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The Pentagon’s expanding blacklist of Chinese companies is increasing reputational risks for some of the country’s biggest technology firms and raising the prospect of future restrictions on access to US investment, according to legal experts. In a Federal Register notice scheduled for publication on Wednesday, the US Department of Defence designated a broad group of Chinese companies as “Chinese military companies” under Section 1260H of the National Defence Authorisation Act. The latest...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Blanket 2pc pay rise on table for civil servants

The Chief Executive-in-Council proposed a two percent across-the-board pay increase for the city’s 170,000 civil servants on Tuesday, backdated to April 1. If approved by the Legislative Council, the pay rise will cost about HK$6 billion extra. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said the government had taken a prudent approach and considered all factors in a comprehensive manner in reaching this decision. “[We have taken into account] factors like the substantial financial commitment that the government has to make for Hong Kong's future development, and also the geopolitical situation that has brought drastic changes to economies worldwide, the impact on Hong Kong's economy and the continual lack of a definite, clear outcome of those geopolitical tensions,” she said. Yeung pointed out that the SAR government ranked second in efficiency according to last year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook published by the Swiss-based IMD World Competitiveness Center, saying this reflects the excellent quality of Hong Kong’s civil servants. A reasonable salary adjustment will help keep up civil service morale and also serve as recognition for their work, she added. Yeung said she would meet with representatives from several civil servant unions on Wednesday to gather feedback before the Executive Council makes a final decision. The final proposal will then be submitted to the Legislative Council's Finance Committee for vetting. A pay trend survey recently pointed to a 4.12 percent and 2.64 percent pay rise for senior and middle-ranking civil servants, respectively. Multiple civil servant unions had proposed an across-the-board pay rise of at least four percent. Asked how she would explain the lower than expected increment to civil servants, Yeung reiterated that the administration has to be financially prepared to meet future development needs and unexpected changes in the geopolitical situation. Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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US adds Alibaba, BYD and other Chinese tech champions to military company blacklist

The Pentagon has designated Alibaba, BYD, Baidu and more than a dozen other prominent Chinese companies as “Chinese military companies” operating in the United States, widening a blacklist that has become an increasingly effective tool in Washington’s campaign to restrict China’s access to American capital, technology and government contracts. In a Federal Register notice scheduled for publication on Wednesday, the US Defence Department said the Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition and...

South China Morning Post

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K-drama stars IU, Lee Dong-wook dragged into South Korean ballot protest

A South Korean protest calling for a redo of last Wednesday’s local election over ballot shortages at polling stations has taken an unexpected turn, with some protesters demanding that actress and singer IU send coffee to the rally. The demand appears to stem from IU’s decision in 2024 to provide prepaid food and drinks for demonstrators calling for the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk-yeol over his failed martial law bid. The protesters calling for a new election, who are widely seen as...

South China Morning Post

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What does Singapore lose when the wrecking ball swings?

Tey Yong How remembers running along the shores of eastern Singapore as a child, the sea breeze mingling with the smell of sizzling seafood. Birthday dinners here meant three or four tables pushed together, with cousins chasing each other between the chairs as the adults pulled apart succulent chilli crab. “My childhood memories will linger there,” the 47-year-old said on a recent Wednesday evening of the seafood restaurants at East Coast Park. “Whatever may become of it in the...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Airport chief welcomes direct flights to Central Asia

Airport Authority chairman Fred Lam on Sunday said Hong Kong's expansion into Central Asia would open up new passenger markets and provide an alternative route for cargo coming to and from Europe, with direct flights between the SAR and the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan set to launch in the first quarter of next year. Lam's comments on Commercial Radio came just days after Chief Executive John Lee wrapped up his visit to Central Asia during which he signed multiple agreements in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He pointed out that 13 percent of Hong Kong's cargo flows to and from Europe currently pass through the Middle East, but the ongoing war against Iran and US tariffs have disrupted supply chains. Additional routes via Central Asia could strengthen Hong Kong's position as a key aviation hub linking Asia and Europe, he said. Lam also noted that Hong Kong International Airport handled 61 million passengers last year while traffic in the first four months of this year rose by 13 percent. He was confident the airport could reach 70 million passengers for the full year. Lam added the airport aimed to attract more travellers from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and increase transit traffic while creating a "frictionless border" for GBA passengers. This, he said, could encourage transfer passengers to come back to Hong Kong as tourists. Lam also said operations at the newly reopened Terminal 2 have been smooth. "We commissioned the T2 departure facility last week and so far and it has processed 40,000 passengers with 300 flights. We're very happy with the whole process, it's turned out to be very smooth." "The process will complete by Wednesday this week. By then, every day we would have about 110 flights per day with around 20,000 passengers. "We'll continue to monitor that. We believe that this new facility would help to provide an even better service to our passengers," he said. Regarding the 11 Skies Mall development, Lam said it is scheduled for full completion in 2028. While discussions with the developer are ongoing, he said the project is part of the airport city's development blueprint and was confident in its long-term potential. Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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South Korean protesters demand ‘election re-run’ after ballot shortage

