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South China Morning Post

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As India rises in critical minerals race, can it dent China’s dominance?

A new India-US pact on critical minerals has put the spotlight on New Delhi’s potential as an alternative to China, but analysts say despite the country’s significant resources, it is unlikely to dent Beijing’s dominance in the sector any time soon. Delhi and Washington signed a framework agreement on May 26 during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earths, including their mining and processing. According to a US embassy statement,...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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'Direct flight to Central Asia could lift HK tourism'

The executive director of the Travel Industry Council Fanny Yeung said on Wednesday she believes the planned launch of a direct flight linking Hong Kong and Kazakhstan would further boost the city's tourism industry. Her remarks came as Cathay Pacific announced it would start operating the route to Kazakhstan's biggest city, Almaty, in the first quarter of next year, significantly cutting the travel time between the two places. Speaking at a press conference on the upcoming International Travel Expo (ITE), Yeung said the council is pleased to learn about the flight arrangements to tap into the Central Asian market as the region is relatively unexplored. "We found that the tourism resources [there] are very, very interesting and the scenery is beautiful as well, so definitely it will attract Hong Kong people," she said, adding that the council had led a delegation to the region in 2024. "Prior to Covid, we [actually] had direct flights to Kazakhstan, but since Covid [they] stopped and didn't reopen again. I am quite positive that it will help us to explore this new destination for Hong Kong residents once the direct flight is available," she told reporters. Regarding the the SAR's tourism outlook, Yeung said she is confident that Hong Kong could welcome about 53 million visitors this year, despite risks arising from the Iran war that has reduced demand from long-haul markets. "We have less tourists from the long-haul markets, but on the other hand, Hong Kong is also very attractive to mainlanders," she said. Asia's annual flagship travel fair ITE is set to return to Hong Kong from June 11 to 14 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is expected to attract over 500 exhibitors from 66 countries and regions, including newcomers Uganda, Mongolia, and Peru. Edited by Aaron Tam

South China Morning Post

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How adversity has guided the path of Chinese civilisation through the ages

Places well-endowed with natural resources don’t usually become great powers or world-conquering empires. If anything, many suffer from the “resource curse”, which corrupts the domestic elite and invites foreign intervention, exploitation or outright colonisation. Like people, communities or nations that have fought to overcome adversity and disadvantages often become the most successful. Challenges – whether natural, geographical, social or military – make them fighters and winners. New...

South China Morning Post

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Top Chinese map-making scientist detained in anti-corruption sweep

China’s leading cartographic scientist Zhou Chenghu – the former deputy director of the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) – has been detained by anti-corruption authorities. According to a notice posted on Monday by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), China’s top internal disciplinary and supervisory body, Zhou is under investigation by central and local anti-corruption bodies for “suspected serious...

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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‘Rich cooperation potential with Central Asia’

Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho said Hong Kong and Central Asian countries have great cooperation potential, with the SAR’s total merchandise trade with the region rising by 27 percent in 2025 compared with 2020. His remarks came as a delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee headed to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on Sunday to strengthen cooperation and explore new opportunities. In an interview with the Information Services Department, the SAR said Hong Kong could further explore cooperation with the region in various areas, including natural resources in Central Asian countries. “These state-owned companies are looking for a platform, a market to list their companies and to fundraise. Hong Kong can empower that,” Ho said. “Second is green development. Hong Kong has a comprehensive green economic engine, from green finance to green industry, green technologies, green standards, and green professional services; with these, we can help Central Asian countries to reach carbon neutrality a lot sooner. “Third is digital economy. Many Central Asian countries are driving AI and digital development, and they are hoping that Hong Kong can help them get there faster.” Ho also said the hospitality business in Hong Kong could help develop tourism infrastructure in Central Asia which has rich tourism assets. The commissioner, who is also a member of the delegation, added the trip could further boost economic and trade development between the SAR and the two countries, exploring new markets and enhancing communication. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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'Exchanges with Shenzhou astronauts in the pipeline'

Technology minister Sun Dong on Sunday said the government was in talks with mainland authorities to arrange a real-time chat between Hong Kong students and Shenzhou-23 astronauts in space, including the city's first-ever payload specialist Lai Ka-ying. The government also hopes the astronauts can visit the SAR after their return, he said, adding the trip could take place in the first half of next year at the earliest. Speaking on a TVB programme, Sun said Lai’s selection to the mission was inspiring to Hong Kong people. “I think Ka-ying’s selection has given Hong Kong a very good start,” he said. “Her appointment has been praised by everyone – besides her professional background, she is also a mother of three and is friendly ... people feel that she is just an ordinary person like us, and I think this is inspiring for many people.” Sun added that Lai was selected because of her outstanding academic ability, exceptional physical condition and mental toughness, as well as her hardworking attitude. The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry hopes Hong Kong can nurture more astronauts in the future with the development of the aerospace industry. “We need to begin cultivating a group of outstanding young scientists who are passionate about aerospace and willing to strive for its advancement,” Sun said. “We must accelerate the construction of our international innovation and technology hub, so that the country can gain a better understanding and confidence in Hong Kong’s innovation and technology capabilities.” Sun went on to say that Hong Kong would allocate resources precisely to facilitate national space missions. The SAR could also help the country in international exchanges and collaboration, he added. Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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East Asia’s population challenge isn’t just about raising birth rates

