#NationalSecurityLaw
1351 | Beijing

Xinhua News Agency: The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress to consider the implementation of the National Security Law

#Jun18 #NPC #StandingCommittee

#DailyUpdate #Jun18 #COVID19

COVID-19 Updates (Jun 18)

At the time of writing, 8,476,295 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 452,084 deaths. 4,444,375 have recovered.

The 4 most affected countries are USA, Brazil, Russia and India.

Hong Kong has reported 4 imported cases.

Hong Kong is strengthening inspections for entrants from Beijing.

The Hong Kong Disneyland Park reopens today.

China has reported 24 local cases, 21 from Beijing, and 2 from Hebei and 1 from Tianjin.

China's CDC claims Beijing's Covid-19 outbreak is under control.

WHO suggests dexamethasone should be only used on patients with serious symptoms.

From Friday onwards Japan allows people to travel across different regions.

US - Eight Kansas State student-athletes test positive for Covid-19.

Coronavirus in Africa could set back some HIV preventions by a decade.

Eight countries account for 84% of the coronavirus cases across the African region.

Source: CNN, Worldometer, Now News

#NOWTV
NOW TV chief Cheung Chi-kong will retire in August, former TVB Chinese team head Bill Chan takes his position

NOW TV has been one of the most credible news channels in Hong Kong. Its chief Cheung Chi-kong will retire in August 2020, and retired journalist Bill Chan will take his position. Cheung admitted in his interview with Stand News that he decided to retire before the anti-ELAB movement. He suggested that it is useless to worry if his departure will affect NOW’s credibility.

A NOW TV employee expressed his worry about Cheung’s departure. It still remains a question as to whether Chan’s new position will affect the TV station in any manner.

Another senior journalist from NOW TV suggested that Chan’s arrival was unexpected, because the position should have been given to Annie Cheng, Cheung’s subordinate who has been working with NOW for 15 years. He admitted that he was not confident about the personnel change because it may affect the freedom of press and the journalistic integrity of the NOW TV news team.

Source: Stand News
#Jun18 #TVB #PressFreedom #ChinaInfiltration

#Taiwan
Taiwan to provide aid to oppressed Hong Kong people who wish to live in Taiwan

Mainland Affairs Council announced today (Jun 18) the details of the plan to help Hong Kong people to stay and live in Taiwan. It is stated that the public and private sector will cooperate to help Hong Kong people settle down in Taiwan.

From 1 July 2020, a liaison office will be set up to handle enquiries from Hong Kong people wishing to stay in Taiwan. Those with threats to their lives will be given priority.

"From the anti-ELAB movement in 2019, to the forceful implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong recently, the Taiwanese were able to see the dedication of the Hong Kong people in this fighting for freedom. Beside condemning China for exploiting Hong Kong’s freedom and human rights, we will continue to show our support to Hong Kong at a institutional level."

Source: MAC website #Jun18

Further reading:
Pompeo says U.S. considers welcoming Hong Kong people, entrepreneurs
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-usa-pompeo/pompeo-says-u-s-considering-welcoming-hong-kong-people-entrepreneurs-idUSKBN23837A