Critical commentary and analysis on Hong Kong, China and Taiwan affairs from HKFP’s community of columnists and expert voices.
It’s time to get serious about shrinking Hong Kong’s growing garbage mountain
Despite endless trials over the years, the city lags behind its neighbours such as Shenzhen in recycling efforts, writes John Burns.
Hong Kong’s ‘smart city’ ambitions depend on trust as well as technology
“The success of government technology is not dependent solely on bits and cables – infrastructure, internet speed, and ubiquitous connectivity. No vision of smartness or technological advancement is possible without public trust and political legitimacy,” writes Kris Hartley.
Hong Kong can learn a lot from watching how mainland China’s central and local authorities interact
Two recently published books – one on the Covid disaster and the other on lobbying for a high-speed rail service – offer contrasting lessons on relations between local and central authorities in China, writes John Burns.
Hong Kong’s homegrown security law: Once seen as a ‘toothless tiger,’ it’s back with sharper claws
“The uniqueness of Hong Kong has been ignored in drawing up the legislation, risking more damage to the city’s international image and civil liberties – in particular, freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” writes Chris Yeung.
Hong Kong’s homegrown security law: Safeguarding the city’s future
“In essence, Article 23 is not an infringement on our liberties; rather, it serves as a safeguard against potential hazards to our way of life,” writes Adrian Ho.
Fireworks may attract tourists to Hong Kong, but they are known to cause severe distress for wildlife
“Whether or not the [monthly fireworks displays prove] successful in terms of visitor satisfaction, we can be sure of one thing: its negative impact on local wildlife,” write Michael Boyle and Victoria Amaral.
Hong Kong’s chief auditor should stick to accounting and steer clear of security
“The flip side of the director of audit developing a new national security hobby is that it will reduce the resources devoted to his proper function, which is ensuring that government spending is honest and effective,” writes Tim Hamlett.
How Hong Kong’s unique cityscape helps boost its cultural identity and image
As film-makers and video artists have long appreciated, Hong Kong boasts iconic architecture and a stunning natural backdrop, writes Chloe Lai.
Hong Kong gov’t uses 2019 protests to justify new security legislation without fully learning from them
“In the Article 23 consultation document authorities offer their interpretation of 2019 without considering the government’s role in triggering the protests, the underlying causes of discontent in Hong Kong, the role of civil society, and the role of ‘external forces,’ ” writes John Burns.
When secrecy can spell disaster: Hong Kong’s new security law must protect whistleblowers
“The emphasis on secrecy and security in the Article 23 proposals is likely to strengthen the tendency of authorities, who are mostly risk-averse, to over-classify information,” writes John Burns.
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