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HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s top leader on Tuesday warned President-elect Donald Trump not to interfere in the Chinese territory’s internal affairs after he said he would “100%” free the imprisoned pro-democracy activist and tycoon Jimmy Lai. He said Hong Kong, whose government denies that judicial independence is under threat, also valued the rule of law. “In these respects, I hope that all countries will respect the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and avoid political interference that could affect the judiciary and normal commercial activities in Hong Kong,” he said. Hong Kong also enacted its own national security legislation in March. Pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai being escorted out of court in Hong Kong in 2021.

Persons: Hong Kong’s, Donald Trump, Jimmy Lai, Lai, Hong, Trump, Hugh Hewitt, I’ll, Lee, ”, “, Hong Kong, . Lai, John Burns, ” Burns, ” Lai, Burns, Sen, Marco Rubio, ” Lee Organizations: Apple, Hong, Administrative, AFP, Getty, University of Hong, NBC News, “, Trump, Republican, Fraser Institute Locations: HONG KONG, Hong, China, Hong Kong, United States, U.S, Beijing, British, ., University of Hong Kong, ” Hong Kong, Washington , New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, Singapore

All legislation must also be passed by the Senate before it can be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. It is unclear how many of the measures will make it that far given the limited number of days the Senate is in session for the rest of the year. But their success in the House could pave the way for even stronger regulatory moves in the next Congress, Singleton said. The Chinese companies, whose work includes cancer research and manufacturing for American drugmakers, say data privacy is not at risk and that the measure will limit competition. “We are disappointed that the U.S. legislative process is being used to pick winners and losers,” Shenzhen-based BGI Group said in a statement.

Persons: Joe Biden, Singleton, “ Organizations: Senate, Biotech, ”, WuXi AppTec, Hong Kong Lawmakers, Authorities, Hong, Foreign Ministry, U.S Locations: Beijing, ” Shenzhen, WuXi, Washington , New York, San Francisco, China, British, Hong Kong

☆ China threatens to retaliate over U.S. bill that could shutter Hong Kong trade offices
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-12 | by ( Dylan Butts | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

American lawmakers have passed a bipartisan bill that could eventually lead to the shuttering of Hong Kong's U.S.-based trade offices, drawing strong condemnation from the Chinese-ruled city and Beijing. The legislation, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification (HKETO) Act, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming support on Tuesday. If it passes the Senate and is signed into law, HKETO would require the U.S. secretary of state to annually review the "privileges, exemptions and immunities" granted to Hong Kong's Economic and Trade Offices. Beijing strongly condemned the act's passing on Wednesday, accusing the U.S. of politicizing normal economic cooperation and attempting to contain Hong Kong's development. The remarks echoed a statement from the Hong Kong government that decried the U.S. for twisting facts, violating international laws and norms, and grossly interfering in the affairs of Hong Kong.

Persons: HKETO Organizations: U.S, Capitol, Senate, House, Hong, Hong Kong Economic, Trade, U.S . House, Hong Kong's Economic Locations: Washington , DC, Hong Kong's U.S, Beijing, Hong Kong, U.S, China

☆ Matthew Trickett: British man accused of spying for Hong Kong’s intelligence services found dead in park
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Sharon Braithwaite | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —A man charged by British police for allegedly spying for Hong Kong’s intelligence services, has been found dead in a park outside of London. Trickett had appeared alongside two other suspects at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 13, charged with national security offences. “Trickett was on court bail, awaiting court proceedings, which required him to register at a police station regularly,” the police said. Relations between Hong Kong and its former colonial ruler Britain have soured in recent years following mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese city in 2019 and 2020. The British government has criticized Hong Kong’s Beijing-backed crackdown on almost all opposition in the years following the protests, while Hong Kong authorities have bristled at Britain providing a safe haven for pro-democracy leaders sought by the Hong Kong police.

Persons: Hong, Matthew Trickett, Trickett, “ Trickett, Trickett’s, John Lee, Hong Kong’s, Louisa Cieciora, Lee, Lucas Lilieholm, Chris Lau, Jerome Taylor Organizations: London CNN, British, London . Police, Thames, ’, The Times, Embassy, Hong, Hong Kong, Police, Hong Kong Economic, Trade Office, Economic, Trade Locations: London, Maidenhead , Berkshire, Sunday, Westminster, Hong Kong, Britain, Hong Kong’s Beijing

Hong Kong CNN —Hong Kong’s leader responded on Tuesday after three people were charged by British police for allegedly spying on behalf of the city’s intelligence services. Relations between Hong Kong and its former colonial ruler Britain have soured in recent years following mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese city in 2019 and 2020. The British government has criticized Hong Kong’s Beijing-backed crackdown on almost all opposition in the years following the protests, while Hong Kong authorities have bristled at Britain providing a safe haven for pro-democracy leaders sought by the Hong Kong police. Hong Kong leader Lee noted in his Tuesday news conference that one of the men charged was the office manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London but did not directly address a question over whether it was involved in surveillance of Hong Kong dissidents in the UK. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is speaking at a press conference on April 30, 2024.

