Apple said it removed Meta Platforms' WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in China after being ordered to do so by the Chinese government ... Show more www.reuters.com/technology/apple-removes-whatsapp-threads-china-app-store-wsj-reports-2024-04-19/
Quick Glance: Apple removes WhatsApp and Threads in China
- Apple removes Meta-owned apps under Chinese government pressure.
- Apps delisted due to 'national security concerns'.
- Chinese users now unable to download Western social media apps.
- Apple faces declining iPhone sales in China despite branding efforts.
HKFP_Lens: To celebrate its 45th anniversary, the MTR Corporation is launching an exhibition, “Station Rail Voyage,” which showcases retired trains and over ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/19/hkfp-lens-revisiting-hong-kongs-old-railways-at-the-mtrs-new-exhibition/
Quick Glance: HKFP Lens: Exploring Hong Kong's Old Railways at MTR's Exhibition
- The MTR Corporation is launching the 'Station Rail Voyage' exhibition featuring retired trains and over 100 railway artifacts at Hung Hom Station.
- The exhibition showcases the first-generation electric train 'Yellow Head' of the East Rail Line.
- Visitors can view different types of trains up close, listen to station announcements, and capture memorable photos at the photo booth.
- Retro-style ticket cards will be available as souvenirs, and the exhibition is open for free visits on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays by reservation.
China Plays Long Diplomatic Game in Iran-Israel Feud as Middle East Simmers: Hi, I'm Ben Holland in Hong Kong, where my 15 years of experience covering the ...
bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-04-19/china-plays-long-diplomatic-game-in-iran-israel-feud-as-middle-east-simmers
China to Stop Displaying Real-Time Data for Foreign Flows Into Stocks: China will soon cease displaying real-time data for flows into the world’s second-largest ...
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-15/china-to-end-live-feed-on-gauge-of-foreign-flows-into-stocks
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China Developers Slash Prices by 40% at Luxury Hong Kong Apartment Project: Distressed Chinese developers trying to sell luxury apartments at a new complex in ...
trib.al/NfyDnEg
Quick Glance: Significant Reduction in Luxury Apartments in Hong Kong
- Luxury apartments in Hong Kong are being reduced by almost half in price.
- Developers have only managed to sell five out of 295 apartments.
- Buyers are allowed up to 180 days for downpayments.
- Developers are in restructuring discussions due to credit issues.
Sammo Hung received a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the Hong Kong film industry.
(Link in comments)#sammohung #hungkambo #film #hk #hongkong #hkmovie ... Show more #donnieyen #brucelee #jackiechan #scmpnews #scmp
Scepticism, suspicions and lots of raised eyebrows over the recent Beijing Half Marathon. Read more: www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3259157/beijing-half-marathon-runner-insists-he-was-employed-pacer-winner-he-jie-agent-angrily-denies
Quick Glance: Investigation Launched After Beijing Half Marathon Finish
- Following the finish of the Beijing Half Marathon, the results are now under scrutiny due to the peculiar behavior displayed by three runners from Kenya and Ethiopia.
- A Chinese runner overtook the others, as seen in a recorded livestream of the Beijing Half Marathon. The remaining three runners - Willy Mnangat and Robert Keter from Kenya, and Dejene Hailu from Ethiopia - followed closely behind, with He claiming the first place.
- The organizers of the half-marathon are currently examining the results after a video of the finish circulated online, prompting many to question the intention of the three African runners to slow down.
- The winner secured the first place with a time of 1 hour 3 minutes 44 seconds. Mnangat, Keter, and Hailu shared the second place, one second later.
More younger couples seek to split for reasons such as adultery and conflicts over parenting.
(Link in comments)#hongkong #hk #society #divorce #economy #scmpnews #scmp
Quick Glance: Divorce Cases Surge 25% in Hong Kong
- The number of divorce applications in Hong Kong rose by 25% in 2023, driven by younger couples seeking separation due to adultery and parenting conflicts.
