Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang attend the National People's Congress in Beijing on March 11. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki) 
China People's Congress

China National People's Congress leaves markets divided

Mainland traders laud support measures, while foreign investors remain cautious

13 March 2024
Surveillance cameras in Hong Kong in late January. The city's government is pushing new, comprehensive national security legislation. 
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong reveals Article 23 security law draft with severe penalties

Maximum life sentence for treason, insurrection and incitement to mutiny

8 March 2024
Chief Executive John Lee cut short his stay in Beijing and returned to Hong Kong, possibly to expedite the passage of the legislation.
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong fast tracks new security law on apparent Beijing prodding

Chief Executive Lee returns early from China's congress and urges quick passage

8 March 2024
Hong Kong's government is rushing to adopt more comprehensive national security legislation on top of the law imposed by Beijing. (Photo by Kenji Kawase)
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong's last opposition parties speak out on planned security law

'Be bold' but 'don't be arrested,' Democratic Party chairman advises

2 March 2024
Foreign governments and missions are voicing concerns over the vague wording of the proposed Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong. (Photo by Kenji Kawase)
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong's new security law prompts foreign envoys to lodge concerns

European countries wary of 'vague' rules on state secrets, foreign interference

29 February 2024
While Australia has become home for tens of thousands of former Hong Kong residents in the wake of the city's draconian new security law, campaigners say Canberra should be doing more to recruit Hong Kong talent and accelerate asylum approvals.
Asia Insight

In China's shadow, Hong Kong escapees urge Australia to raise visa game

Amid Canberra-Beijing thaw, asylum seekers left in limbo as program for workers, graduates grows

27 February 2024
People walk through a crowded market in Mumbai. India will announce gross domestic product in the October-December quarter on March 1.
Your Week in Asia

Cobra Gold military exercise, South Korean birth rate, India GDP

Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events

25 February 2024
Hong Kong's population increased by 0.4% year-on-year at the end of 2023, thanks to a special immigration arrangement that allows mainland Chinese to reunite with family in the city. (Photo by Kenji Kawase)  
Economy

Hong Kong population boosted by mainland Chinese inflow in 2023

One-way permits offset natural decrease, emigrants, other downward pressure

20 February 2024
Hong Kong's High Court building in January. The court has the highest ratio of vacancies in the judicial system.
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong neglects judicial nominations despite case backlog

Three unappointed picks highlight legal strain under security law

19 February 2024
Agnes Chow, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, speaks to Nikkei during an online interview on Dec. 11. 
Hong Kong security law

Agnes Chow officially wanted by Hong Kong police

Authorities 'condemn' pro-democracy activist, now living as a 'fugitive' in Canada

7 February 2024
A woman puts a newspaper in a plastic bag at a newsstand in Hong Kong in 2023. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Hong Kong security law

Under China scrutiny Hong Kong media slips into self-censorship

Nikkei analysis shows references to distinct identity vanishing from editorials

4 February 2024
The Hong Kong government has kicked off the process of legislating another more comprehensive national security law based on Article 23 of the city's constitution. (Photo by Kenji Kawase)       
Hong Kong security law

Japanese business sentiment in Hong Kong sinks over 'political stability'

EU chamber pays 'particular attention' to core values under planned Article 23 security law

2 February 2024
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee speaks at a press conference in the city on Jan. 30.
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong unveils new security law in further repeal of liberties

Legislation to target foreign interference and state secrets

30 January 2024
Hong Kong's protests and repression overshadowed Taiwan's last election in 2020, but this time observers say the clampdown on the city is mostly a non-issue for voters. (NIKKEI montage/Source photos by AP and Hiroki Endo)
Taiwan elections

Sway of Hong Kong oppression on Taiwan's elections fades

After playing key role in 2020, former U.K. colony's democracy fight seen in 'past tense'

12 January 2024
Simon Cheng speaks at a rally in London in July 2023. 
11 January 2024
Media tycoon Jimmy Lai looks on as he leaves the Court of Final Appeal by prison van in Hong Kong on Feb. 1, 2021.
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong tycoon Lai pleads not guilty in landmark security trial

China critic faces two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces

2 January 2024
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow speaks to Nikkei Asia during an online interview on Dec. 11, in which she confirmed that she will not be returning home. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi) 
Hong Kong security law

Agnes Chow wanted in Hong Kong after breaking bail terms

Pro-independence activist Tony Chung seeks political asylum in U.K.

29 December 2023
Police officers stand guard outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts during the national security trial of media mogul Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong on Dec. 18.
Hong Kong security law

China's Xi praises Hong Kong chief on security as Jimmy Lai trial starts

President commends 'remolding' of district council election but doesn't mention low turnout

19 December 2023
A landmark national security trial for Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai began on Dec. 18.
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai's national security trial begins

Already jailed for over 1,000 days, 76-year-old faces life in prison if convicted

18 December 2023
The national security department of the Hong Kong police on Dec. 14 announced the addition of five pro-democracy activists to its overseas wanted list. (Photo by Kensaku Ihara)   
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong adds five more democracy activists to overseas wanted list

$128,000 bounty put on each as security police ramp up pressure on critics

15 December 2023
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee visits a polling station to cast his vote in the District Council election on Dec. 10.
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong chief touts 'good' election turnout despite steep drop

John Lee accuses 'foreign agents' of attempting to sabotage process

12 December 2023
Agnes Chow, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, speaks to Nikkei Asia during an online interview on Dec. 11. 
Interview

Agnes Chow says low turnout shows Hong Kongers avoided 'fake election'

In Canada, activist tells Nikkei Asia she endeavors to mentally recover from ordeal at home

11 December 2023
Police stand guard outside a polling station during the District Council election in Hong Kong on Dec. 10. (Photo by Kenji Kawase)
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kongers shun 'patriots only' polls as turnout plummets to 27.5%

Participation down from 71% in 2019 despite relentless efforts to get out the vote

11 December 2023
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow has come under harsh criticism from authorities since she revealed that she left for Canada. (Photo by Kei Higuchi)
Hong Kong security law

Agnes Chow 'will be pursued for life,' Hong Kong chief executive vows

John Lee labels pro-democracy activist who left for Canada a 'liar' and 'hypocrite'

5 December 2023
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow: "Maybe I won't return for the rest of my life." (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Hong Kong security law

Agnes Chow departure 'challenges rule of law,' Hong Kong police say

After moving to Canada, democracy activist says she may never return home

4 December 2023