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☆ YouTube blocks videos of Hong Kong protest song after local court order
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —YouTube has blocked access to a popular protest song in Hong Kong, a week after a court in the city granted a government request to ban the anthem. The ballad contains lyrics that reference the phrase “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” a protest slogan that was already outlawed in 2020. The Hong Kong government and courts had said the phrase had secessionist and subversive connotations. CNN has reached out to the Hong Kong Department of Justice for comment. Hong Kong was promised key freedoms and autonomy to run its own affairs after it was handed over from British rule to China in 1997.

Persons: We’ll, ”, Hong Kong ”, Jeff Paine, Paul Lam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s Organizations: CNN, YouTube, Google, ” CNN, Spotify, Hong, Asia Internet Coalition, Meta, Hong Kong Department of Justice, Hong Kong, “, Volunteers, ”, Hong Kong’s Department of Justice Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, Hong, China

☆ U.S. issues hundreds of sanctions targeting Russia, takes aim at Chinese companies
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Ukrainian servicemen ride on an armored personnel carrier in a field near Chasiv Yar, Donetsk, on April 27, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The United States on Wednesday issued hundreds of fresh sanctions targeting Russia over the war in Ukraine in action that took aim at Moscow's circumvention of Western measures, including through China. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on nearly 200 targets and the State Department designated more than 80 in one of the most wide-ranging actions against Chinese companies so far in Washington's sanctions aimed at Russia. China's support for Russia is one of the many issues threatening to sour the recent improvement in relations between the world's biggest economies. "The Chinese side firmly opposes the U.S.'s illegal unilateral sanctions," he said.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Antony Blinken, Yellen, Liu Pengyu Organizations: The U.S . Treasury, State Department, The U.S, Treasury, World Trade Organization, U.S Locations: Chasiv Yar, Donetsk, Ukraine, United States, Russia, China, The U.S, The, Hong Kong, Washington, U.S

☆ US imposes sanctions on more than a dozen companies in China for support of Russia’s war in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jennifer Hansler | Samantha Waldenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The United States imposed sanctions on more than a dozen companies in China and Hong Kong for their support of Russia’s war in Ukraine as part of a tranche of nearly 300 new sanctions unveiled Wednesday. “The almost 300 targets being sanctioned by both Treasury and the Department of State include sanctions on dozens of actors that have enabled Russia to acquire desperately needed technology and equipment from abroad,” the Treasury Department said in a news release. The sanctions also hit targets within Russia, as well as Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The sanctions are aimed at cracking down on sanctions evasion and support for Russia’s military-industrial base and its biological and chemical weapons programs. The Treasury Department also targeted those involved in providing precursor materials to Russia used in explosives.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Antony Blinken, “ Organizations: CNN, Ukraine, Treasury, Department of State, Treasury Department, United, United Arab Emirates Locations: United States, China, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey, United Arab

☆ China’s growing love of luxury watches remains strong, despite economic headwinds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Leona Liu | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Despite economic challenges looming large — including prolonged downturns in both the housing and stock market — China’s fascination with luxury watches remains undiminished. Cyril Zingaro/WWGF/KeystoneCertainly at this year’s fair, well-dressed, well-accessorized Chinese customers appeared unfazed by economic uncertainties. After more than 20 years working in the region, he believes China’s economic slowdown is just a temporary phase. “The situation may be slightly (more) challenging for mid-level luxury brands (whose clients’ disposable incomes are potentially more at the whim of market forces). Collectors appreciate the craftsmanship, rarity, and heritage associated with luxury timepieces, which can hold or increase in value over time.

Persons: Matthieu Humair, Cyril Zingaro, Jackson Yee, Jaeger, Zhu Yilong, Wang Yang, Xiao Zhan, David Sadigh, Patek Philippe, Van Cleef, ” Sadigh, Valentin Flauraud, ”, Ricardo Guadalupe, “ We’ve, Pierre Albouy, Keystone Carson Chan, Richard Mille Asia, Bonhams, ” Chan, Raphael Young, Lange, Söhne, Wilhelm Schmid, Lumen, Chan, Vacheron, Young, Roger Dubuis, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci — Chanel, Hermes, Hermès, Attelé, Chanel, Mademoiselle Chanel, “ Organizations: Geneva CNN —, Federation of, Swiss Watch Industry, IWC, Digital Luxury, CNN, Keystone, Fondation, “, Berkley, Couture Locations: Geneva, China, Hong Kong, Asia, Switzerland, Chopard, Europe, “, Asia — China, Guadalupe, Swiss, watchmaking

