📡Guardians of Hong Kong
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We provide translation of news in English from local media and other sources, for academic use.
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China Buys Friends With Ports and Roads. Now the U.S. Is Trying to Compete.

An aging shipyard here has a new suitor sizing it up for investment: the U.S. government.

To counter China’s rising global economic influence, Washington has taken a new direction with foreign assistance. Rather than just lend money or promote trade, as in recent decades, the U.S. is now investing dollars overseas to advance American national-security interests. It wants ports, cellular networks and other strategic assets to stay in friendly hands.

At the forefront of this effort is an agency Congress overhauled in 2019, the International Development Finance Corp., or DFC.

Source: WSJ #Jul5

https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-buys-friends-with-ports-and-roads-now-the-u-s-is-trying-to-compete-11626363239

#China #Ports #Roads #US
#Hongkongers
Pro-democracy Citizen vows: I will be among the last ones to leave Hong Kong

Source: InMedia #Jul30

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#Hongkongers #Court
Pro-democracy Citizen vows: I will be among the last ones to leave Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the first case of the #NationalSecurityLaw was trialed without jury but judges appointed by the authorities in late July, 2021. The Court put 24-year-old #TongYingKit behind bars for 9 years for "inciting secession and committing terrorist activities".

Disappointed by a trial without jury, some citizens found it still a “fortunate case” with a so-called “lenient” sentence term as many are anticipating a prison term for no less than 10 years.

Tong’s supporters said their support will continue, no matter how long it will be.

Outside the courtroom, around 50 citizens gathered to see Tong off. Among them, Jason said he couldn’t enter the viewing gallery to hear the trial, although he came half an hour earlier to queue for tickets.

Jason told reporters that although he has a Thai heritage which gives him a natural “exit plan” to leave Hong Kong at any time he wants, he finds root in Hong Kong. “I will be among the last ones to leave this city.”

Looking around at other supporters of Tong Ying-kit, Jason said he still has hope for Hong Kong, “some people might think I am naïve, but I see solidarity among pro-democracy supporters and there remains hope for Hong Kong.”

In the past two years, Jason has been following up on court cases and supporting those pro-democracy protesters being arrested and trialed. He refuted the rumors on social media that there were only few supporters in the court room to show support to every protester.

Jason claimed that he will not give up but live his life to witness the change. He asked HongKongers to hang on and support each other, “In this losing battle, what's better than supporting each other till the end?”

Source: InMedia; #Jul30
https://bit.ly/2WD0lQj

#Conviction #HongKongProtest #Hope
Lack of COVID-19 Raw Data in China Hinders the Investigation,
Tedros Adhanom: Virus Leakage From a Laboratory Has Not Yet Excluded


Source: Stand News #Jul16

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Lack of COVID-19 Raw Data in China Hinders the Investigation,
Tedros Adhanom: Virus Leakage From a Laboratory Has Not Yet Excluded


The pandemic has spread for over one and a half years. The WHO specialist team published a report in March indicating that the Covid-19 virus was “extremely unlikely” leaked from the laboratory. Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the WHO, said on 15 July that the lack of raw data of the early epidemic situation in China affected the origin investigation. The claim of the virus outbreak due to the laboratory leak was excluded too early. He pointed out that he was an immunologist, and it is common to have accidents in the laboratory. The investigation of the source of the pandemic is important. In addition to preventing the next pandemic, it is also necessary to be responsible for millions of people who died in the pandemic.

Tedros Adhanom pointed out that the conclusion came too fast after publishing the report in March as China has not provided any original data to the specialist group yet. He then called for a continuous deep investigation. He reiterated a similar point of view at the press conference yesterday and hoped that China would cooperate to provide comprehensive information. It is too early to exclude the probability of the virus leakage from the Wuhan laboratory without sufficient information.

Source: Stand News #Jul16

https://bit.ly/2WTX7bn

#China #WHO #Wuhan #TedrosAdhanom #COVID19 #leakage #WHO
Federal government confirms 'fast-tracking' of Hong Kong skilled visa applications

Senator James Paterson, the Chair of the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, confirmed the move to "fast track" applications, saying he has long been pressing to open migration avenues for Hong Kongers.

"The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Settlement Services, has decided to update the order of priority processing to support existing and future arrangements for the agriculture sector, while also providing consideration for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport holders," Senator Paterson told SBS Chinese.

"This means processing priority will be given to Hong Kong and BNO passport holders applying for temporary and permanent skilled visas ahead of other cohorts. 

Source: SBS #Jul30

https://t.co/1r8UOw0ZMJ

#HongKonger #Visa #BNO
China snubs senior US official in worsening diplomatic stand-off

Beijing has snubbed the US by refusing to grant Wendy Sherman, deputy secretary of state, a meeting with her counterpart during a proposed visit to China that would have been the first top-level engagement since acrimonious talks in Alaska.

The US halted plans for Sherman to travel to Tianjin after China refused to agree to a meeting with Le Yucheng, her counterpart, according to four people familiar with the decision. China offered a meeting with Xie Feng, the number five foreign ministry official who is responsible for US affairs.