- Last year saw 20,621 divorce cases filed with the Family Court, the highest number since 2019 when the waiting time ranged from 81 to 89 days.
- The waiting time last year reduced to 53-71 days, while the age of children impacted by divorce cases decreased.
- To reduce waiting times, both Tsao and Koon recommended increasing the number of judges in the Family Court and utilizing new technologies to enhance efficiency.
China revokes win for He Jie after investigation into half marathon: The winner of Beijing's half marathon He Jie and three African runners have had their ...
reuters.com/sports/athletics/china-revokes-win-he-jie-after-investigation-into-half-marathon-2024-04-19/
Quick Glance: China Cancels He Jie's Win in Half Marathon After Investigation
- The winner of the half marathon in Beijing, He Jie, along with Ethiopians Dejene Hailu Bikila and Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat had their results canceled after an investigation. The three African runners slowed down in the last 2 kilometers to allow the Chinese athlete to win. All trophies, medals, and bonuses will be withdrawn, and the athletes will be reported to the Chinese Athletics Association.
- The race organizer, Zhongao Lupao Beijing Sports Management company, will also be disqualified from hosting the Beijing half marathon due to the lack of relevant pacer information. Xiamen Xtep Investment, a partner of Zhongao Lupao, apologized for the oversight. He was sponsored by Xtep and accepted the punishment decision. The four runners had run together but the Africans slowed down, drawing widespread skepticism.
- Long-distance running races in China have faced issues with cheating and poor organization. In a 2018 half marathon in Shenzhen, 258 participants were caught cheating by taking shortcuts or using fake bibs. The incident in Beijing sparked controversy and raised concerns about the integrity of competitions in the country.
- The prevalence of cheating in long-distance races highlights the need for better oversight and enforcement to maintain the fairness and credibility of sporting events. The disqualification of the winners and the race organizer sends a strong message about the consequences of unethical behavior in competitive sports.
China’s ‘red circle’ law firms rush to tap other markets: Mainland’s biggest firms opening offices in Asia, US and Africa as they seek to challenge international ...
ft.com/content/71a677a9-d45b-490b-a4cf-764ebb2f69af
Quick Glance: China’s ‘Red Circle’ Law Firms Expanding Internationally
- China’s top 'red circle' law firms are aggressively expanding their international presence and working at lower fees than western competitors.
- Several Chinese firms have opened offices in Asia and the US since early 2023, while international rivals retreat from the Chinese market.
- This expansion signals Chinese firms' aspiration to capture international clients and move into China-friendly nations.
- Although Chinese firms still lag behind western rivals, China's growing global presence is opening doors to international markets and fostering potential for future growth.
A Hong Kong lawmaker has questioned how a government film subsidy fund vetted projects, citing “views” that the scheme had backed movies promoting “soft ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/18/hong-kong-lawmaker-questions-govt-film-fund-vetting-process-citing-soft-resistance-in-some-movies/
Chinese technology giant Huawei started selling two models of its highly anticipated, high-end Pura 70 smartphone series that many analysts expect to contain ... Show more www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-huawei-start-selling-pura-70-smartphones-2024-04-18/
Quick Glance: Huawei Begins Sales of New Pura 70 Smartphone Amid Chip Scrutiny
- Huawei started selling two models of its highly anticipated, high-end Pura 70 smartphone series that are expected to contain an advanced China-made chip like its Mate 60 handset.
- The Mate series by Huawei emphasizes performance and business features.
- Eric Xu, Huawei's acting chairman, announced that the company also plans to roll out a Mate 70 smartphone this year.
- According to Ivan Lam, a senior analyst at research firm Counterpoint, shipments of about 60 million units from Huawei are expected this year, with the Pura 70 series being an important catalyst.