☆ China and Hong Kong stocks lost nearly $5 trillion in 3 years — more than India's market cap
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Stocks in China and Hong Kong sold off a massive $4.8 trillion in market capitalization since 2021, which according to HSBC, is more than the value of the Indian stock market. The statistic does not bode well for either China or Hong Kong, especially when the National Stock Exchange of India has only grown during the same period. The NSE overtook Hong Kong Stock Exchanges and Clearing to become the fourth largest in the world in January, according to data from the World Federation of Exchanges, and is worth $4.63 trillion, making it the third largest in Asia. This is indicative of how much traction Indian stocks have gained in the last few years, in contrast to declines in both China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index performed even worse, with 2023 as its fourth consecutive decline ending the year 13.8% lower.

Persons: bode Organizations: Bombay Stock Exchange, HSBC, National Stock Exchange of, Hong Kong Stock Exchanges, World Federation of Exchanges, Hong Kong . Mainland China's CSI Locations: MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, Bombay, Mumbai, Stocks, China, Hong Kong, National Stock Exchange of India, Asia, Hong Kong . Mainland

☆ Art Basel Hong Kong: Collectors return to Asia’s biggest art fair despite cooling market
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Stephy Chung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Hong Kong CNN —Picture Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel and George W. Bush as 7-year-olds. Noemi Cassanelli/CNNAsia’s largest art fair, which concludes Saturday, has returned to “pre-pandemic scale,” as organizers put it. Hong Kong artist Mak2's installation in the fair's "Encounters" section. A colorful booth by Dvir Gallery, based in Paris, Tel Aviv and Brussels, which participated in the Hong Kong fair for the first time. So while Art Basel is a “very international platform,” Chan said, it still provides the chance to showcase homegrown talent.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel, George W, Bush, Lí, Noemi Cassanelli, Hong, Hong Kong’s, ”, William Leung, fairgoer, “, Ivy Haldeman, François Ghebaly, It’s, it’s, “ It’s, Victoria Miro, Wirth, Mark Bradford, Philip Guston, Ed Clark, ” Keith Tsuji, Willem de Kooning’s, Kooning, Fuyuhiko Takata, Yoko Ono’s, Takata, Fuyuhiko, Louise Delmotte, I’m, ” Takata, fairgoers, Jaume Plensa, Mary Sabbatino, Sabbatino, Mak2, Teppei, Maho Kubota, Alexie, Kantor, Trevor Yeung, Stephen Wong, people’s, Hilda Chan, London’s, ” Chan Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Art Basel, CNN, “, Hauser, Hauser & Wirth, Galerie Lelong, The, Hong, Dvir, Hong Kong, CNN Hong, London’s Tate Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, Hong Kong ., China, New York, Art Basel Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Asia, American, Spanish, York, Paris, Australian, Paris , Tel Aviv, Brussels, Hong

☆ 'Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong': Beijing hits back at U.S. for 'slandering' city's new security law
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The flags of China and Hong Kong displayed in rows. China's embassy hit back against U.S. criticism of Hong Kong's new national security law on Thursday, saying the U.S. should "respect China's sovereignty." Hong Kong lawmakers passed a new national security law on Tuesday which critics say grants the government more power to quash dissent. "Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, which no country is in the position to point fingers at or interfere in," a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Persons: Hong, Hong Kong's, Vedant Patel, John Lee, Wang Yi, — CNBC's Evelyn Cheng, Clement Tan Organizations: U.S . State Department, Kong's Legislative, China's, Beijing, China - Locations: China, Hong Kong, U.S, China's, Hong Kong . Hong Kong, Kong's, China - U.S

☆ Article 23: Hong Kong passes second national security law aligning city more closely with mainland China
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Coming into effect on Saturday, the law introduces 39 new national security crimes, adding to an already powerful national security law that was directly imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong in 2020 after huge and sometimes violent democracy protests the year before. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Lee described it as a “historical moment for Hong Kong.”Lawmakers attend a meeting for Basic Law Article 23 legislation at the Legislative Council on March 19, 2024 in Hong Kong, China. They argue their legislation is similar to other national security laws around the world. “This will surely increase the doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty of foreign businesses in Hong Kong.”In mainland China, national security laws have often ensnared both local and foreign businesses in opaque investigations. That is something Emily Lau, a former pro-democracy lawmaker, also worries about, that what made Hong Kong distinct is fast fading.

