Hong Kong law

A former security chief who oversaw the crackdown on Hong Kong's democracy movement was anointed the business hub's new leader on Sunday by a small committee of Beijing loyalists.

John Lee, 64, was the only candidate in the Beijing-backed race to succeed outgoing leader Carrie Lam.

Hong Kong tops list

Hong Kong's national security law has created a "human rights emergency", Amnesty International said on June 30, a year after China imposed it on the city to crush a pro-democracy movement.

China’s Deputy National Security Minister left his country via Hong Kong and sought refuge in the US

Hong Kong media tycoon and outspoken pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was sentenced to more jail time on May 28 over his role in an anti-government protest in 2019, as authorities step up a crackdown on dissent in the city.

A criminal group involved in vote buying has been uncovered, prosecutors said. Among the participants was a candidate for MP and municipal councilor.

The crime ring was funded by a person living in a country outside the European Union.

China has sharply reduced the number of directly elected seats in Hong Kong's legislature in a setback for the democracy movement. The changes were announced on March 30 after a two-day meeting of China's top legislature.

China's top legislature approved amendments to Hong Kong's constitution on March 30 that will give Beijing more control over the makeup of the city's legislature.

China's parliament voted on March 11 for sweeping changes to Hong Kong's electoral system-- including powers to veto candidates - as Beijing moves to ensure that only "patriots" run the city following huge pro-democracy rallies.

China on Tuesday lashed out at the U.S. over new sanctions against Chinese officials and the sale of more military equipment to Taiwan.

The U.S. actions are part of what critics see as an effort by the Trump administration to put in place high-pressure tactics toward Beijing that could make it more difficult for President-elect Joe Biden to steady relations.

A measure calling for "powerful" steps to curb Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement was submitted to China's rubber-stamp parliament on May 22, a move expected to fan fresh protests in the semi-autonomous financial hub.