The Biden administration had been negotiating what would have been the first high-level engagement since their first meeting in Alaska, which erupted into a public spat between Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, and Yang Jiechi, the top Chinese foreign policy official.

Source: Financial Time #Jul16

https://t.co/gIwoW9Omjj

#China #US #Beijing #Tianjin
Film Star Chow Yun-fat Thanks Fellow #Hongkongers in Congregation Ceremony

Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat received a honary doctoral degree in humanities at Hong Kong Baptist University on August 7, 2021.

In his speech, Chow humorously recalled the different stages of his acting career, from television to cinema, Hong Kong to Hollywood.

Chow especially thanked the support, encouragement and affection extended by Hongkongers. "I need to thank Hong Kong as a place which bestowed on me wisedom and love. Thank you, Hongkongers. Thank you, Hong Kong."

Source: InMedia #Aug7

#ChowYunFat #Actor #Celebrity #Hollywood #HongKongCinema
#Interview #KiwiChow
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director Seeks Freedom by Faith: "Hong Kong is Where My Heart Is"


Part 2

Source: Stand News #Jul17

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#Interview #KiwiChow
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director is Not Afraid: "“No matter how insignificant it is, I'll do it and keep going”

Previously, Part 1:

https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/3041807359374063/

Continue with Part 2:

On July 16, 2021, the #CannesFilmFestival in France added #KiwiChow’s “Revolution Of Our Times” to this year’s screening as a last minute surprise. The short film documented the pro-democracy movement sparked off by an extradition law in Hong Kong in 2019. 

“No matter how insignificant it is, I'll do it and keep going”

Kiwi Chow said, “[If] I leave Hong Kong, it is going to be painful and fearful for me.  So, I am in fact too scared to leave Hong Kong for now.  Although it might sound contradictory, I am staying behind to find freedom, to be free from fear.”

Chow continued to say that his decision to stay in Hong Kong is connected to his religious belief. “I believe in freedom and justice. I want to practice what I believe. Now I am presented this opportunity to practice it, so I must hold on and carry it through.”

Chow also mentioned that a businessman approached him two years ago to produce a documentary about the anti-extradition movement. Although Chow specializes primarily in feature films, he saw it as an appropriate role for him to contribute. “No matter how insignificant my role is going to be, I'll do it and keep going.” 

In another interview on Ming Pao Weekly, Chow said he felt blessed that the documentary was accepted and shown in the Cannes Film Festival, so that people around the world can come to understand the movement taking place in Hong Kong.

Chow said he is hoping the film would send a message of empathy, justice, and freedom. He does not want history to be distorted, and it is never his intention to spread hatred.  

"I am a film director, and I documented this movement.  As to what the audience may take from the film, it is beyond my control.  In this documentary, I recorded what happened. The scenes, the people and their voices captured in this documentary are real.  That’s what I want to let the world know and understand.”

#KiwiChow #RevolutionOfOurTimes #Art #KeepTheFaith

Source: Stand News #Jul17

https://bit.ly/37zcPdX
What has happened since the pro-democracy LegCo primary?

#LegCo #MassArrest #PrimaryElection #GoHKgraphics
B.C. judge takes aim at heart of case against Meng Wanzhou

A B.C. judge raised questions on Thursday about the allegation at the heart of the U.S. case against a Chinese business executive facing extradition from Canada.

The United States alleges Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., committed fraud by lying in a PowerPoint presentation in 2013 to her Hong Kong bankers about the company’s relationship with Skycom Tech Co. Ltd. The purpose, the U.S. says, was to evade its sanctions against Iran.

But Ms. Meng’s legal team says the U.S. Justice Department is attempting to mislead Canada. It obtained evidence that Ms. Meng told HSBC during the PowerPoint presentation that Skycom was “controllable,” and that Huawei could therefore ensure it would comply with U.S. sanctions.

Source: The Globe and Mail #Aug06

https://tgam.ca/3fJp1gv

#Canada #HSBC #Meng #US
U.S. Warns Businesses Over Rising Risks in Hong Kong Under China Crackdown

The Biden administration is warning American businesses about the increasing risks of operating in Hong Kong as China’s tightening grip on the city causes business conditions to deteriorate.

In an advisory issued Friday, the Biden administration cautions businesses and individuals working for them that they are subject to a restrictive national-security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong a year ago. The advisory cites the risks of electronic surveillance without warrants and of being compelled to surrender corporate and customer data to the government.

Source: WSJ #Jul16

https://t.co/kTon5TwP3g

#US #HongKong #China #Business #Risk
#Interview #Firsthand
Hong Kong Female Frontliner's Look Appears in Top Model UK 2020: "Every small efforts will eventually come together and make a big impact"

Source: FirstHand #Aug6

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#Interview #Firsthand
Hong Kong Female Frontliner's Look Appears in Top Model UK 2020: "Every small efforts will eventually come together and make a big impact"

On June 26, 2021, the Top Model UK 2020 was staged in the Royal Horseguard Hotel in London.

