insert_link World Hong Kong high-rise fire kills 55 and nearly 300 are missing A massive fire engulfed a high-rise apartment building in Hong Kong on Wednesday, killing at least 55 people and leaving nearly 300 residents missing, officials confirmed. Firefighters have struggled to reach the upper floors, with smoke and debris making rescue operations increasingly difficult. Local media, including the South China Morning Post and RTHK, reported that residents were trapped as flames spread rapidly through the tower. Authorities have pointed to unsafe […] today27 November, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics China factory activity picks up, showing economy’s resilience in face of tariffs China's manufacturing activity picked up last month, indicating economic resilience in the face of US President Donald Trump slapping more tariffs on China's exports. The latest data comes as policymakers are expected to announce that they'll push China's official budget deficit target to the highest in over three decades. Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong. today3 March, 2025
insert_link World China says will protect its own interests in face of U.S. ‘bullying’ China says will protect its own interests in face of U.S. 'bullying', signalling a change in tone following the Trump administration's imposition of a new 10% tariff on Chinese goods. China's commerce ministry says the new tariffs will exacerbate global trade tensions. Laura Westbrook has more from Hong Kong. today7 February, 2025
insert_link South Africa Hong Kong ex-democratic lawmaker among seven convicted for mob attack In Hong Kong, a judge convicted a prominent former pro-democracy lawmaker for rioting during an attack by a white-shirted mob in July 2019 during the height of that year's pro-democracy protests. Six other men were also convicted. They face up to seven years in prison. Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong. today13 December, 2024
insert_link World Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai stands trial Media tycoon Jimmy Lai is pleading not guilty to breaching the Beijing imposed national security law in a Hong Kong court. The 76-year-old founder of the now-closed tabloid Apple Daily is accused of colluding with foreign forces, a charge that could carry a sentence of up to life in prison. Laura Westbrook reports. today20 November, 2024
insert_link World Hong Kong court sentences 45 activists A Hong Kong court sentenced 45 former politicians and activists in a mass trial that has decimated the city’s once vibrant pro-democracy opposition. Three judges sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to jail terms of up to 10 years in the largest national security trial. Laura Westbrook is there. today19 November, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics US finalizes rules to curb AI investments in China The Biden administration has finalised restrictions on investments by US individuals and companies into artificial intelligence and other technology sectors in China that could threaten US national security. The rules ban some investments into those industries and require the US government to be notified about others. Laura Westbrook has more from Hong Kong. ENG US finalizes rules to curb AI investments in China Laura Westbrook has more from Hong Kong. […] today29 October, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Tik Tok Singapore office hit by mass food poisoning Dozens of staff at the Singapore office of TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, have been hospitalised in an apparent food poisoning outbreak. At least 60 people were affected, with 57 treated in hospital. Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong. A total of 60 staff were left suffering symptoms of gastroenteritis, with 57 of them needing hospital treatment. The Singapore Civil Defence Force sent 15 ambulances to the scene, according […] today31 July, 2024
insert_link World Hong Kong marks 27 years since handover back to Chinese rule Hong Kong marks 27 years since the former British colony was returned to Chinese rule. The city's leader John Lee said the enactment of the domestic security law was a major achievement and the city was going from strength to strength despite the US and Western countries "bullying" the city's development. Laura Westbrook has more. today1 July, 2024
