Hong Kong Times

Britain Nationalises British Steel to Protect Scunthorpe Production and Strategic Supply

The government has become British Steel’s sole shareholder after concluding that the loss-making company could otherwise fail, threatening thousands of jobs, essential infrastructure and Britain’s remaining capacity to manufacture primar...

Attention Turns to China's Mid-Year Economic Policy Meeting

Markets and businesses are closely watching the upcoming Communist Party Politburo meeting, where senior leaders are expected to review economic conditions and set policy priorities for the second half of the year amid uneven domestic gr...

Middle East Conflict Raises Risks for China's Energy Security and Trade

Escalating tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher and increased uncertainty for global shipping routes, developments that could affect China's energy imports and export-dependent economy if disruptions continue.

Hong Kong Launches Tender for East Kowloon Smart Transit System to Improve Urban Connectivity

The Hong Kong government has begun the tender process for the East Kowloon smart transit system, a major transport project aimed at improving links across a rapidly developing district and supporting the city's long-term urban growth plans.

Northbound Stock Connect Holdings Reach Record High as Mainland Capital Links Deepen

Mainland investors’ holdings through Hong Kong’s Stock Connect programme reached a record level at the end of June, highlighting stronger financial integration between Hong Kong and mainland China and continued demand for access to Hong ...

Hong Kong Ride-Hailing Industry Pushes for Expanded Insurance Coverage as Market Evolves

Transport industry representatives are calling for broader insurance protection for ride-hailing services, arguing that updated coverage would improve passenger safety and provide greater regulatory clarity as new mobility services develop.

Hong Kong Opens Central Harbourfront Event Space Tender to Enhance Tourism and Business Appeal

Hong Kong authorities have invited bids to operate the Central Harbourfront Event Space under new performance requirements, seeking to strengthen the venue’s role in attracting visitors, hosting major events, and promoting the city’s int...

Syngenta Delays Planned Five Billion Dollar Hong Kong IPO Amid Market Uncertainty

Syngenta has postponed its planned Hong Kong initial public offering, which was expected to raise around five billion United States dollars, as uncertainty in global agricultural markets affects one of the city’s major anticipated listings.

Cathay Pacific Reaffirms Air China Partnership After Mainland Carrier Reduces Hong Kong Stake

Cathay Group Chief Executive Ronald Lam said Air China’s partial disposal of its Hong Kong-listed stake does not change the long-term strategic relationship between the two airlines, providing reassurance over one of Hong Kong aviation’s...

Hong Kong Police Arrest Five People in Bookstore Raids Over Suspected Seditious Publications

Hong Kong police arrested five people during searches of two independent bookstores over suspected seditious publications, bringing renewed attention to the continued enforcement of national security laws and their impact on the city’s l...

Hong Kong Approves Construction Site Smoking Ban to Strengthen Workplace Health Rules

Hong Kong has approved a total smoking ban at construction sites, expanding workplace health protections across one of the city’s largest employment sectors and introducing stricter requirements for workers and contractors.

Hong Kong Advances Huanggang Joint Checkpoint Legislation to Strengthen Greater Bay Area Connectivity

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has resumed debate on legislation supporting new Huanggang border crossing arrangements, a project designed to improve cross-border travel efficiency and deepen integration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Artificial Intelligence Demand Tightens Memory Chip Supply for China's Smartphone Industry

Chinese smartphone manufacturers are facing increasing pressure as global memory producers prioritize supplies for artificial intelligence data centers, reducing availability for consumer electronics production.

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Exports Continue to Support China's Economy

Strong overseas demand for semiconductors, computing equipment, and automobiles continues to bolster China's exports, even as policymakers work to revive domestic consumption and investment beyond export-oriented industries.

Apple's Use of Chinese Memory Chips Highlights Rising Role of Domestic Semiconductor Suppliers

Apple's increased reliance on memory chips from Changxin Memory Technologies underscores the growing importance of China's domestic semiconductor industry as global demand extends beyond the most advanced artificial intelligence processors.

Xi Jinping Opens World Artificial Intelligence Conference With Focus on Global AI Governance

President Xi Jinping is expected to present China's vision for international artificial intelligence governance at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, highlighting Beijing's ambition to shape global AI standards whi...

Chinese Technology Companies Showcase Homegrown AI Computing Ecosystem in Shanghai

Leading Chinese technology firms are unveiling new artificial intelligence systems built on domestic hardware at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, underscoring continued efforts to strengthen China's semiconductor supply chai...

Global Technology Sell-Off Weighs on Asian Semiconductor Stocks

Technology shares across Asia declined sharply as investors reassessed the long-term returns from heavy spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure, triggering broad losses among chipmakers throughout the region.

Advanced Manufacturing Continues to Anchor China's Economic Outlook

Recent economic data indicate that advanced manufacturing, high-technology exports and investment in artificial intelligence remain key sources of support for China's economy, even as policymakers continue to navigate subdued domestic co...

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Expands Stock Options Market With Eighteen New Contracts

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing will introduce eighteen additional single-stock option classes with weekly and monthly expiries in August, expanding trading choices and risk-management tools for investors in the city’s derivatives market.

Syngenta Delays Hong Kong IPO as Agriculture Market Uncertainty Complicates Timing

Swiss agricultural company Syngenta has postponed its planned Hong Kong listing, which was expected to rank among the city’s largest initial public offerings, as volatility in crop and fertilizer markets and geopolitical uncertainty affe...

Shein Wins China Approval for Potential Hong Kong IPO Valuing More Than Forty Billion US Dollars

Fast-fashion company Shein has received approval from Chinese authorities to proceed with preparations for a possible Hong Kong listing, a move that could bring one of the world’s largest consumer technology-linked companies to the city’...