A Hong Kong model, Catherine (thereafter C), took to the stage as the Lady Liberty of Hong Kong. After the contest, Catherine spoke to us in an interview.

1)What makes you show up on the stage as a female warrior, the Lady Liberty of Hong Kong?

C: When pondering for an appropriate outfit for the self-style session of the contest, I reckon any fashion piece that connects with the pro-democracy protest in 2019 would well represent Hong Kong.

I remember this common protester symbol which was well-recognized in Hong Kong and easy to execute. Under time pressure, we made this protest-inspired outfit without even seeking consent from the designer of the art piece.

We want to bring Hongkongers’ efforts in the pro-democracy movement to global attention and showcase Hong Kong local culture on international platforms. I wish to let Hong Kong people know that we can always find ways to continue our fight under escalating oppression.

2)How do other countries respond to this female warrior outfit, and what does this outfit actually embody?

C: Some contestants were able to tell the difference between Hong Kong and China. They are keen to share their opinions on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong with me. I am grateful for their encouragement.

The master of ceremony said that they like this outfit. Some dressers showed thumbs up while some make-up artists found it a unique and stunning design.

3)What do you think this Lady Liberty design is symbolizing?

C: I found much resonance in this protest design, probably because I am a woman. Females are no longer the weaker sex nowadays. We can walk on to the front-line to battle and fight for our beliefs. A fully-geared female shows the determination to fight on, even when she realizes that the journey will be covered in sweat, blood and tears.

I think I am not slim enough to fit into the outfit and bring the best out of it. I am not the female protester on the poster in Hong Kong, but an ordinary Hongkonger. I have yet given up, and I wish other Hongkongers to continue their fight as well.

I can take this protest-inspired outfit to the stage which everyone else can also continue the protest in their own ways. The costume is heavy in its memory of the pro-democracy movement in 2019, symbolizing every unyielding Hongkonger and the memories back then.

4)What do you want to do the most when going back to Hong Kong?

C: Hum... I want to eat local dishes like barbecue pork and chicken rice with lemon tea. I want to see pop singer Hins Cheung’s concert (Cheung is always #1 for me) and see live shows of some popular local bands and movie stars. I want to show my support to Hong Kong movies too.

Hong Kong is always the best, no matter where I am. I will utter my best effort to defend and guard Hong Kong culture because “I fxxking love Hong Kong” (Catherine cited a well-known protest slogan).

5)What do you want to say to those still in Hong Kong?

C: Hang on! Hong Kong needs every one of us to continue the fight in our own ways. Every small efforts will eventually come together and make a big impact. We have to keep on fighting. I believe we can take on any roles comfortable to ourselves and fight.

Wrapping up the interview, Catherine cited lyrics of a popular canton pop, “In fact, learning to live in desperation is an unending life-long training.”

I hate losing. But until now, we have nothing else to lose, Hongkongers.

#ProtestArt #Fashion
#HKCulture #AntiELAB #TopModel #LadyLiberty #FemaleWarrior #Catherine #UK

Source: First Hand #Aug6

**Photos are provided by the interviewee
After the critism from pro-Beijing media, the Hong Kong Education Bureau immediately stops working with the Hong Kong Professional Teachers's Union.

#HKPTU #EducationBureau #XinhuaNewsAgency #PeoplesDaily #GoHKgraphics
Opinion | Why Is China Coming After Americans Like Me in the U.S.? (Published 2020)

On Thursday, July 30, I fell asleep watching reruns of “Law and Order.” The next morning, I woke up a fugitive.

Chinese state television said that the Hong Kong authorities had issued arrest warrants for six activists who promote democracy for that supposedly semi-autonomous region.

I was one of the six. The charges? “Inciting secession” and “colluding with foreign powers” — part of the National Security Law imposed on July 1 by the Chinese Communist Party. Both crimes are punishable by up to life in prison.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve been an American citizen for 25 years — having left Hong Kong in 1990 to live in the United States.

Source: NY Times #Aug10

https://t.co/3VOwIJDPJc

#China #American #US
Canadian voters are likely to face foreign cyber interference in the next election, say cyber spies

Canadian voters are likely to face some form of foreign cyber interference ahead and during the next federal election, warns Canada's cyber spy agency, including false information about voter fraud.

However, that meddling is unlikely to match the scale and influence as seen in the U.S., says the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) in a new threat assessment report published Friday.

"We assess that an increasing number of threat actors have the cyber tools, the organizational capacity, and a sufficiently advanced understanding of Canada's political landscape to direct cyber activity against future Canadian federal elections, should they have the strategic intent," reads the report.

Source: CBC #Jul16

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/election-security-threats-cse-1.6104745

#Canadian #Canada #Vote #Spy #CSE
#TokyoOlympics #Sport
Scholar: Hongkongers Boo Chinese National Anthem in form of Resistance

Source: InmediaHK #Aug06

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