At least 5 dead after fire tears through Hong Kong building: A fire in a large, mostly residential building in Hong Kong on Wednesday morning killed at least ...
nbcnews.com/news/world/hong-kong-fire-jordan-neighborhood-new-lucky-house-rcna147177
Hong Kong regulator set to launch new probe into PwC Evergrande audits: Apparent whistleblower report cites concerns over firm’s work for collapsed Chinese ...
ft.com/content/19d858ce-a34f-4add-bb67-a0fbd3efa24f
Hong Kong's audit watchdog to investigate PwC audit role in Evergrande: Hong Kong's audit watchdog Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC) said on ...
reuters.com/world/china/hong-kongs-audit-watchdog-investigate-pwc-audit-role-evergrande-2024-04-19/
Experts say the influx could create more job opportunities for all.
(Link in comments) #hongkong #talentscheme #jobs #economy #professionals #scmpnews #scmp
Chinese runner He Jie among 3 stripped of Beijing half marathon medals after controversial finish
hongkongfp.com/2024/04/19/chinese-runner-he-jie-among-3-stripped-of-beijing-half-marathon-medals-after-controversial-finish/
Zheng Yanxiong, chief of Beijing’s liaison office in the city, on Monday declared “cognitive warfare” against anti-China forces that had “demonised” Hong ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/15/hong-kong-has-bright-future-after-new-security-legislation-beijings-top-official-on-citys-affairs-says/
UK tells Hong Kong citizens in Britain: 'You are safe here': Britain on Monday sought to reassure its community of Hong Kong citizens that they were safe from ...
reuters.com/world/uk/uk-seeks-reassure-hong-kong-citizens-britain-you-are-safe-here-2024-04-15/
Vietnam continues support for bank engulfed in massive fraud, central bank says: Vietnam's central bank said on Friday it had continued providing support to ...
reuters.com/business/finance/vietnam-continues-support-bank-engulfed-massive-fraud-central-bank-says-2024-04-19/
China to facilitate Hong Kong IPOs and expand Stock Connect: China will facilitate Hong Kong listings by leading Chinese companies and expand the Stock Connect ...
reuters.com/world/china/china-facilitate-hong-kong-ipos-expand-stock-connect-2024-04-19/
China’s capital markets activity falls to multi-decade lows: Mainland equity issuance is the worst on record this year in a sign of low investor confidence
ft.com/content/9ce26256-0304-42a8-9f78-5c203d02d95c
UNSC holds emergency meeting over Iran's attack on Israel, urges restraint: U.N. Security Council Holds Emergency Meeting, With Diplomats Calling for Restraint ...
nytimes.com/live/2024/04/14/world/iran-israel-gaza-war-news
Quick Glance: The Night Iran's Missile Show Rattled Israel
- In Tehran, 'Operation True Promise' launched an unprecedented aerial assault on Israel.
- The direct clash between powerful militaries showcased Israel's defense and Iran's display of power.
- Despite minor damages and injuries, the question remains whether this attack signifies further escalation or the start of a war.
- The missile and drone strikes resulted in minimal damage, with Israel and allies successfully intercepting most projectiles.
Exclusive: UBS shuts some China private funds, will lay off staff, sources say: UBS is shutting down some of its China private funds business and will lay off ...
reuters.com/business/finance/ubs-shuts-some-china-private-funds-will-lay-off-staff-sources-say-2024-04-18/
Hong Kong gives initial approval to first bitcoin, ether spot ETFs, say funds: Hong Kong conditionally approved its first spot bitcoin and ether exchange traded ...
reuters.com/markets/currencies/hong-kong-gives-initial-approval-first-bitcoin-ether-spot-etfs-say-funds-2024-04-15/
Hong Kong Used Home Prices See Biggest Plunge in Eight Months: Hong Kong’s secondhand home prices dropped the most in eight months as property developers lured ...