Persons: –, John Lee, Hong, Lee, Chen Yongnuo, ”, Hong Kong’s, Eric Lai, Lai, ” Lai, Hung Ho, fung, Capvision, Sarah Brooks, “, ” Brooks, ” Johannes Hack, Emily Lau, I’ve Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong, ” Lawmakers, Legislative, China News Service, China’s Communist Party, CNN, Georgetown Center, Asian Law, Johns Hopkins University, Amnesty International, German Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Locations: Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s, Beijing, China, Amnesty International China, ”, Hong

☆ Article 23: Hong Kong unveils its second national security law, aligning city more closely with mainland China
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Hong Kong CNN —Hong Kong’s government unveiled a new suite of powerful national security laws on Friday that critics and foreign governments warn could deepen the ongoing crackdown in the city and further undermine its reputation as an international business hub. They point to the application of national security laws in mainland China as well as in Hong Kong where a Beijing-imposed national security law has already transformed the once outspoken city since 2020, silencing almost all dissent and jailing dozens of political opponents. The new draft Hong Kong law – known locally as Article 23 – is aimed at “filling the loopholes” left by the Beijing-imposed version enacted in 2020, according to the Hong Kong government. But the atmosphere in Hong Kong this time around is very different. Many of the city’s leading pro-democracy figures are in jail either convicted or facing charges under the 2020 national security law.

Persons: ”, Hong Kong’s, –, John Lee –, “ Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong, China’s Communist Party, Chinese Communist Party, Authorities, Security, US Department of State Locations: Hong Kong, China, Beijing, Hong, United States

☆ China is laying out ambitious growth goals for 2024, and even Beijing knows they'll be hard to hit
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewChina is laying out ambitious growth goals for 2024, and Beijing knows they'll be hard to hit. China — the world's second-largest economy — is targeting economic growth of around 5% this year, Li Qiang, the country's premier, announced on Tuesday. "Achieving the 'around 5%' growth target will be very challenging," Nomura economists wrote in a note on Tuesday. Economists are watching to see whether Beijing will inject more stimulus into its economy to help it hit its 5% growth target.

Persons: —, they'll, Li Qiang, Li, Nomura, Lynn Song Organizations: Service, Business, National People's, ING, Nomura, Deutsche, Seng China Enterprises Locations: China, Beijing, Greater China, Hong Kong

☆ China's latest market crackdown shows it hasn't learned any lessons
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

China has curbed short selling and quant trading activities to support its flailing stock markets. AdvertisementBeijing is now trying to support the flailing Chinese stock markets by pulling a familiar move — cracking down on private sector activities. Remember — China's recent private sector enterprise crackdown wiped out over a trillion dollars from its tech sector alone and spooked entrepreneurs. China isn't the first to curb stock market activities — the US also cracked down on short-selling during the 2008 financial crisis. China's securities regulator said on Thursday it wasn't trying to interfere with trading activities, but will crackdown on "illegal activities" that disrupt market order.

Persons: —, They're, George Boubouras, isn't, Eswar Prasad Organizations: Service, Bloomberg, Asset Management, China isn't, Cornell University, International Monetary Fund, Nikkei Locations: China, Beijing, Hong, Melbourne

☆ Spending in Shenzhen: Chinese used to escape to this former British colony. Now Hongkongers are heading in the opposite direction
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Chris Lau | Veronica Lin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Hong Kong CNN —With Hong Kong’s sky-high cost of living, residents like Andy Tsui have been looking for alternative ways to have more fun and spend less. Rather than spending his cash in his hometown of Hong Kong, he’s been crossing the border into mainland China to splurge instead. Such trips are noteworthy because, for much of Hong Kong’s modern history, the traffic has been largely — conspicuously, even — in the other direction. Hong Kong used to be the place where Chinese would escape to, not from. In 2023, just 26 million mainlanders — about half of the 2018 crowd — visited Hong Kong.

