Hong Kong Times

Cathay Pacific Extends Flight Reductions as Higher Fuel Costs Weigh on Operations

Cathay Pacific and HK Express will continue limited flight cancellations through June as elevated jet fuel prices increase operating costs, although management expects capacity to recover later in the year if energy market conditions imp...

Hong Kong Overtakes Switzerland as World’s Largest Cross-Boundary Wealth Management Centre

A new Boston Consulting Group report shows Hong Kong’s managed cross-boundary wealth rose nearly 11% to US$2.9 trillion, driven by mainland Chinese inflows and stronger equity markets, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading global ...

HSBC Steps Up Hiring and Client Outreach as Hong Kong IPO Market Rebounds

HSBC is deploying senior executives and expanding recruitment efforts to regain investment banking market share as Hong Kong’s listings market strengthens, with the lender currently working on around 40 initial public offerings and the c...

Hong Kong Retains Economic Growth Forecast Despite Strong First-Quarter Expansion

Financial authorities left their full-year growth outlook unchanged at 2.5% to 3.5% after first-quarter GDP growth reached 5.9% and April exports surged 42%, citing continued uncertainty from inflation pressures and geopolitical risks af...

Beijing’s New Outbound Investment Rules Increase Oversight of Cross-Border Transactions

China’s State Council has introduced a new regulatory framework governing overseas investment, with provisions covering transactions routed through Hong Kong and Taiwan and adding new compliance requirements for companies involved in int...

Vanke Presses Ahead With Debt Reduction and Asset Sales Amid Property Market Strains

The state-backed developer said it remains focused on restructuring liabilities and disposing of assets as prolonged liquidity pressures continue to weigh on China’s real estate sector despite policy support measures.

Beijing Reshuffles Senior Leadership at Hong Kong Liaison Office

China’s State Council appointed legal specialist Yuan Guijie as deputy director of the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong while removing senior official Liu Guangyuan, continuing adjustments to Beijing’s administrative stru...

China Tightens Enforcement of Critical Mineral Export Controls

The Ministry of Commerce said it will strengthen compliance oversight for exports of strategic minerals and rare earth materials, reinforcing Beijing’s control over key supply chains amid growing trade tensions with the United States and...

Shenzhou-21 Crew Returns After Longest Manned Mission in China’s Space Program

Three Chinese astronauts safely returned to Earth after completing a 210-day mission aboard the Tiangong space station, where they carried out infrastructure upgrades and other tasks supporting future space exploration goals.

China Advances Major Nuclear Power Projects at Lianjiang and Taipingling

State nuclear companies reported key construction milestones at two reactor sites, advancing plans to expand nuclear generation capacity and strengthen long-term energy security for China’s industrial economy.

State-Owned Enterprises Ordered to Increase Spending on Basic Research

China’s state assets regulator has instructed centrally controlled enterprises to expand investment in fundamental scientific research and frontier technologies as part of broader efforts to boost innovation during the current five-year ...

Artificial Intelligence Firm Zhipu Reaches $112 Billion Valuation in Funding Boom

Beijing-based AI developer Zhipu achieved a record private-market valuation, underscoring the scale of investment flowing into China’s artificial intelligence sector as domestic firms race to develop alternatives to leading global genera...

China Coast Guard Conducts Unusual Patrols East of Taiwan

Chinese authorities deployed coast guard vessels to waters east of Taiwan, describing the operation as a response to maritime discussions involving Japan and the Philippines and signaling a broader geographic scope for Chinese law-enforc...

Generative AI Rapidly Reshapes China’s Short-Drama Industry

Advances in domestic text-to-video technology are transforming the economics of micro-drama production, allowing studios to create content with fewer traditional production resources and accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligen...

China Warns European Union Against Further Electric Vehicle Trade Restrictions

The Ministry of Commerce cautioned Brussels against expanding trade measures targeting Chinese electric vehicles, warning that additional actions could undermine ongoing economic consultations between China and the European Union.

Deadly Coal Mine Explosion Triggers Probe Into Illegal Labor and Resource Trading

Authorities launched a broad investigation after a fatal mine blast exposed alleged networks of undocumented workers and illicit coal trading, raising renewed concerns over workplace safety compliance in resource-producing regions.

Beijing Replaces Top Financial Regulator in Leadership Shake-Up

Ding Xiangqun has been appointed to lead the National Financial Regulatory Administration following the removal of Li Yunze, a move that comes as policymakers continue efforts to manage financial risks, local government debt burdens and ...

China’s Factory Activity Weakens as Domestic Demand Remains Fragile

Official manufacturing activity slipped into contraction while the Caixin index stagnated in May, highlighting continued weakness in consumer demand and the property market despite stronger performance from high-tech manufacturing and ex...

BYD Launches First In-House Autonomous Driving Chip to Strengthen Technology Independence

China’s largest electric vehicle maker unveiled its proprietary self-driving semiconductor, marking a significant step in reducing reliance on external suppliers and deepening competition in advanced driver-assistance technologies.

State Council Introduces New Rules to Guide and Safeguard China’s Overseas Investment

A new 34-article decree signed by Premier Li Qiang will take effect on July 1, encouraging Chinese companies to participate in global supply chain development while imposing stricter requirements on risk management, regulatory compliance...

Cross-Border Ambulance Scheme Completes First Direct Patient Transfer Between Hong Kong and Zhuhai

A mainland Chinese patient was transported directly from Hong Kong to Zhuhai People's Hospital without changing vehicles at the border, marking the first successful use of a new emergency medical transport arrangement within the Greater ...