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-12/hong-kong-used-home-prices-see-biggest-plunge-in-eight-months
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Beijing on Thursday accused the United States of hypocrisy in response to accusations by President Joe Biden that China is “xenophobic” and “cheating” on trade ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/18/beijing-accuses-us-of-hypocrisy-after-pres-joe-biden-says-china-is-xenophobic-cheating-on-trade/
Hebrew U prof. arrested after doubting Hamas rapes, saying Israelis ‘should be afraid’
timesofisrael.com/hebrew-u-prof-arrested-after-doubting-hamas-rapes-saying-israelis-should-be-afraid/
Lufthansa evaluates new China routes amid slow recovery in capacity: Lufthansa Airlines' capacity on routes to and from China has returned to 70% of the levels ...
reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/lufthansa-evaluates-new-china-routes-amid-slow-recovery-capacity-2024-04-19/
A Songkran water fight took place at a Kowloon City basketball court on Saturday. The Thai water-splashing celebration was moved off the streets ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/14/hkfp-lens-hongkongers-take-part-in-thai-water-splashing-celebration-songkran/
Chinese gamers can't RMA their RTX 4090s due to US sanctions — users are being very careful with how they treat their top-tier GPUs
tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/chinese-gamers-cant-rma-their-rtx-4090s-due-to-us-sanctions-users-are-being-very-careful-with-how-they-treat-their-top-tier-gpus
Hong Kong martial arts film icon Sammo Hung on his career, stars including Donnie Yen, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan – and eating
scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3258746/hong-kong-martial-arts-film-icon-sammo-hung-his-career-stars-including-donnie-yen-bruce-lee-and
Veteran Hong Kong film star Tony Leung urged to make way for younger talent by top city movie director, sparking debate
scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3259165/veteran-hong-kong-film-star-tony-leung-urged-make-way-younger-talent-top-city-movie-director
China's economy saw unexpected 5.3% growth in first quarter, though weak areas remain
pbs.org/newshour/world/chinas-economy-saw-unexpected-5-3-growth-in-first-quarter-though-weak-areas-remain
Carina Lau accepted the best actor prize for her husband Tony Leung, who gave a speech via video link.
(Link in comments)#hongkong #hk #hongkongfilmawards #hkfilm #movie #tonyleung ... Show more #carinalau #jenniferyu #scmpnews #scmp
Sinking fortunes: Hong Kong falls out of world’s top 10 busiest ports ranking for the first time as volumes slump
scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3259455/sinking-fortunes-hong-kong-falls-out-worlds-top-10-busiest-ports-ranking-first-time-volumes-slump
HK actress Tavia Yeung fears her children might forget her if she works too hard: She is married to Him Law and has two small children.
thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2024/04/15/hk-actress-tavia-yeung-fears-her-children-might-forget-her-if-she-works-too-hard
Was 2019 Beijing Half Marathon also fixed? Video raises questions, sparks doubt over every result, China sports expert says
scmp.com/sport/china/article/3259368/was-2019-beijing-half-marathon-also-fixed-video-raises-questions-sparks-doubt-over-every-result-says
Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai wanted to “lead” protesters in 2019 amid concerns that the violent actions of “radicals” would threaten the movement’s ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/16/jimmy-lai-hoped-to-lead-2019-protests-amid-concern-radicals-would-dampen-global-support-court-hears/
Apple CEO says company is 'looking at' manufacturing in Indonesia: Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company is “looking at” manufacturing in Indonesia as he met with ...
apnews.com/article/indonesia-apple-tim-cook-jokowi-supply-chain-64670d385fdde4643429b2e76fdb951f
China’s growing love of luxury watches remains strong, despite economic headwinds
cnn.com/2024/04/19/style/china-luxury-watches/
How China’s demand for donkey hide is devastating African communities: A visual explanation of China's rising appetite for donkey-hide-based “e-jiao” products ...
