials as well as entrepreneurs in that country,” he said, noting that Uzbek senior leaders had visited Hong Kong a few weeks ago. “This is a very good way to reciprocate their visit.” While Ma did not disclose specific MoUs being pursued for Uzbekistan, he confirmed he was looking forward to the trip – his first to the country, compared with three previous visits to Kazakhstan. On potential collaboration models, Ma pointed to growing financial linkages with Central Asia. He revealed that at least one portfolio company of the region’s sovereign fund is expected to list in Hong Kong, following in the footsteps of Kazakh entities using Hong Kong’s bond and equity markets. A mining company dual-listed in Hong Kong and Astana last year, he added. The Uzbekistan visit is set to build on this momentum, with Ma signaling that the TDC sees Central Asia as a long-term engagement priority. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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ID-limbo baby concern rises over 'Save Lily' couple

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the government is highly concerned about the controversial case involving a couple who refused DNA testing required for their baby's birth certificate following a home birth in Hong Kong. Speaking after an event on Tuesday, Sun said he hoped a health check and assessment of the baby boy, as well as a meeting with the parents, could be arranged as soon as possible. He said relevant departments have been following up on the case. "From last Thursday, we have been using different methods to get in touch with the parents and family involved," Sun said. "Our social workers had waited outside their home at various times of the day. They waited until late on one occasion. "We had also left different contact methods for the parents to reach us. "It wasn't until yesterday that our social workers were finally able to get in touch with the parents through email." The incident sparked concern over the internet after the couple opened a social media page called "Save Lily" in the hope of taking back their second daughter – who was born at home in Finland in 2021 and did not have a birth certificate – after she was put under a formal care order when the family was in Sweden in 2023. The couple then returned to Hong Kong and gave birth to their third son, Danny, at home. Speaking on a radio programme on Tuesday, the father, Tsang, said he and his partner have submitted a statement of self-delivery of birth at home. But the couple have not registered Danny's birth within 42 days of delivery – as required under the law – and refused DNA testing to verify their biological relationship with the infant, citing religious reasons. Tsang said he and his partner are unwilling to undergo such testing, saying that DNA information is highly sensitive, and hope to know the reasons for the required procedures. Sun said the Immigration Department would follow up on the issue regarding Danny's birth certificate and that it had also reached out to the Chinese embassy in Sweden through the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong to follow up on Lily's case. He also said the administration has a comprehensive mechanism for handling matters when it comes to child welfare and will take steps to address the situation as quickly as possible while taking into account all relevant factors. Sun added that appropriate support would be forthcoming should the family express any need for it. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Towngas in talks with govt to raise gas prices

Towngas on Monday said it is in discussions with the government to raise gas fees due to the latest energy price spikes caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Peter Wong, the managing director of Hong Kong's sole gas provider, told a press conference that the prices of naphtha, which accounts for about 40 percent of the raw materials for producing gas, has doubled since the start of the year. "We are currently under pressure to raise charges and we're in close communication with the government over the extent of the price increase. It's also because of the rise in energy prices and inflation," he said. "As to when a decision will be made, It's up to the government. But if we look back to two years ago, our previous price increase was implemented on August 1," he added. Wong, however, did not give a timeline on when the prices would go up. He noted that the firm has so far saved more than HK$20 billion on fuel costs for local customers because of its long-term "take or pay" contract with a supplier in Australia to secure natural gas. Under their 25-year agreement, signed in 2006, the Australian firm would supply natural gas to Towngas for fixed prices during the period. Towngas has also started negotiations with the Australian supplier over the new prices of their contract as the current one is set to expire in 2031, but "it's difficult to assess the new pricing", Wong said. Separately, he forecast that the city's total gas consumption would decline by three percent year-on-year in the first half of the year, partly because of the high temperatures that has reduced residential demand. But he added that the decline is likely to be smaller for the full year, pointing to a recent increase in gas consumption in the hotel and catering sectors. Meanwhile, Wong expressed optimism over the Northern Metropolis development, noting the company is laying pipelines to meet the demand of the expected additional 1.5 million residents and commercial users there. Edited by Aaron Tam

