This Month
Why Britain’s new PM could hold the key to Jimmy Lai’s freedom
Keir Starmer cut his teeth as a barrister at the same firm as Australian human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, who is fighting for the release of Hong Kong mogul Jimmy Lai.
- Gus McCubbing and Hannah Wootton
June
- Opinion
- Opinion
Diplomatic niceties ignore the human rights cost of doing business with China
The persecution of Jimmy Lai marks the death of the rule of law in Hong Kong, and is a red flag for those still seeking to get rich in China.
- Sebastien Lai
- Analysis
- Legal industry
Australian judges looking isolated on HK’s top court
Some Australian judges don’t share their British peers’ doubts about judicial independence in Hong Kong since the mainland’s tough national security laws.
- Updated
- Primrose Riordan
- Exclusive
- Hong Kong
Ex-Crosby Textor pollster ‘deeply uncomfortable’ with Hong Kong work
The think tank which commissioned the research was founded by city’s former chief executive who remained a part of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
- Kylar Loussikian
- Exclusive
- Scott Morrison
Crosby Textor advised pro-Beijing HK officials
The Australian political consultancy provided advice used by pro-Beijing officials in Hong Kong ahead of the start of national security laws that dramatically curtailed free speech.
- Kylar Loussikian
March
- Opinion
- Opinion
Why Australians should care about Hong Kong’s security crackdown
Hong Kong has adopted China’s definitions of national security risks, calling into question its status as safe gateway to China for Australians.
- Kevin Yam
February
Why Hong Kong is again stirring the interest of Australian companies
It’s not the same as the pre-pandemic, security lockdown era, but there is still “so much opportunity”, says the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong boss.
- Michael Smith
December 2023
Hong Kong activist convicted under security law flees to UK
Tony Chung is the latest high-profile pro-democracy campaigner, and among its youngest, to leave the city in violation of restrictions on overseas travel.
- Shibani Mahtani
September 2023
NAB closes Hong Kong office, follows Westpac out
The bank has 50 staff in the city, and has told them that it intends to consolidate operations into Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.
- James Eyers
- Opinion
- World politics
Trump’s trials will inspire a global epidemic of whataboutism
The spectacle of a leading candidate in the US presidential election facing possible imprisonment is still a gift for authoritarian governments.
- Gideon Rachman
July 2023
‘Pursued for life’: Hong Kong’s bounty hunters target Australians
The Hong Kong government’s decision to put a price on the heads of two Australian residents has strained efforts to mend ties between Canberra and Beijing.
- Michael Smith
Hong Kong’s bounty sends a terrible message to the world
Putting a price on the heads of protesters is off-putting to the people and businesses the territory is trying woo back.
Hong Kong ‘trashing its reputation’ with bounty, say targeted exiles
Two Australian residents are among eight activists in exile around the world who were named by the territory’s police, an action Penny Wong called “deeply disappointing”.
- Updated
- Michael Smith
HSBC accused of persecuting dissident Hong Kongers who flee territory
HSBC faces growing scrutiny of its activities in China and Hong Kong, where it has been accused by British MPs of complicity in human rights abuses.
- Simon Foy
February 2023
Hong Kong declares it is ‘back in business’ but fears remain
After four years of political upheaval and border closures, Hong Kong hopes to revive its reputation as a regional financial and tourist hub.
- Michael Smith and Emma Connors
December 2022
Jimmy Lai case exposes Hong Kong’s legal regression
Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s latest legal battle has exposed rising fears about the independence of the city’s common law legal system.
- Michael Smith
July 2022
Xi defends Hong Kong clampdown as new leader sworn in
China’s president swore in Hong Kong’s new leader at a ceremony marking 25 years since the end of British rule.
- Michael Smith
June 2022
Xi Jinping arrives in Hong Kong for handover anniversary
Xi Jinping’s arrival in Hong Kong for the 25th handover anniversary cements Beijing’s control over the city after a turbulent three years.
- Michael Smith
- Exclusive
- China relations
Border rules drive Australians out of Hong Kong, but companies stay
On the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China, Australian businesses say quarantine rules, not Beijing’s national security laws, drive them away.
- Michael Smith
Hong Kong was a Rolls-Royce. China just had to turn the ignition
Twenty-five years after the city passed from British to Chinese rule, its last British governor, Chris Patten, says Beijing did not keep its word.
- Katie Stallard