Across East Asia, societies are becoming richer, healthier and more educated, yet fewer people feel able or willing to have families and raise children. Low fertility plagues high-income societies, particularly in East Asia, where the total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen below one birth per woman, well under the replacement level of 2.1 births. While many countries have dedicated considerable resources and effort to reversing this trend, the results have been somewhat disappointing. The pairing...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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No management fees' impact seen in fire-safety move

Secretary for Security Chris Tang on Saturday said a proposal to hold property management firms responsible for fire-prevention measures would not have a major impact on the fees that they charge. His comments came as the government proposes, in the wake of the Wang Fuk Court inferno in November, amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance that are currently undergoing a one-month public consultation. Among the changes it is looking at is introducing a responsible persons' regime for the maintenance and inspection of fire services installation and equipment. Under the proposal, property management companies would have the statutory responsibility of arranging for fire alarm system inspections to be carried out at least once every six months and fire drills every year. Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Tang said such a changeover would not incur high costs. “The cost of carrying out a test of the fire alarm is very low when compared with management fees. The cost is also very low for carrying out a fire drill," he said. "Our new requirement this time does not involve a commitment of new resources, so we believe it should not have a major impact on management fees.” He stressed that if firms are penalised due to violations of these fire-safety codes, they should not pass the cost on to homeowners. The government is also proposing that fire service installation contractors have to renew their licences every five years instead of, as under the existing regime, their registration being permanent. Tang said the move is necessary because the licences of contractors can currently be revoked only if they commit serious violations, making the existing benchmark very high. He also said the police have received 142 reports of suspected thefts so far at the Tai Po estate. “In 48 of the cases – almost 40 percent – we recovered the items immediately," Tang said. "In about 20 percent of the cases, the flats involved were severely damaged, so we and the homeowners believe the items might have been burnt. "In 30 percent of the cases, the residents could not say exactly what [the items] were, so it was hard to follow up. "But in 16 of the cases, we think it could not be determined whether [the items] were stolen or not." He added that officers are actively investigating the cases. Edited by Tony Sabine

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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CE to lead group on Central Asia visit from May 31

Chief Executive John Lee is set to lead a government delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from May 31, as part of efforts to deepen trade with Central Asia and explore new opportunities. The delegation, the largest of its kind in the current term of government, will include more than 40 local business and professional representatives, as well as representatives from 30 mainland enterprises. They come from various industries and sectors, spanning business, finance, legal services, construction and engineering, logistics, innovation and technology (I&T), manufacturing and the automotive industry. In a statement on Friday, Lee said Central Asia enjoys "rapid economic development, abundant natural resources, and immense market potential", and Hong Kong aims to strengthen cooperation with the region in areas including finance, trade, infrastructure, I&T and green development. "The delegation will further harness Hong Kong's unique advantages under the 'one country, two systems' principle in connecting the mainland and the world, support mainland enterprises in going global, and capitalise on complementary strengths," the statement read. Various officials are also joining the trip, including Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau, Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip and Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Lilian Cheong. The group will first visit Kazakhstan, before going to Uzbekistan for three days from June 3. Lee will meet senior government officials from the two countries to enhance high-level communication, and will lead the delegation on visits to firms and facilities to explore collaboration opportunities. The CE noted that while Kazakhstan accounts for over 60 percent of the regional economy and is the SAR's largest trading partner in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is the most populous country in the region and is also a key partner of Hong Kong. During Lee's absence, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will be acting chief executive. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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HK industries ride on Central Asia trip to forge ties

Two industrial trade bodies that will be travelling to Central Asia as part of a delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee say they see similarities between the region's rapid development and China's opening up four decades ago. Anthony Lam, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI), described Central Asia as a developing frontier booming with opportunities. He said Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the two largest economies in the region, are both paring down their reliance on natural resources and turning to digital industries, light manufacturing and green technology. "Hong Kong is poised to supply them with these opportunities and technology," Lam said. "They consider themselves developing [countries]. As what we did when China just opened 40 years ago, Hong Kong participated a lot and benefited a lot from the opening of the Chinese economy." Lam identified several areas where Hong Kong's expertise could prove useful in Central Asia. These include medical-related investments and supplies which could serve the region's population of over 80 million people. On the other hand, Lam was keen to explore collaboration with Uzbekistan's fur and leather industry. "They eat a lot of meat, so they've got a lot of leather. Leather then relates to furniture and the shoe industry," he explained, suggesting potential supply chain extensions from Central Asia to Hong Kong. Wingco Lo, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA), was optimistic about meeting the trip's objectives, one of which is to identify business opportunities in innovation, technology, manufacturing, green development and trade. But he also struck a pragmatic tone, pointing to various challenges awaiting Hong Kong businesses. "Their languages — they use Russian and local dialects. We have to adapt to cultural differences, especially those that are Islamic countries," he said. Financial infrastructure presents another obstacle. "The financial infrastructure may not be that mature," Lo said. "Different financial services and exchange currency rates may be very fluctuating." Logistics, too, remain a work in progress. "The logistics infrastructure is now building up. We hope after they build this up, it will be better for us to set up manufacturing there," he said. On the other hand, Lo pointed to demographic advantages, including low labour costs and a young population. "They have enough manpower with young generations, which will help our manufacturers to settle there." Both Lo and Lam view Lee's upcoming visit to Central Asia as a critical step in establishing sustained ties with the region. "Hong Kong is being a super connector — to the outside, to China, and also to Central Asia. This is a great opportunity for Hong Kong companies to participate in the development and growth of Central Asian countries," Lam said. Edited by Raymond Yeung

