The UK issues its latest six-monthly report on Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong authorities seek to dismiss it as worthless and irrelevant, yet lavish a sizable press statement on it…
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) strongly condemns and must resolutely refute the untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the HKSAR in the so-called six-monthly report on Hong Kong: January to June 2026 of the United Kingdom (UK) today (October 23).
…A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “…The general election for the eighth term LegCo was successfully held at the end of last year. Voters actively cast their votes, returning a new cohort of LegCo members who are patriotic and love Hong Kong, responsible, capable and committed to serving the community. This has once again exemplified the high-quality and healthy competition under the new electoral system, embodying broad representation and balanced participation. The improved LegCo has proven in practice that this is a democratic electoral system that suits HKSAR’s actual circumstances and needs.”
Many gigantic and medium-sized paragraphs follow. Stats show that the phrase ‘so-called’ appears 13 times.
Free! No extra charge! Another one from ‘a spokesperson for LegCo’…
A Diplomat piece on the reasons behind Beijing’s fears of gay rights activity…
…LGBTQ public life in Hong Kong is being narrowed through administrative and institutional means rather than formal criminal prohibition. Consensual same-sex conduct remains legal, and LGBTQ organizations continue to exist. But these groups find it harder and harder to organize publicly, retain venues, sustain institutions, and remain visible in civic life.
This is striking because Hong Kong once had one of the most visible LGBTQ communities in East Asia…
The same pattern is visible in mainland China…
…Foreign connections have become increasingly important to this repression. Chinese authorities often treat independent organizations with international ties as possible channels of foreign influence. LGBTQ groups are especially exposed because contemporary sexual minority advocacy is highly transnational, involving foreign NGOs, embassies, academic institutions, cultural organizations, and legal networks. This allows questions of private identity and social equality to be reframed as questions of sovereignty and political security.
…China’s control increasingly travels through people, platforms, and language communities. Whether joining a cultural space in Paris, a platform in Taiwan, a Pride parade in Bangkok, or a community organization in North America, Chinese citizens and Chinese-language communities remain exposed to censorship, surveillance, or coercive pressure originating from inside China.
Desmond Shum, who has some expertise in the preservation of family wealth, on Beijing’s recent tax crackdown…
The recent bloodbath in Hong Kong’s stock market has an all-too-familiar suspected culprit: the Chinese government.
Ninety days ago, Beijing announced a 20% tax on certain offshore trust income, potentially reaching back many years. With an October 22 declaration deadline, wealthy families facing unexpected tax bills have been scrambling to raise cash, selling shares, borrowing against holdings and dismantling offshore trusts, according to Reuters. I have little doubt this forced selling has contributed to the market rout.
…Over the past fourteen years, the Party has tightened its control over private enterprises, subordinated commercial interests to political priorities and eroded the predictability essential to preserving wealth across generations.
Xi did not invent this vulnerability. It is deeply embedded in the CCP’s history and political structure. The reform era merely encouraged entrepreneurs to believe that the rules had permanently changed.
The latest offshore trust tax crackdown is another reminder of how misplaced that confidence was.
He also addresses the issue here…
For China’s wealth owners, four measures matter most:
• The Supervision Law (2018; revised 2024) — transformed the risk to personal liberty.
• The Counter-Espionage Law (2023) — vastly expanded the boundaries of “national security.”
• The new offshore trust tax rules (July 2026) — fundamentally changed the calculation of wealth protection.
• The new Exit-Entry Regulations (August 2026) — strengthened the state’s control over mobility and the ability to leave.
“The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) strongly condemns and must resolutely refute the untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the HKSAR in the so-called six-monthly report on Hong Kong”
I’m slow clapping this beauty.
OT: from The Standard
Halloween markets in Tsim Sha Tsui draw lively crowds and boost local spirits
Raising the dead?
“… must resolutely refute the untruthful remarks.”
Hey, HK Gov, next time simply post the original fax from the Liaison Office. It will save you time, staples and carbon paper.
…and yet the Chinese embassy in London proceeds a pace.
Present-day UK is a pathetic excuse for a country.
Not only do the Chinese laugh in their faces, so does everyone else.
Perfidious Albion indeed.
“Halloween markets in Tsim Sha Tsui draw lively crowds and boost local spirits….”
But has done SFA to move the spirits on the shelves of local pubs.
But hey, its keeping all those dual/triple plate EVs busy shuttling back and forth. Judging by the tail backs for Huanggang Border Crossing, the 200 per day Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme mainland plate cars are on 24/7.
Looks like local tax payers are footing the bill that provides free entertainment for the good folk of Shenzhen coming south with ‘packed lunches.’