Asia June 29, 2021 HONG KONG: What does the Apple Daily crackdown mean for business and finance? Hong Kong, Politics Gabriel Wildau The prosecutions of pro-opposition media tycoon Jimmy Lai and his associates signal that political commentary in Hong Kong faces significant new constraints under the National Security Law. But Lai’s case is unique in some respects, and other media continue to... Read More...
Asia June 1, 2021 HONG KONG: Weighing the latest evidence on a potential foreign exodus Hong Kong, Politics Gabriel Wildau Hong Kong has purchased enough vaccines for the city’s entire population, but distrust of the government is fueling vaccine hesitancy. As of 1 June, only 21% of the city’s total population of 7.5mn had received at least one vaccine... Read More...
Asia May 13, 2021 HONG KONG: Weighing the latest evidence on a potential foreign exodus Hong Kong, Politics Gabriel Wildau Recent survey data and anecdotal reports appear to indicate that foreign companies are withdrawing from Hong Kong.But a closer look suggests that Hong Kong will retain its role as a regional financial and business center, especially for companies with... Read More...
Asia November 12, 2020 HONG KONG: Mass resignations by opposition lawmakers cement Beijing’s control Hong Kong, Politics editorial Gabriel Wildau The Hong Kong government expelled pro-democracy lawmakers from the Legislative Council, triggering the rest of the opposition faction to resign in protest.A new decision by the mainland legislature grants Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing administration broad powers to disqualify candidates or... Read More...
June 29, 2020 US/CHINA/HONG KONG: Limited impact from US sanctions over Hong Kong, Xinjiang China, Hong Kong, Politics, US Gabriel Wildau The US State Department announced on 26 June that it will impose visa restrictions on current and former Chinese officials alleged to be complicit in undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy. The State Department action appears designed to preempt congressional action that... Read More...
May 29, 2020 US/CHINA/HONG KONG: How will the US respond to Hong Kong national security law? China, Hong Kong, Politics Hong Kong/China Gabriel Wildau The State Department’s determination that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous lays the groundwork for the US to impose sanctions on Chinese officials.The US is likely to proceed with more narrow sanctions, given the risk that broader action would... Read More...
May 26, 2020 HONG KONG/CHINA: National security law is not the “end of Hong Kong” China, Hong Kong, Politics Hong Kong/China Gabriel Wildau The Chinese central government’s plan for a new national security law in Hong Kong reflects impatience with the lack of legal tools available to suppress the protest movement.Beijing is seeking to reassure foreign business that the law will affect... Read More...
April 22, 2020 HONG KONG/CHINA: High-profile arrests signal more aggressive legal tactics China, Hong Kong, Politics china, covid-19, Hong Kong, Protests Gabriel Wildau ● Fifteen high-profile activists were arrested for participating in peaceful but unauthorized protests, signaling a more expansive legal approach by the Hong Kong government. ● In a legal statement whose impact is largely symbolic, Beijing asserted broader rights to comment... Read More...
March 3, 2020 HONG KONG: COVID-19 sparks new protests, but city’s regional status is secure Emerging Markets, Hong Kong, Politics covid-19, Hong Kong, Protests Gabriel Wildau ● Anger at the Hong Kong government’s response to COVID-19 fueled new violence after a month of calm. ● But Beijing believes its “strategy of attrition” is working and will not offer political concessions. ● The combination of protests and epidemic... Read More...