Protesters outside a ballot-counting site in ⁠South Korea on ⁠Saturday rallied for a second ⁠day, demanding a re-run of local elections held earlier this week. Around 10,000 citizens were estimated to have gathered at the SK Olympic Handball Stadium as of 5.30pm local time, where votes were counted from Wednesday’s elections to pick mayors and local government officials and assembly members, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing an unofficial police estimate. Representatives at Seoul Metropolitan...

South China Morning Post

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Son of James Handy’s girlfriend charged with murder of ‘Top Gun’ actor

A man was charged with murder in the stabbing of Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick actor James Handy, who was in a relationship with the suspect’s mother. Michael Gledhill, 44, was charged on Friday after police say officers found the 81-year-old Handy stabbed in the chest and lying unconscious outside a home in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Handy was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead. Gledhill did not appear at an arraignment on Friday afternoon in Los Angeles Superior Court and no plea...

South China Morning Post

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Most Asia-Pacific firms use AI for tasks without cutting jobs: survey

While a wave of job cuts across Asia’s finance and other industries due to wider use of artificial intelligence has spurred concerns, a new study shows that the technology’s net impact on employment is not as clear-cut. Recruiters and industry observers say many companies are adding AI-related roles without having to lay off workers. A study by professional services firm Aon released on Wednesday shows that 74 per cent of 504 companies surveyed across industries in the Asia-Pacific region have...

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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국방

China’s futuristic stealth sub to boost ‘hunt-and-kill’ capabilities: experts

China is aiming to boost its “hunt-and-kill” capabilities with a new submarine that boasts futuristic features, according to Chinese analysts. A submarine that appeared to lack a traditional fin was being built at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, France-based Naval News reported on Wednesday, citing Vantor satellite images dated June 1. A submarine’s fin is a tower on its topside, usually used for observation and communications. Analysts said a finless design could boost the craft’s stealth,...

South China Morning Post

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Hong Kong police launch search after man, 76, goes missing in Ma On Shan

Hong Kong police are searching for a 76-year-old man who went missing in Ma On Shan on Wednesday. Liu Yim-kwan left his home at Yan On Estate on Hang Chi Street in the early hours of Wednesday and failed to return, police said on Thursday. Liu is about 1.7 metres (5 feet, 9 inches) tall with a lean build and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black trousers and white trainers. His family reported him missing on Wednesday. The force appealed to anyone with information on...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Uzbeks welcome HK's 30-day visa-free proposal

Uzbeks in the capital of Tashkent voiced enthusiasm about the prospect of closer ties with Hong Kong on Thursday. Earlier, the SAR and Uzbek governments had agreed to begin detailed talks on a 30-day visa-free stay for travellers on both sides. Currently, HKSAR passport holders may visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days, while Uzbek passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong. Uzbek citizens told RTHK that the proposed arrangement, revealed by Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday night during his Central Asia visit, would significantly ease current travel restrictions and that the news could not come soon enough. "It’s a big opportunity for our nation, for our population, for our locals," said Jasur Abdumavlonov, an English teacher in Tashkent. "China is the fastest developing country. It develops very fast." Abdumavlonov, who described himself as eager to learn, said he hopes to visit Hong Kong within the next five years, drawn by curiosity about its food and people. He predicted the visa-free scheme would spark a two-way exchange of traditions and world views. "A lot of people will exchange their traditions, their point of view," he said. "They’re going to learn a lot about Asia, about Central Asia. And our people will learn a lot about Chinese [people]." For younger Uzbeks, Hong Kong’s pop culture has already built a powerful pull. Yasmin Kholmurodova said she has wanted to visit the city for a long time, inspired by its cinema, books and music. "That’s great news. I wish to come to Hong Kong for a very long time," she said. Kholmurodova said that the more visa-free destinations available to Uzbek travellers, the better. She also added that the proposed deal would foster prosperity through greater people-to-people contact. "Let’s be friendly, let’s visit each other’s countries, let’s be more global," she said. "I think it will definitely be more prosperous." Beyond tourism, business ties are already emerging. Khurshid Shomurotov said his brother travelled to Hong Kong just 10 days ago to meet potential partners. He said he now plans to visit Hong Kong himself in the future, adding that business discussions with partners in the city had gone well. The chief executive said the two governments would promptly advance the specific implementation measures to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible. Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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Tibetology is key to China shaping global views on the region, top official says