reuters.com/graphics/AFRICA-CHINA/DONKEYS/xmpjrdgbxpr/
Hong Kong exams body pledges to file police report after more test content leaked on mainland China social media
scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3259708/hong-kong-exams-body-pledges-file-police-report-after-more-test-content-leaked-mainland-china-social
At least five people have died and over 30 have been injured after a fire broke out in a building in Jordan on Wednesday morning ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/10/at-least-5-dead-27-injured-after-fire-in-hong-kong-building/
Japan’s ‘Grave Concern’ Over New Hong Kong Legislation: Tokyo is worried about the Safeguarding National Security Bill.
thediplomat.com/2024/04/japans-grave-concern-over-new-hong-kong-legislation/
Hong Kong Taxes: City Considers Changing Rules to Lure Private Credit Business: Hong Kong’s government is considering new tax rules that would give more ...
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-10/hong-kong-taxes-city-considers-changing-rules-to-lure-private-credit-business
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Iran mounted an immense aerial attack on Israel on Saturday, launching more than 300 drones and missiles in retaliation for a deadly airstrike in Syria two ... Show more www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/14/world/iran-israel-gaza-war-news
Singer Richie Jen asks fans not to mention they have bumped into him in Singapore
thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2024/04/16/singer-richie-jen-asks-fans-not-to-mention-they-have-bumped-into-him-in-singapore
Hong Kong’s government spent around HK$1.22 billion to prepare for and hold last year’s “patriots-only” District Council election ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/18/hong-kong-spent-over-hk1-2-billion-on-first-patriots-only-local-election-marked-by-record-low-turnout/
China’s CGN New Energy’s Parent Said to Revive Take-Private Plan: CGN New Energy Holdings Co.’s parent is considering taking the Hong Kong-listed power producer ...
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-11/china-s-cgn-new-energy-s-parent-said-to-revive-take-private-plan
A Hong Kong teacher who lost her job at a government school over online comments about police during the 2019 protests has challenged the firing in court ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/11/hong-kong-teacher-challenges-dismissal-over-2019-facebook-posts-about-police-says-free-speech-should-be-protected/
2 suspected cocaine hauls worth HK$27 million found on Hong Kong beaches in 6 days
Quick Glance: HK$8 million Cocaine Haul Found Floating off Hong Kong Beach, 5 Days After HK$19 million Discovery
- On Tuesday, an estimated HK$8 million worth of suspected cocaine was found floating off a Hong Kong beach, following the discovery of 19 slabs of the drug worth HK$19 million at a different location five days earlier.
- A police spokesperson mentioned that eight packages were located inside a container positioned about 10 meters offshore.
- A police source revealed that each package contained a 1kg slab of suspected cocaine sealed in over 10 black vacuum waterproof bags. No arrests have been made so far.
- The amount of cocaine seized by police and customs in 2023 increased by 55.8 percent to 3.53 tonnes compared to the 2.27 tonnes from the previous year.
“Voyage with Van Gogh” exhibition at Hong Kong’s clock tower in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Full gallery: www.scmp.com/photos/hong-kong/3258959/voyage-van-gogh-hong-kongs-clock-tower-tsim-sha-tsui
Israelis struggle to celebrate Passover, a holiday about freedom, while many remain captive in Gaza
pbs.org/newshour/world/israelis-struggle-to-celebrate-passover-a-holiday-about-freedom-while-many-remain-captive-in-gaza
Hong Kong has arrested 291 people for endangering national security in the near four years since the city’s first national security law took effect ... Show more
China Vanke says it faces short-term liquidity pressure: State-backed China Vanke said it is facing short-term liquidity pressure and operational difficulty ...
reuters.com/business/china-vanke-says-it-faces-short-term-liquidity-pressure-2024-04-15/
China IPOs slow as strict 'broker butcher' rules kick in: HONG KONG -- A slowdown in China's initial public offering market is expected to persist through ...
