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HKMO hails landmark ruling for press freedom, calls for greater transparency in China

The Hong Kong Overseas Media (HKMO) celebrates a pivotal legal victory for press freedom, while raising concerns over increasing challenges to information access in Mainland China. HKMO’s Chairman underscores the crucial role of free information flow in society.

Beijing denies operating secret police stations in UK

China denied the existence of secret police stations in the United Kingdom, following an order by the UK government to close them down. The Chinese embassy dismissed the allegations as “false accusations,” urging the UK to respect the facts and stop creating obstacles to bilateral relations. The UK had instructed the Chinese embassy to shut down the stations based on a report by Safeguard Defenders detailing their activities.

China inaugurates embassy in Honduras

China has inaugurated its embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, following the Central American country’s shift in diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to Beijing. The ceremony took place at a hotel as the location for the embassy building is yet to be determined. Yu Bo, the interim envoy, will lead the embassy and oversee the search for a permanent building. The Honduran president, Xiomara Castro, is scheduled to visit China for her first official visit, during which various agreements will be signed.

Hong Kong court quashes investigative journalist’s conviction

Hong Kong’s top court has overturned the conviction of journalist Bao Choy, granting a rare victory for press freedom in the city. Choy was found guilty in 2021 for accessing car ownership records during her investigation into an attack on democracy supporters. The Court of Final Appeal ruled unanimously that “bona fide journalism” should not be excluded from the definition of accessing the records for “other traffic and transport related matters.” The decision highlights the importance of freedom of speech and the press in Hong Kong.

US, China join naval drills in Indonesia despite rifts

The United States and China have both deployed warships to participate in multinational naval drills in Indonesia, despite their ongoing tensions. The exercises aim to foster cooperation among like-minded nations and address common challenges such as humanitarian and disaster response. The presence of warships from the US and China highlights their fierce competition in various domains, including diplomacy, military, technology, and economy. The drills come amid escalating disagreements between the two powers over issues such as Taiwan and Pacific island nations. Efforts to renew dialogue and avoid misunderstandings leading to conflict have been emphasized by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

‘Unsafe’ action by China near American ship in Taiwan Strait: US

A Chinese Navy ship displayed “unsafe maneuvers” near a US destroyer in the Taiwan Strait, marking the second close encounter between American and Chinese military assets in less than 10 days. The US military criticized China’s actions and emphasized its commitment to operating safely and responsibly within international law. China, on the other hand, accused the US of provocation and interference in its sovereignty and security.

Hong Kong artists mark Tiananmen quietly or overseas

Artistic expressions commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown have dwindled in Hong Kong since the implementation of the national security law in 2020. Public events and performances that once marked the anniversary have been suppressed, and artists face uncertainty and repercussions. Some artists have relocated their works to Taiwan, where they continue to foster a connection to the memory of Tiananmen and advocate for freedom and democracy. However, concerns persist over erasure and censorship in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Taiwan, US to sign trade deal in Washington amidst growing pressure from China

The United States and Taiwan are set to sign a trade deal, sparking tensions with Beijing. The agreement aims to streamline customs, enhance regulatory procedures, and strengthen anticorruption measures. China strongly opposes any diplomatic relations involving Taiwan, which it considers its territory. Beijing’s military drills and aggressive rhetoric towards Taiwan have escalated in recent years. Bipartisan support for Taiwan exists in the United States, with politicians from both parties publicly engaging with Taiwanese officials.

US trial opens over alleged forced repatriation of Chinese abroad

The first federal trial in the United States regarding China’s alleged forced repatriation campaign, known as “Operation Fox Hunt,” has commenced in New York. The trial involves three defendants accused of coercing US residents, who were wanted for alleged crimes in China, to return. The trial is expected to last two to three weeks, with the defendants facing up to ten years in prison if convicted. The US government has previously prosecuted Chinese nationals involved in surveillance and harassment activities within the country.

Musk talks ‘new energy vehicles’ with industry minister during China visit

Elon Musk met with China’s industry minister to discuss the development of new energy vehicles and intelligent connected vehicles. Tesla has extensive business interests in China, and Musk expressed his desire to expand further in the country. China is the world’s largest electric vehicle market, and Tesla plans to build a second factory in Shanghai. Musk also expressed opposition to economic “decoupling” between China and the United States.