Foreign Companies Show Renewed Interest in Hong Kong Listings as IPO Market Recovery Broadens

Companies from technology, consumer, and healthcare sectors are increasingly considering Hong Kong listings as international firms seek access to Asian investors, supporting a broader recovery in the city’s initial public offering market...

Hong Kong Strengthens Offshore Renminbi Network Through New Settlement Partnership

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing and the Cross-border Interbank Payment System have signed an agreement to strengthen offshore renminbi settlement infrastructure, supporting Hong Kong’s role as a connection point between mainland financi...

Hong Kong’s Wealth Management Growth Faces Challenges From Tighter Cross-Border Capital Controls

Investor concerns are rising that stricter management of mainland China-related capital flows could limit Hong Kong’s expansion as an international wealth-management centre and affect the city’s ability to balance global access with main...

Artificial Intelligence Exports Strengthen China's Trade as Domestic Demand Remains Uneven

Strong overseas demand for artificial intelligence-related semiconductors, electronics and automobiles continues to support China's export performance, helping offset softer domestic consumption and ongoing weakness in the property secto...

China Unveils Global Artificial Intelligence Strategy at Shanghai World AI Conference

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to present a broad vision for international artificial intelligence governance at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, highlighting China's push to shape global AI standards, ...

China's Semiconductor Production Continues to Rise as Technology Self-Reliance Advances

Integrated circuit production expanded further during the first half of the year, reflecting sustained investment in semiconductor manufacturing and reinforcing Beijing's long-term strategy to strengthen domestic technology supply chains...

French National Assembly Overrides Senate to Pass Historic Assisted-Dying Legislation

A decisive lower house vote concludes years of intense national debate, establishing a legal framework for medically assisted suicide amid constitutional challenges.

Thomas Tuchel Faces Fierce Backlash After Tactical Retreat Costs England World Cup Final Berth

English manager's defensive substitutions and post-match remarks ignite a national controversy following a late collapse against Argentina in the semi-final.

A Quiet Bastille Day: France Grapples with World Cup Heartbreak and Leftover Fireworks

After a devastating semi-final loss to Spain on their national holiday, French fans experience the bitter reality of digital-era football as the national team heads south for a third-place playoff.

Hang Seng Index Closes Above 25,000 for First Time in Latest Market Rally

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index rose 1.33 percent to finish at 25,008.6 points, surpassing the 25,000 mark as improving investor sentiment continued to support the city's financial markets.

SingWealth Holdings Establishes PFP Capital to Expand Hong Kong Asset Management Business

SingWealth Holdings has launched Hong Kong-based PFP Capital Limited to provide research-driven investment management services focused on Greater China and global technology markets for professional investors.

Hong Kong Expands School-Based After-School Care Program for Working Families

The Social Welfare Department has broadened its after-school care scheme for the 2026–27 academic year by removing enrollment caps, allowing more single-parent and dual-income households to access support through participating organizati...

Hong Kong Updates Workplace Rules for Rainstorms and Extreme Weather

The Labour Department has issued revised guidance urging employers to establish clear workplace arrangements during severe weather, with the aim of protecting employees while helping prevent unnecessary disputes over pay and attendance.

Hong Kong Police Arrest Five People, Including Former Journalists, in National Security Investigation

Hong Kong's National Security Department raided the Have a Nice Stay bookstore in Mong Kok and arrested five people, including former reporters, on allegations of displaying seditious publications in violation of the Safeguarding Nationa...

Chinese Semiconductor Companies Accelerate IPO Plans as AI Investment Surges

Chinese chipmakers are moving ahead with stock market listings on Shanghai's STAR Market to finance expansion in areas including silicon photonics and data-center storage, supported by policies aimed at strengthening domestic technologic...

China Reaffirms Strategic Partnership With North Korea During High-Level Visit to Pyongyang

Senior Chinese official Wang Huning met leaders of the Workers' Party of Korea to reinforce agreements reached by President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, highlighting Beijing's commitment to maintaining close ties with North Korea amid a c...

China Expands Anti-Sanctions Framework to Counter Foreign Regulatory Measures

Beijing is broadening its legal tools to respond to foreign sanctions and export controls, including draft legislation that would allow public interest litigation against foreign organizations, adding another layer of regulatory complexi...

World Bank Sees China’s Growth Moderating as Property Market Adjustment Continues

The World Bank forecasts China's economic growth will slow to 4.4 percent in 2026 and 4.3 percent in 2027, saying resilient exports and high-tech investment are expected to offset part of the drag from the prolonged adjustment in the pro...

China Elevates Domestic Consumption as Core Driver of New Five-Year Economic Strategy

China's National Development and Reform Commission has released a dedicated five-year plan to expand domestic consumption, underscoring Beijing's effort to make household demand the primary engine of economic growth as the country contin...

China Introduces First Rules Governing AI Companion Services

China has unveiled new regulations requiring artificial intelligence companion platforms to limit excessive use, identify signs of emotional distress, and intervene during crises, prompting services including Doubao, Qwen and Yuanbao to ...

China Strengthens Oversight of Outbound Investment Under New State Council Regulations

New rules in force from July 1 raise outbound investment controls to the administrative regulation level, expanding scrutiny to include China-based individuals and certain indirect overseas investments while increasing penalties for non-...

Spain in Ecstasy: "We Feel Unbeatable, We Taught the Whole World a Lesson"

European champions Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches and setting a record with eight consecutive knockout victories at major tournaments.

HKG Times