10 h. ago Hong Kong government hits out at US politicians’ ‘absurd’ resolution on Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong authorities have hit back at US politicians’ “absurd and fact-twisting” allegations over the health of former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and their call for his unconditional release from prison. A spokesman for the Hong Kong government described the resolution introduced in the United States House of Representatives as an attempt to pressure the city’s courts over Lai’s ongoing trial, accusing the body of “blatant hypocrisy and double standards” given the country’s own suspected...

Politics

10 h. ago Hong Kong government hits out at US politicians’ ‘absurd’ Jimmy Lai resolution

Hong Kong authorities have hit back at US politicians’ “absurd and fact-twisting” allegations over the health of former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and their call for his unconditional release from prison. A spokesman for the Hong Kong government described the resolution introduced in the United States House of Representatives as an attempt to pressure the city’s courts over Lai’s ongoing trial, accusing the body of “blatant hypocrisy and double standards” given the country’s own suspected...

Politics

8 d. ago Taiwan’s William Lai accused of stoking fear with 2027 countdown confusion

Opposition critics have accused Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te of stoking fear on the island with his suggestion that Beijing could be preparing to take Taiwan by force by 2027. They also said that Lai’s attempt to justify a massive increase in defence spending was nudging Taiwan towards a wartime footing without consensus or clarity. The controversy erupted after Lai told a press conference on Wednesday that Beijing was pursuing a goal to “complete unification with Taiwan by force by...

Politics

9 d. ago Taiwanese leader Lai pledges US$40 billion rise in defence spending

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has set out plans for an unprecedented rise in defence spending worth US$40 billion over the next eight years, describing it as a historic investment to safeguard the island’s democracy and deter an increasingly assertive Beijing. In an article for The Washington Post published on Wednesday, Lai said his government had committed to “significantly increase” military expenditure to 3.3 per cent of gross domestic product next year, then raise it further to 5...

Economics

2 w. ago Netgear Accused by Rival of ‘China’ Smear to Stoke Security Fear

Netgear Accused by Rival of ‘China’ Smear to Stoke Security Fear  Bloomberg.com

Events

3 w. ago ‘Milestone’ or stunt? Taiwanese debate No 2 leader’s European Parliament speech

A surprise appearance at the European Parliament by Taiwan’s No 2 leader Hsiao Bi-khim has stirred debate at home over whether the move signals a substantial breakthrough in ties with Europe – or if it was just a risky publicity stunt. Supporters hailed the event as a success for Taiwan’s outreach to Europe, while critics called it little more than a rented hall performance. In a late-night statement on Friday, the office of William Lai Ching-te said the Taiwanese leader had personally...

Politics