The coffee chain Starbucks’ latest policy to bar non-paying visitors at its North American outlets has prompted a heated discussion on social media in China. On January 13, the US chain announced the end of its “open-door” policy that allowed people to enter for shelter or toilet access. The policy was applied in 2018 after…
Hong Kong must preserve its cultural advantage of having a “high tolerance” of differing views, the justice minister has said, citing press freedom and the free flow of information as critical to the financial hub’s global status. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok also said on Saturday that Hong Kong’s political predictability was a key…
Hong Kong must preserve its cultural advantage of having a “high tolerance” of differing views, the justice minister has said, citing press freedom and the free flow of information as critical to the financial hub’s global status. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok also said on Saturday that Hong Kong’s political predictability was a key…
The number of trips to Hong Kong by mainland Chinese visitors rose 27 per cent year on year as the 2024 tally reached 34 million, according to official figures, with observers saying the uptick is likely to continue but expressing doubt over its economic impact. Hong Kong also recorded a 48 per cent year-on-year surge…
Crime-themed attractions such as Hong Kong’s ICAC Cafe and Japan’s Prison Museum, designed to promote legal culture, are drawing growing numbers of tourists. Official data shows that Hong Kong received over 290,000 visitors during New Year’s Eve and the first day of the new year, more than 77 per cent of them came from the…
The organiser of one of Hong Kong’s largest annual bazaars has said it expects stronger attendance numbers and a higher percentage of mainland Chinese visitors after authorities reintroduced multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents. The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong said on Wednesday the 58th edition of the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo would…
Hong Kong’s leader has hinted at coming positive developments about the resumption of multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents and the expansion of a “one-trip-per-week” visit scheme to more mainland Chinese cities. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday expressed his gratitude to the central authorities for their support of the measures aimed at revitalising Hong…
Katsuji Nakazawa is a Tokyo-based senior staff and editorial writer at Nikkei. He spent seven years in China as a correspondent and later as China bureau chief. He was the 2014 recipient of the Vaughn-Ueda International Journalist prize. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s administration has gone from wolf warrior diplomacy to smile diplomacy ahead of Donald…
The Hong Kong government has condemned the throwing of a bottle filled with red paint at its headquarters, warning authorities will follow up on the attack. Security personnel called police on Wednesday at about 7.40am after discovering red paint had been splashed near a flower bed at the headquarters in Tamar, Admiralty. Glass debris was…
An aquarium in southern China has come under scrutiny for showcasing a robotic whale shark instead of a live one, igniting passionate debates around animal welfare and consumer rights. Videos circulating online depict a life-size robotic whale shark gliding through the waters of Xiaomeisha Sea World in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, following its reopening in October….