South China Morning Post

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Italy bans Kanye West concert over security concerns

A concert by the US rapper Kanye West, who was supposed to perform on July 18 in Reggio Emilia in northern Italy, has been banned on public safety grounds, the authorities said. The prefect of the province, Salvatore Angieri, said the decision was made following requests from bodies including the local Jewish community. They had “expressed reservations” about the appearance of the rapper as part of the Pulse of Gaia Festival, the statement released on Friday evening said. Another concert by the...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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CE arrives in Kazakhstan to begin Central Asia visit

Chief Executive John Lee and his business and trade delegation on Sunday arrived in the Kazakh capital, Astana, kicking off a visit to Central Asia aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Lee was greeted at the airport by Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of National Economy Assan Darbayev and Minister Counsellor of China's Embassy in Kazakhstan Cheng Kefan. The delegation, described as the largest of its kind in the current term of the SAR government, includes more than 40 representatives from Hong Kong’s business and professional sectors, along with about 30 executives from mainland enterprises. Lee said on social media that the trip marks the second time that Hong Kong and mainland representatives have joined forces to “go global” together, covering the broadest range of industries to date. “Hong Kong and Central Asia enjoy vast scope for collaboration,” he said. During the visit, Hong Kong is set to sign multiple memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Central Asian nations and seal numerous cooperation projects among public and private institutions and enterprises from Hong Kong and the mainland, and the two host countries. Lee expressed confidence that the mission will strengthen cross-sector exchanges, create new trade corridors and unlock emerging market opportunities between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region. The group will spend three days in Kazakhstan before heading to Uzbekistan on Wednesday. Edited by Edmond Fong

South China Morning Post

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Human-shaped object in US military UFO files intrigues Chinese expert

Amid a flurry of interest in newly declassified US government UFO files, a Chinese researcher has expressed intrigue in an apparent video of a fast-moving, human-shaped object. Zhang Nan, a Beijing-based researcher into unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), said he was particularly fascinated by a nearly five-minute video, captured by a sky-facing US military infrared sensor in Florida in 2020. In the footage labelled “NAG UAP 1 Jun 20”, a humanoid-like shape hovered for a long time before...

South China Morning Post

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HK Express cancels 6 Hong Kong-Okinawa flights as Typhoon Jangmi approaches

Budget carrier HK Express has cancelled six flights operating between Hong Kong and Okinawa on Monday and Tuesday as Typhoon Jangmi approaches Japan’s southernmost islands. The airline said in an updated announcement on Saturday afternoon that special ticket arrangements for typhoon-affected flights were in place. “We have notified all affected passengers of the flight changes and are providing the necessary help to enable them to make alternative travel arrangements in advance,” the airline...

South China Morning Post

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China and Japan aren’t talking. Will their rare earth trade go quiet?

When China broke out one of its “big guns” in last year’s trade war with the US – an array of export controls on rare earth elements – it helped spur a temporary truce in the pitched conflict between the two economic superpowers. After Beijing’s announcement, many around the world expressed shock at the size and scope of China’s response to Washington’s sky-high tariffs. But for Japan, a squeeze on rare earth shipments was not so novel a concept. In 2010, following the collision of a Chinese...

South China Morning Post

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Japan PM vows ‘breakthrough’ with North Korea in abduction issue

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Saturday expressed her determination to achieve a “breakthrough” in resolving the long-standing issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, vowing to weigh all options, including summit talks. At a rally in Tokyo calling for the return of Japanese abductees, Takaichi urged North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to take a “courageous step” together for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. “Whatever it takes, I will resolve the abduction issue by...

Hong Kong Free Press

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China blasts ‘illegal’ Japan-Philippines sea border talks

China expressed strong opposition on Friday to a decision by Japan and the Philippines to start maritime border negotiations, calling the talks “illegal” and claiming exclusive control over the waters concerned. The two island nations announced on Thursday they would start formal talks “to delimit the maritime boundary” of an economic zone and continental shelf […]

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