Persons: Hong, Chi Leung, Peter, Wai, Matthew Trickett, Chung Biu Yuen, Hong Kong’s, John Lee, ” Lee, Chi Leung Wai, Yui Mok, Jonathan Brady, Yuen, Louisa Cieciora, Lee, Vernon Yuen, ”, Dominic Murphy Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, British, Hong, city’s Metropolitan Police, Hong Kong, Embassy, Westminster Magistrates, Administrative, Police, Hong Kong Economic, Trade Office, . Hong, Economic, Trade, Metropolitan Police, UK National Security, Crown Prosecution Service, Command, Met Police Locations: Hong Kong, Westminster, London, city’s, Britain, Hong Kong’s Beijing, . Hong Kong, England

"With on-the-ground movements in Hong Kong disappearing or silenced, it's really up to us to narrate the story of Hong Kong," said Kwok. "Hong Kong is not just about human rights abuses, Hong Kong is also about authoritarian expansion waged by the Chinese government." Since the 2020 imposition of the national security law, most of the democratic opposition has been jailed or exiled. Hong Kong authorities say the security law has brought stability, and that the eight "absconders" including Kwok, by asking foreign powers to impose sanctions on Hong Kong amongst other activities, continue to endanger national security. Besides lobbying work, and building alliances with activists, NGOs and the overseas Hong Kong diaspora in the U.S. capital, Kwok's group, The Hong Kong Democracy Council, also conducts research including a database on over 1,500 "political prisoners" in Hong Kong.

Persons: Anna Kwok, Kwok, I'm, Evelyn Hockstein, Hong Kong, it's, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: HK, Washington D.C, Hong, Hong Kong, Reuters, REUTERS, Hong Kong Democracy Council, Thomson Locations: Washington, Hong Kong, United States, China, Australia, Britain, U.S, Washington , DC, Hong, British, Beijing

She said she would continue lobbying congressmen and U.S. officials on Hong Kong issues despite fears for her personal safety given the sizeable bounty on her head. "With on-the-ground movements in Hong Kong disappearing or silenced, it's really up to us to narrate the story of Hong Kong," said Kwok. "Hong Kong is not just about human rights abuses, Hong Kong is also about authoritarian expansion waged by the Chinese government." Hong Kong authorities say the security law has brought stability, and that the eight "absconders" including Kwok, by asking foreign powers to impose sanctions on Hong Kong amongst other activities, continue to endanger national security. Besides lobbying work, and building alliances with activists, NGOs and the overseas Hong Kong diaspora in the U.S. capital, Kwok's group, The Hong Kong Democracy Council, also conducts research including a database on over 1,500 "political prisoners" in Hong Kong.

Persons: Anna Kwok, Evelyn Hockstein, Kwok, I'm, Hong Kong, it's, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Washington D.C, Hong, Hong Kong, Reuters, REUTERS, HK, Hong Kong Democracy Council, Thomson Locations: Washington, Hong Kong, Washington , DC, United States, China, Australia, Britain, U.S, Hong, British, Beijing

☆ G7 leaders gather on China's doorstep to seek unified response to Beijing
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

‘Economic coercion’Another important theme of the summit will be economic security, including how to counter China’s economic pressure tactics. As the G7 summit gets underway, Chinese officials will be closely watching from Beijing and will not hide their displeasure, experts say. In the lead-up to the summit, Beijing has already berated a statement by G7 foreign ministers. Similarly, Beijing also lashed out at accusations of its “economic coercion,” claiming it is the “victim of US economic coercion” rather than a perpetrator. And while China is not invited to Hiroshima, it is hosting its own summit with Central Asia countries, experts noted.

☆ U.S., Taiwan Move Closer to Trade, Investment Agreement
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Joyu Wang | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert, a Republican from California, in Taipei this week. TAIPEI—The U.S. and Taiwan moved a step closer toward a bilateral trade and investment initiative, with both sides signaling progress in the talks at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office on Thursday released a summary of proposed texts covering customs administration and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, services domestic regulation, anticorruption, and small and midsize enterprises. A similar statement was released by Taiwan’s trade office at the same time. The five topics are among a dozen trade areas that the two sides previously agreed to negotiate.

