Xia Baolong is scheduled to meet local delegates in a closed-door session on Tuesday. Photo: HKMAO

    ‘Two sessions’ to ‘focus on Hong Kong’s financial role, Northern Metropolis’

    Hundreds of Hong Kong politicians and business leaders head to Beijing on Tuesday for the nation’s annual “two sessions”, with observers expecting discussions to focus on the city’s role as an international financial centre and the Northern Metropolis megaproject. The annual session of the country’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference…

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    A big Chinese flag in front of a crowd

      After Iran’s shock, Beijing confronts its succession question

      When Iran’s Supreme Leader was reported killed in a bombing attack, one question surfaced quickly: what happens when a political system built around one man suddenly loses him? For decades, Iran projected durability. Authority was centralised. Institutions revolved around a dominant leader. Stability appeared fixed. Yet in a moment, succession — long managed behind closed…

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      Opinion | A speedy pardon in the Jimmy Lai case is unlikely

        Opinion | A speedy pardon in the Jimmy Lai case is unlikely

        After being sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for national security offences on February 9, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying will decide if he wishes to appeal. He may challenge his convictions and/or sentences and has about two weeks to make up his mind. Given the length of his trial (156 days), the mountain of…

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