Persons: Andy Tsui, he’s, boba, ” Tsui, Justin Robertson, Noemi Cassanelli, CNN Hong Kong’s, Hong Kong —, misbehaving, —, ”, Steve Tsang, Hong, Shenzhen’s, Hongkongers, Gilles Sabrie, Hongkonger Eddy Lam, Lam, Cherrie Leung, Qilai Shen, Hugo Sin, “, Gary Ng, John Lee, Tsang Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, CNN, Shoppers, Yuen, Britain, Newspapers, Hong, Hong Kong Immigration Department, China Institute, SOAS University, Huawei, Tencent, Bloomberg, Getty, Sam’s Club, Costco, Sam’s, Walmart, Hong Kong, Shenzhen hasn’t, Xinhua, RTHK, SOAS University of London Locations: Hong Kong, China, splurge, Peking, Shenzhen, East, Hong, People’s Republic of China, British, Beijing, London, Bay Area, San Francisco , New York, Tokyo, Kowloon, Coco, Shanghai, “, Inner Mongolia, Taiwan, Japan, Mainland China, Hong Kong’s, Britain, Canada, Australia, Bay, ”

☆ Dollar nears 150 yen ahead of US inflation test; bitcoin buoyant
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The dollar flirted with the psychological threshold of 150 yen on Tuesday and held broadly steady ahead of a key reading on U.S. inflation due later in the day, while bitcoin hovered around the $50,000 mark for a second day running. The greenback last bought 149.39 yen, edging higher toward the closely-watched 150 level that analysts said would likely trigger further jawboning from Japanese officials in an attempt to support the currency. The projected rise in inflation three years from now dropped to 2.4%, the lowest since March 2020, from December's 2.6%. Analysts said the latest boost to bitcoin comes ahead of its halving event, which will cut the reward for successfully mining a bitcoin block in half. The expectation of rate cuts certainly helps, but it doesn't explain what's really set fire to bitcoin over the past four, five sessions," said IG's Sycamore.

Persons: pare, that's, Tony Sycamore, It's, Kyle Rodda Organizations: greenback, Bank of, IG, Federal Reserve Bank of New, U.S ., New Zealand, U.S, bitcoin Locations: Asia, China, Hong Kong, Bank of Japan, U.S, United States, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, December's, Europe

☆ Gold flat ahead of US inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices were little changed on Tuesday, as investors held back from making big bets ahead of a U.S. inflation report that could give fresh perspective on the timing of the Federal Reserve's first rate cut. Spot gold was flat at $2,018.71 per ounce, as of 0424 GMT, after briefly slipping to a more than two-week low of $2,011.72/Oz on Monday. All eyes are on the January U.S. consumer price index inflation data due at 13:30 GMT. Americans reported a fairly stable outlook for inflation at the start of the year, a New York Fed survey showed. Spot platinum was flat at $888.89 per ounce, palladium rose 1.5% to $905.71, and silver edged 0.1% higher to $22.71.

Persons: Tim Waterer, Wang Tao Organizations: Federal, KCM Trade, New, Fed, Reuters, U.S ., Traders, U.S Locations: Moscow, Russia, U.S, ., China, Hong Kong

☆ Xi just fired China's top markets regulator. It shows his focus is still on control above all else.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewChina's extended stock market rout was so bad that leader Xi Jinping was set to personally pay attention to it — and it looks like his solution was to fire the country's top markets regulatory late on Wednesday. After all, there were suggestions earlier that authorities are considering a stabilization fund to rescue the flailing stock market. Stock markets in China and Hong Kong have accelerated losses into 2024. The analysts at the Eurasia Group aren't the only ones who say China needs to double down on economic reforms to shore up its economy.

Persons: —, Xi Jinping, Wu Qing, Xi, Eswar Prasad, China's Organizations: Service, China Securities Regulatory, Bloomberg, Business, Eurasia Group, Eurasia Group aren't, Cornell University, International Monetary Fund, Nikkei, Index, Hong Kong Stock Exchange Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing

☆ China's economy may not overtake the US, but a Trump presidency would still help Beijing: former IMF official
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewChina is taking steps to support its economy and stock markets, but there are limits to what can be achieved, said economist Eswar Prasad. Stock markets in China and Hong Kong have accelerated losses into 2024 after shedding trillions of dollars since 2021. "The likelihood of the prediction that China's GDP will one day overtake that of the US is declining," Prasad added to Nikkei. This is because Trump is likely to ratchet up trade protectionism, causing fragmentation in the trade and financial sectors, Prasad told Nikkei.