Chinese academics specialising in Tibet must find more creative ways to shape the global conversation about the region while remaining strictly aligned with the Communist Party’s ideology. That was the message Li Ganjie, head of the Communist Party’s United Front Work Department, had for researchers who gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of the China Tibetology Research Centre on Wednesday. According to state news agency Xinhua, Li said that the international situation was “volatile” and...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Three arrested for suspected illicit fuel activity

Police arrested three people on Wednesday on suspicion of being involved in illicit fuel activity in Kwai Tsing District. Police seized about 1,600 litres of gasoline, with a suspected market value of HK$50,000, at a suspected illicit fuel station near Kwai Tai Road. At a press briefing on Thursday, officers said two arrestees were loading fuel into a private vehicle when police carried out their raid, while the third arrestee allegedly helped with operations at the facility. One reportedly entered Hong Kong on a two-way exit permit and police suspect that this person violated their conditions of stay. Chief Inspector Koo Man-kai called on residents not to use illicit fuel. "According to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, both buying and selling illicit fuel is a serious crime. Offenders are subject to two-years imprisonment and a HK$1 million fine upon conviction, and the vehicle involved will be confiscated," he said. The operation unfolded after a fire broke out on Tuesday night due to suspected illicit fuel activity at an industrial building in the district. The Fire Services Department received reports of the blaze at around 10.30pm, and deployed two hoses and two breathing apparatus teams to handle the incident at Kwai Tak Industrial Centre. It said the fire started from an oil tank which spread to a light goods vehicle as well as the building's exterior walls. Firefighters carried out an investigation afterwards and believed the site was used as an illicit fuel station after finding traces of flammable materials, burnt marks, and reviewing surveillance camera footage. The department said it is actively pushing for relevant legislative amendments, which includes higher penalties, expanding the legal liability to include buyers of fuel, and strengthening enforcement powers. Public consultation regarding the suggestions will continue until June 25. Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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Our latest interstellar visitor has no signs of alien technology, scientists say

The group leading the charge in the search for extraterrestrial life has given the all-clear: an interstellar comet looks to be completely natural and free of any alien tech. The SETI Institute said Wednesday that extensive radio scans by its telescope in Northern California found no signs of otherworldly technology from our solar system’s latest interstellar visitor. The object labelled 3I/ATLAS was discovered last summer sweeping through our neck of the cosmic woods. Scientists quickly...

Hong Kong Free Press

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In Pictures: For 4th year, patriotic carnival held on former site of Hong Kong’s Tiananmen crackdown vigils

For the fourth consecutive year, a patriotic carnival is being held in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park on the anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown, the former site of a traditional commemorative candlelit vigil. The fourth Hometown Market Carnival – jointly organised by Hong Kong’s 30 provincial hometown associations – opened on Wednesday for a five-day run […]

South China Morning Post

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Suspected Filipino scammer reveals how Cambodian ring conned Singaporeans

Details of how a Cambodia-based scam syndicate allegedly targeted victims in Singapore through a three-level scheme emerged in court on Wednesday, as a woman went on trial over her alleged participation in the operation. De Villar Rizalyn Panganiban, 35, a Filipino, allegedly belonged to a criminal group that carried out government official impersonation scams, in which victims were tricked into believing their bank accounts had been compromised before being persuaded to transfer money to...

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...

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