Hongkong Post Seeks Government Support After Losses Approach HK$2.9 Billion

The government-owned postal operator is seeking financial assistance after recording an eighth consecutive annual deficit, as declining traditional mail volumes and stronger competition continue to pressure its finances.

Hong Kong Launches Tokenised Gold ETF to Expand Regulated Digital Asset Market

A new blockchain-based gold exchange-traded fund has been introduced in Hong Kong, allowing retail investors to gain exposure to physical bullion with investments starting from US$45 and supporting the city's broader push into regulated ...

Hong Kong Chief Executive Plans Central Asia Visit to Deepen Trade and Investment Links

The city's leader is preparing visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as Hong Kong seeks to capitalize on growing trade volumes with Central Asian economies and strengthen commercial ties along the Belt and Road corridor.

Hong Kong Exchange Introduces Tougher Rules on Auditor Appointments and Dismissals

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing has issued stricter guidance for listed companies on changing auditors, requiring greater transparency around audit fees and reinforcing the role of audit committees in safeguarding financial reporting st...

Hong Kong Approves Large-Scale Installation of Smart Fire Detection Systems in Older Buildings

Authorities have authorized the deployment of intelligent fire alarms across 3,600 ageing residential and commercial properties following a successful pilot programme, with the systems capable of automatically alerting emergency services...

Hong Kong Tightens Oversight of Offshore Investment Channels Used by Mainland Capital

Banking regulators have instructed financial institutions to strengthen compliance reviews of cross-border transactions, reflecting increased scrutiny of investment routes used by mainland Chinese investors accessing Hong Kong's financia...

Hong Kong Retains Global IPO Leadership and Becomes Top Cross-Border Wealth Management Hub

Hong Kong reinforced its position as a leading international financial centre after raising HK$110.4 billion through initial public offerings in the first quarter of 2026, while new industry data showed the city has overtaken global riva...

Mine Explosion in Shanxi Triggers Investigation Into Illegal Coal Operations

Authorities launched a broad investigation after a deadly explosion exposed an unauthorized coal extraction network that allegedly generated substantial untaxed profits and operated outside regulatory oversight.

China Introduces New Rules Governing Outbound Corporate Investment

A new 34-article framework signed by Premier Li Qiang will subject overseas investments to stricter risk controls and national security reviews while aligning capital deployment with broader state priorities from July 1.

China Manufacturing Activity Stalls as New Export Orders Weaken

China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index fell to 50.0 in May, losing momentum from earlier gains and highlighting continued weakness in domestic demand despite stronger performance in high-tech manufacturing.

Beijing Appoints New Financial Regulator Chief as Anti-Corruption Campaign Continues

Industry veteran Ding Xiangqun has been named to lead China’s top financial regulatory body following the removal of Li Yunze, underscoring Beijing’s continued focus on discipline and risk management in the financial sector.

Alibaba Signs Long-Term Partnership With UEFA Through 2033

Alibaba will serve as the exclusive artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital commerce partner for UEFA’s flagship football tournaments under a new agreement extending through 2033.

European Union Trade Tensions Prompt Warning of Possible Chinese Retaliation

China’s Ministry of Commerce urged the European Union to adhere to World Trade Organization rules and warned of countermeasures if new trade restrictions are introduced against Chinese exports.

Li Auto Reports Strong May Deliveries and Plans Expanded In-Car AI Capabilities

The electric vehicle manufacturer delivered more than 33,000 vehicles in May and announced plans to showcase proprietary artificial intelligence foundation models for future vehicles at a technology summit later this month.

State-Backed Yuexiu Property Gains Market Share as China’s Housing Slump Persists

Fitch Ratings maintained a stable investment-grade outlook for Yuexiu Property after the developer recorded a smaller sales decline than the broader market, reflecting ongoing consolidation in favor of state-backed builders.

BYD Unveils Proprietary Autonomous Driving Chip to Strengthen Technology Independence

The launch of BYD’s Xuanji A3 semiconductor marks the automaker’s expansion into in-house chip development for advanced driver-assistance systems, reducing reliance on external suppliers amid growing competition in the electric vehicle m...

United States Tightens Controls on AI Chip Sales to Overseas Chinese Affiliates

New export licensing requirements target overseas subsidiaries of Chinese technology companies, closing a channel that had allowed access to advanced semiconductors through entities based in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority Expands Project Ensemble for Tokenized Financial Infrastructure

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is advancing its Project Ensemble initiative to explore tokenized deposits and next-generation settlement systems, supporting broader efforts to modernize financial market infrastructure and digital asset...

Hong Kong Law Society Pushes for Permanent Greater Bay Area Legal Examination Framework

The Law Society of Hong Kong is seeking to convert the Greater Bay Area legal professional examination from a pilot arrangement into a permanent system, expanding opportunities for Hong Kong-qualified lawyers to work more closely across ...

Hong Kong Monetary Authority Strengthens Cyber Resilience Requirements for Banks

New cyber resilience testing and infrastructure-mapping exercises are being introduced for banks operating in Hong Kong as regulators work to address emerging digital threats and safeguard the stability of the financial system.

Hong Kong Launches Intangible Cultural Heritage Month to Diversify Tourism Offerings

The 2026 Intangible Cultural Heritage Month features themed cultural tours and heritage activities designed to encourage longer visitor stays and broaden Hong Kong’s tourism appeal beyond traditional retail and dining attractions.

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