Persons: —, Eswar Prasad, Prasad, China hasn't, Trump, Prasad doesn't, Donald Trump Organizations: Service, Cornell University, International Monetary Fund, Nikkei, Business, Stock, Reuters Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing, Asia

☆ Investors are hoping the power of Xi's personal attention will rescue China's floundering markets
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Markets have rallied on the news as it's stoking hopes that China will roll out a forceful rescue plan. China and Hong Kong's stock markets have lost nearly $7 trillion from their peaks in 2021. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. The plan is to brief the country's top leaders about the state of the markets, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed people with knowledge of the matter. But some analysts see these moves as less powerful than Xi's personal participation in stabilizing the markets — even though it's unclear if any new support measures will result from the meeting, Bloomberg reported.

Persons: Xi Jinping, it's stoking, —, Hang Seng, Xi, Li Weiqing, Li Organizations: Bloomberg, Markets, Service, China Securities Regulatory Commission, Hang, CSI, ING, Investment Management, Business Locations: China, Hong, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore

CNN —Inter Miami star Lionel Messi returned to action on Wednesday in a match against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo, though Chinese fans remain upset that the star did not play in Sunday’s game in Hong Kong. “Hello to all my fans in mainland China and Hong Kong! Philip Fong/AFP/Getty ImagesDuring Wednesday’s game against Vissel Kobe, Messi was brought on for David Ruiz as a second-half substitute. Fans in Hong Kong booed and called for ticket refunds due to Messi’s non-appearance in Sunday’s game, and even the Hong Kong government shared its dismay that the forward had not taken to the field. Luis Suárez, Messi former teammate at Barcelona, was also sidelined with an injury in Hong Kong but played 75 minutes for Miami against Vissel Kobe.

Persons: Lionel Messi, “, ” Messi, Messi, Vissel Kobe, Philip Fong, David Ruiz, Luis Suárez Organizations: CNN — Inter Miami, Vissel, Weibo, Messi, Vissel Kobe, Miami, Hong, Barcelona Locations: Vissel Kobe, Tokyo, Hong Kong, China, Sichuan, Weibo, AFP, Japan

☆ European markets set for higher open despite unclear rate cut outlook
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

European markets are heading for a higher open Tuesday as investor confidence remains robust despite the lack of a clear timetable for interest rate cuts. Regional markets closed slightly lower Monday as investors digested the latest comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in which he said the central bank would likely move at a considerably slower pace on rate cuts than the market expects. Overnight, China and Hong Kong stocks jumped Tuesday as authorities in the world's second-largest economy took measures to arrest a recent sell-off in its equities, while most Asia-Pacific markets declined. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures hovered near the flatline overnight following a sell-off spurred by higher bond yields and worries that the Fed may not cut rates as much as Wall Street had hoped.

Persons: Jerome Powell Organizations: U.S . Federal Locations: U.S, China, Hong Kong, Asia, Pacific

☆ CNBC Daily Open: Wall Street anxious over Fed concerns
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference at the headquarters of the Federal Reserve on January 31, 2024 in Washington, DC. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Overnight, U.S. stocks lost ground and Treasury yields rose amid lingering concerns that the Federal Reserve may not cut rates as much as expected. About 97% of the oil produced today was discovered in the 20th century, she told CNBC. "It's the banks that made bad decisions that are making [other] banks look attractive in pricing," Smead told CNBC, who picked two bank stocks that are in play.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Dow, Vicki Hollub, Cole Smead, Smead Organizations: Federal Reserve, CNBC, Nasdaq, UBS, Occidental Locations: Washington ,, China, Hong Kong, Asia, Pacific, Beijing, Swiss

☆ China has vowed to save its crashing stock market, but investors are just not convinced
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewChina's stock market watchdog upped its game over the weekend after its brutal week of selloff, vowing to prevent "abnormal market fluctuations" — but stock market investors don't seem quite convinced. These continued gyrations in China and Hong Kong's stock markets have widened losses that are now totaling $7 trillion following an extended market meltdown since their peaks in 2021, as foreign investors beeline for the exit. Still, Beijing's frequent pronouncements on market stabilization may not be a bad thing. Advertisement"The frequency of these statements may indicate market stabilization is becoming more important for policymakers," wrote analysts at Dutch bank ING wrote on Monday. "Formalization of a potential market stabilization fund could provide a short-term boost for markets but investor sentiment remains downbeat for now, awaiting improvement in fundamentals," the ING analysts added.