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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HKEX touts inclusivity in wooing Central Asia listings

Hong Kong's stock exchange operator says its proven track record of dealing with companies from non-common law jurisdictions makes the SAR an ideal location for Central Asian firms to raise funds. The stock exchange's diversified pool of liquidity, boasting an average daily turnover of HK$276 billion this year, should also attract firms seeking dual or secondary listings overseas, the bourse operator added. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) CEO Bonnie Chan will be part of Chief Executive John Lee's upcoming delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Under HKEX's listing regulations, only issuers listed in the 20 recognised stock exchanges around the world may apply for a secondary listing in Hong Kong. Speaking to the press ahead of her departure on Sunday, Chan was asked if there are plans to recognise stock exchanges in Central Asia as well. "Definitely. We want to deepen our collaboration with not only stock exchanges and partners in Central Asia, but I would say, you know, broadly across the board," she said. "We want to make sure that we are a very accessible market when it comes to global companies wanting to explore accessing a deeper capital raising platform." Johnson Chui, HKEX's Head of Global Issuer Services, revealed he had recently returned from a week-long trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He said the dual primary listing last year of mining firm Jiaxin International Resources in Hong Kong and Astana could set the tone for Central Asian enterprises looking to raise funds in the SAR. "Off the back of that, clearly it was taken notice by relevant parties and stakeholders in Central Asia," he said. "In my prior trip a couple of weeks ago, various entities have also raised questions and interest and really wanted to just increase their knowledge on the Hong Kong market, and how they could tap the market, whether it's through dim sum bonds or potentially dual listings." Chan added that while 40 percent of HKEX's daily turnover is attributed to technology shares, the exchange prides itself on its inclusivity and would do its best to connect capital with investment opportunities. Edited by Aaron Tam

South China Morning Post

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Trump moves to punish US government workers who leak information to reporters

US President Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday proposed asking federal employees to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA) with the goal of preventing them from sharing confidential information with journalists. The Office of Personnel Management, the human resources office for the ‌US government, released a draft NDA designed for federal agencies to use with new and existing employees. Under the draft agreement, the administration could pursue civil and criminal penalties against employees...

South China Morning Post

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As Chinese EV makers expand in Europe, are local automotive suppliers set to benefit?

European automotive suppliers are set to benefit from an influx of Chinese carmakers, thanks to growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and persistent local protectionism, according to Vulcan Energy Resources, a lithium and renewable energy producer in Germany. Chinese EV makers – from BYD to Xpeng – are planning to aggressively expand into Europe in search of higher profit margins, even as Brussels advances measures to protect local manufacturing amid a slower pace of electrification. On...

South China Morning Post

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How Xiaomi’s push into AI, chips and EVs is future-proofing its hardware empire

Xiaomi is betting on artificial intelligence to future-proof its sprawling hardware empire, pouring massive resources into open-source models to ensure its next generation of smartphones and electric vehicles (EVs) does not get left behind in an AI-driven market. The Beijing-based firm’s latest AI model, MiMo-V2.5-Pro, introduced last month, was ranked by third-party benchmark platform Artificial Analysis as the world’s top open-source model for agentic capabilities – referring to an AI system’s...

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타임라인 키워드

As India rises in critical minerals race, can it dent China’s dominance?

'Direct flight to Central Asia could lift HK tourism'

How adversity has guided the path of Chinese civilisation through the ages

Top Chinese map-making scientist detained in anti-corruption sweep

MOUs signed during Lee's visit to Kazakhstan

‘Rich cooperation potential with Central Asia’

'Exchanges with Shenzhou astronauts in the pipeline'

East Asia’s population challenge isn’t just about raising birth rates

No management fees' impact seen in fire-safety move

CE to lead group on Central Asia visit from May 31

HK industries ride on Central Asia trip to forge ties

HKEX touts inclusivity in wooing Central Asia listings

Trump moves to punish US government workers who leak information to reporters

As Chinese EV makers expand in Europe, are local automotive suppliers set to benefit?

How Xiaomi’s push into AI, chips and EVs is future-proofing its hardware empire