asia.nikkei.com/Business/Markets/IPO/China-IPOs-slow-as-strict-broker-butcher-rules-kick-in
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The Hong Kong government will step up national security education through activities organised by disciplinary forces, schools and community groups ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/12/hong-kong-must-remain-vigilant-against-soft-resistance-citys-no-2-official-warns/
Hong Kong denies entry to press freedom advocate: A representative of Reporters Without Borders was deported from Hong Kong upon arrival Wednesday ...
nbcnews.com/news/world/hong-kong-denies-entry-press-freedom-advocate-rcna147316
Quick Glance: Hong Kong Denies Entry to Press Freedom Advocate
- Reporters Without Borders reported that a representative of the organization was deported from Hong Kong upon arrival on Wednesday.
- Aleksandra Bielakowska, a representative of Reporters Without Borders based in Taiwan, was detained for six hours at Hong Kong International Airport and then deported without explanation.
- Bielakowska traveled to Hong Kong to meet with journalists and monitor the trial of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who faces possible life imprisonment for national security offenses.
- Hong Kong has witnessed a significant decline in press freedom in recent years, ranking 140th out of 180 countries and territories in Reporters Without Borders' 2023 World Press Freedom Index.
SWISS flights to skirt Iranian airspace: The airline has decided to temporarily avoid flying through Iranian airspace due to escalating tensions in the region.
swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/swiss-flights-to-skirt-iranian-airspace/75651070
Live news: The World Bank and IMF start spring meetings
ft.com/content/83dd865f-cd5d-48a2-b02f-451c956154b6
Global talent race: As people flock to Hong Kong’s elite visa scheme, questions emerge on criteria and diversity
channelnewsasia.com/asia/hong-kong-top-talent-pass-scheme-visa-employment-global-talent-race-mainland-chinese-4260471
Hong Kong braces for ‘intense’ thunder and showers, with rainy conditions expected through to next week
scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3259401/hong-kong-braces-intense-thunder-and-showers-rainy-conditions-expected-through-next-week
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Microsoft’s G42 deal puts UAE in America’s AI tent: The United Arab Emirates likes to think of itself as a sort of Switzerland of the Gulf. Microsoft’s $1 ...
reuters.com/breakingviews/microsofts-g42-deal-puts-uae-americas-ai-tent-2024-04-16/
Quick Glance: Microsoft to Invest $1.5 Billion in Emirati AI Firm G42 for Minority Stake
- Microsoft is investing $1.5 billion in the United Arab Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm G42 to acquire a minority stake and a board seat.
- The partnership aims to deepen ties between the USA and the UAE amid the global battle for tech dominance.
- The deal includes G42 using Microsoft cloud services to run its AI applications.
- G42 and Microsoft plan to jointly bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
Hong Kong’s revamped Temple Street night market draws 1.5 million tourists and locals in 5 months; attraction extended until end of year
scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3259663/hong-kongs-revamped-temple-street-night-market-draws-15-million-tourists-and-locals-5-months
Famed Hong Kong sushi chain founder Ricky Cheng has died at age 57, friend reveals
scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3259195/famed-hong-kong-sushi-chain-founder-ricky-cheng-has-died-age-57-friend-reveals
Malaysian actor Jack Tan goes jogging with Chow Yun Fat in Hong Kong: Tan's encounter with Chow drew a chorus of envy from netizens, who jokingly asked him ...
thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2024/04/15/malaysian-actor-jack-tan-goes-jogging-with-chow-yun-fat-in-hong-kong
Hong Kong should attract family offices provided that they are run by “legitimate businessmen” with “legitimate money,” the city’s Chief Executive John Lee has ... Show more hongkongfp.com/2024/04/16/hong-kong-welcomes-family-offices-provided-they-are-run-by-legitimate-businessmen-leader-john-lee-says/
'Not happy, don't come to work': Boss in China gives staff 10 extra days of leave
asiaone.com/china/not-happy-dont-come-work-boss-china-gives-staff-10-extra-days-leave
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