Persons: —, selloff, Vishnu Varathan, Nomura Organizations: Service, China Securities Regulatory Commission, Business, Asia Asia, Mizuho Bank, Nomura, ING, Bloomberg Locations: China, Asia, Japan, Shanghai, Hong, Beijing

☆ Angry Chinese people are using a US embassy social-media page to dodge censors and vent about its slumping economy
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Mikhaila Friel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Advertisement"The US government, please help Chinese stock investors," one person wrote in a repost of the Weibo article, according to CNN. Some commenters used humor and sarcasm to get around the country's strict social media restrictions. China has one of the world's most censored media industries, with digital news and social media use heavily restricted throughout the country. Some social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, are prohibited and the government monitors social media platforms that are allowed, such as Weibo. Meanwhile, top officials have publicly spoken about the importance of elevating the "bright prospects of China's economy," according to the Journal.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Reuters, Bloomberg, CNN, People's Daily, Facebook, The New York Times, Street Journal, China's Ministry of State Security Locations: Weibo, Africa, China, Hong, Beijing

☆ Asia markets poised for mixed open as they kickstart holiday-shortened week; central bank decisions in focus
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Jade Gao | Afp | Getty ImagesAsia-Pacific stocks were set for a mixed open as they kickstart a holiday-shortened trading week for some markets. Investors will watch out for key central bank decisions this week, especially from the Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday and the Reserve Bank of India on Thursday. On Monday, private surveys on service sector activity will be released from China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index is also set to fall, with futures at 15,412 compared to the HSI's close of 15,533.56. China, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong will all see shortened trading weeks as the Lunar New Year approaches.

Persons: Jade Gao, Hong Organizations: Central Business District, Afp, Getty, Investors, Reserve Bank of Australia, Reserve Bank of India, Nikkei Locations: Beijing, Asia, Pacific, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Chicago, Osaka, Taiwan, South Korea

☆ US Charges Chinese Nationals With Smuggling US-Made Electronics to Iran
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. authorities have charged four Chinese nationals with crimes related to the smuggling of U.S.-made electronic components, including some with possible military use, to Iran, the Justice Department said on Wednesday. The Chinese nationals are accused of moving U.S. export-controlled items through China and Hong Kong to sanctioned entities affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its defense ministry, the department said in a statement. The alleged scheme resulted in the export of a "vast amount" of dual-use U.S.-origin commodities with military capabilities from the United States to Iran, the Justice Department said. "Such efforts to unlawfully obtain U.S. technology directly threaten our national security, and we will use every tool at our disposal to sever the illicit supply chains that fuel the Iranian regime's malign activity," Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department's national security division said in the statement. The U.S. has issued arrest warrants for the accused, who all remain fugitives, according to the statement.

Persons: Matthew Olsen, Ismail Shakil, Rami Ayyub, Bill Berkrot Organizations: WASHINGTON, Justice, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Justice Department, Justice Department's Locations: U.S, Iran, China, Hong Kong, United States

☆ Hong Kong already has a national security law. Now its leader is pushing for another one
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Hong Kong CNN —Hong Kong on Tuesday formally began the process of enacting a controversial homegrown national security law in a move that could have deep ramifications for the city’s status as a global financial hub. Beijing’s national security crackdown of recent years has transformed once-freewheeling Hong Kong, silencing almost all dissent and jailing dozens of political opponents. Under Hong Kong’s mini-constitution agreed by the two powers, the city is required to enact laws to prohibit acts that endanger national security. “Foreign agents and Hong Kong independence ideas are still lurking in Hong Kong society.”Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee speaks during a press conference at government headquarters in Hong Kong on January 30, 2024. The new security law could bring further uncertainty for Hong Kong, which is striving to maintain its status as Asia’s premier financial hub following three years of strict Covid restrictions and Beijing’s national security crackdown.

Persons: Hong, it’s, John Lee, ”, It’s, we’ve, ” Lee, Lee, Peter Parks, Chris Tang, ” Tang, Tang Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Tuesday, Hong, CIA, British, Getty Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, China, AFP, Hong Kong’s, East, West

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