☆ Netherlands orders Russian embassy to downsize, Moscow says it will respond
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AMSTERDAM, Feb 18 (Reuters) - The Dutch government on Saturday said it would close its consulate in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and that it would limit the number of Russian diplomats allowed at the Russian embassy in The Hague. "At the same time Russia refuses to give visas to Dutch diplomats who would work at the consulate in St Petersburg or the embassy in Moscow." In Moscow, the Russian foreign ministry said it would respond to the move, RIA news agency reported. The Dutch government said it had decided to limit the number of diplomats at the Russian embassy in The Hague to match the number of those at the Dutch embassy in Moscow. "A number of diplomats shall therefore have to leave the country within two weeks," The Foreign Affairs ministry said in a statement, without giving a specific number.

☆ U.S. extends tariff exclusions on 352 Chinese import categories for nine months
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Trade Representative's office said on Friday it is extending China "Section 301" tariff exclusions for another nine months on 352 Chinese import product categories that were set to expire at the end of 2022. The tariff exclusions, which include industrial components such as pumps and electric motors, some car parts and chemicals, bicycles and vacuum cleaners, were reinstated in March by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai as part of her strategy to confront Chinese trade practices. USTR said the extension "will help align further consideration of these exclusions with the ongoing comprehensive four year review" of the Section 301 tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on some $370 billion worth of Chinese imports. The trade office said it is collecting comments in the tariff review through Jan. 17, 2023. Reporting by David Lawder Editing by Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Israelis, Palestinians can fly on same flights to World Cup in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer fans from Israel and the Palestinian territories will be able to fly directly to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar from Tel Aviv for the first time, soccer’s global governing body announced Thursday. The development is a breakthrough agreement for Israel and Qatar — two countries without diplomatic relations. The charter flights to Doha from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv for the tournament starting Nov. 20 will be open to all Palestinians, FIFA said. Israel may still refuse to grant exit permits to residents of blockaded Gaza seeking to fly out of Tel Aviv to attend the World Cup. Israeli citizens cannot ordinarily fly directly to Doha or enter Qatar on their Israeli passports.

☆ Analysis: North Korea's missile launches show no scarcity of weapons funding, materials despite sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Josh Smith | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Last week the country fired more than 80 missiles, including its latest short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and a new variant of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), by far the North's most launches in such a short period. North Korean state media showed older SCUD-type missiles were also fired. Analysts and sanctions experts say North Korea continues to rely on materials and other inputs from overseas. "Russia and China are where most of the overseas North Korean ballistic missile procurement agents are based," said Hugh Griffiths, a former coordinator for a U.N. panel of experts that monitors sanctions on North Korea, and now an independent sanctions consultant. North Korea wants to import some 100 tons of solid propellant by 2030, according to the advisory.

☆ German oil imports up 13.5% in January-July period; bill more than doubles
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterOil depots are pictured in the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, March 8, 2022. Russia remained the top supplier, holding a 30.5% share of Germany's oil imports in the period, monthly statistics from the BAFA foreign trade office showed. Oil imports in January through July from all origins increased to 51.0 million tonnes, from 44.9 million in the same months of 2021, BAFA said. Germany spent 35.9 billion euros ($35.07 billion) on crude oil imports in the first seven months of 2022, 100.6% more than the comparable year-earlier period. ($1 = 1.0235 euros)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Vera Eckert and Nerijus Adomaitis; editing by Paul SimaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ German Jan-July gas import costs surge 164% as imports drop 25.5%
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Pipes at the landfall facilities of the 'Nord Stream 1' gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeFRANKFURT, Sept 21 (Reuters) - German natural gas import costs rose by 164% in the first seven months of 2022 from a year earlier, even though imports were down by 25.5%, official monthly data showed on Wednesday. Gas data also correlates with coal, as both compete in the production of electricity, while also giving clues about demand for mandatory European Union carbon emissions permits. BAFA's statistics, which are published with a two-month delay, showed January-July imports at 2,282,849 terajoules (TJ), or 64.9 billion cubic metres (bcm), compared with 3,065,578 TJ a year earlier. As supply disruptions propelled gas prices to record highs, Germany's import bill increased to 38.3 billion euros ($37.86 billion) in the seven-month period, compared with 14.5 billion euros in the same period of 2021, the data showed.

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