Politics

The recent mass protests in Hong Kong have highlighted China's strengthening grip, while also bringing hope to people struggling for freedom elsewhere. (© Nikkei montage/Source photos by Getty Images and Reuters)
Asia Insight

Asia's fragile democracies struggle to tame illiberal forces

Vibrant elections across region mask a lack of checks and balances

25 June 2019
The U.S. hosts tens of thousands of Chinese students, but a recent clampdown on visas, which many observers attribute to the trade war, has some considering other options.
Trade war

Chinese students become pawns in trade war

Tighter US visa restrictions have people looking at Hong Kong and elsewhere

23 June 2019
Protesters gather outside police headquarters in Hong Kong on June 21.
Hong Kong protests

As thousands protest, Hong Kong acknowledges bill will 'lapse'

Demonstrators block off police and government headquarters condemning use of excess force

22 June 2019
Former Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, left, shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila on November 10, 2015.
International relations

Hong Kong denies entry to ex-Philippine minister who sued Xi

Second former senior official to be barred was held for hours at airport

21 June 2019
There is "no doubt” that G-20 leaders “should realize how democracy and rule of law guarantee economic freedom," Joshua Wong Chi-fung told the Nikkei Asian Review in an interview on Thursday. (photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Interview

Joshua Wong urges G-20 to press Xi over Hong Kong protests

Activist sees more than a million attending a rally on handover anniversary

20 June 2019
Serious damage will arise only if the government fails to learn its lesson. 
Opinion

Business will go on in Hong Kong but the city will not be the same

City's youth to feel impact of political discord more than foreign investors

20 June 2019
Flanked by signs calling for the withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill, opposition member Eddie Chu raised questions as Hong Kong's legislature met for the first time since demonstrators besieged its offices a week before. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong establishment tries to move on from protests

Activists vow to keep up campaign for withdrawal of controversial extradition bill

19 June 2019
Protesters march against the extradition bill in Hong Kong on June 16.
The Nikkei View

Path to Hong Kong stability lies in giving voters a greater voice

Lam should declare a formal withdrawal of the unpopular extradition bill

19 June 2019
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks during a press conference in Hong Kong on June 18. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong chief signals revival of extradition bill is unlikely

Carrie Lam apologizes in person, asks for 'another chance'

18 June 2019
Protesters demand that Hong Kong leaders withdraw the extradition bill at a demonstration on June 16.
Hong Kong protests

Xi misjudges depth of Hong Kong's fury

Residents say a resounding no to Beijing's tightening grip on the city

18 June 2019
The turmoil over Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, left, and the extradition law may force the hand of Chinese President Xi Jinping as the issue makes headlines around the world. (Source photos by Kyodo/Getty Images)
Hong Kong protests

Xi's Hong Kong headache darkens chief Lam's future

US ups pressure on China as protests influence Taiwan election

17 June 2019
Thousands of people take part in a candlelight vigil to mark the 30th anniversary of the crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in central Beijing in 1989, at Victoria Park in Hong Kong on June 4. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
Politics

Tiananmen survivors urge UN to investigate China's 1989 crackdown

Ex-student leader calls for Beijing to compensate families of those killed

17 June 2019
Hong Kongers' peaceful demonstrations made a mockery of Beijing's efforts to dismiss them as unmoored anarchists. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
Opinion

China risks killing the Hong Kong golden goose

Even with extradition bill delayed, foreign companies could move to Singapore or, perhaps, Tokyo

17 June 2019
Protesters gather near Hong Kong's Victoria Park on June 16, demanding that the city's leader step down and withdraw a controversial extradition bill. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong leader apologizes as protesters pour into streets

Organizers say 2m demonstrate calling for Lam to step down

17 June 2019
Protesters hold placards as they march in a demonstration in Hong Kong on Sunday demanding that the city's leader step down and completely withdraw a controversial extradition bill.
Hong Kong protests

Five things to know about Hong Kong's suspended extradition bill

Protests and concern from business groups prompted halt in legislation action

16 June 2019
Members of Civil Human Rights Front hold a news conference in response to the announcement by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam regarding the proposed extradition bill, outside the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong, Jun.15.
Hong Kong protests

China backs down on Hong Kong extradition bill ahead of G-20

Xi seeks to control optics before meeting world leaders

16 June 2019
Proposed changes to Hong Kong's extradition law have drawn strong opposition among pan-democratic political parties, business groups, legal experts, religious organizations and ordinary citizens. 
Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong government suspends extradition bill

Chief executive backs down and gives no time frame for passing revised law

15 June 2019
Protesters hold signs following a day of violence over a proposed extradition bill, outside the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong establishment wavers on extradition law

Cabinet member says 'impossible' to proceed, as others urge putting bill on hold

15 June 2019
Protesters gather outside the Legislative Council on June 12: China's leaders should be aware that the outside world is very alarmed. 
Opinion

China is courting trouble in Hong Kong

Beijing risks goading US into revoking city's economic and financial privileges

14 June 2019
Protesters hold placards and shout slogans on a footbridge leading to the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on Thursday.
Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong pushes back extradition debate again after protests

Police chief says force won't seek help from People's Liberation Army

13 June 2019
Many Hong Kongers believe "this law to be very, very, very dangerous," effectively eradicating the final line separating Hong Kong and mainland China under the "one country, two systems" framework, says activist Agnes Chow Ting. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong 'will be over' if extradition law is passed, activist says

Agnes Chow will continue fight for democracy, but worried of consequences

13 June 2019
"The recent image of Tsai's firm stance to protect Taiwan's sovereignty as the president has gained a lot of people's support"
Politics

Taiwan leader Tsai wins party nomination for 2020 election

Incumbency and anti-China stance boost president amid Hong Kong unrest

13 June 2019
A police officer points at the protesters while holding a pepper spray hose during the demonstrations in Hong Kong on June 12. Thousands of protesters occupied the roads near the Legislative Council Complex.
Hong Kong protests

Protests spark questions over Hong Kong’s ‘special status’ in US

Trump says he is sure China and territory can ‘work it out’

13 June 2019
Protesters in Hong Kong react after police fired tear gas on them during a demonstration against a proposed extradition bill on Wednesday. Authorities said some protesters hurled objects -- including bricks, iron bars and road barriers -- at the police, injuring some officers.
Hong Kong protests

72 injured as Hong Kong police clash with protesters

Lawmakers delay extradition debate after tear gas used on crowd

13 June 2019
Protesters rally in Hong Kong during a major demonstration on Sunday against government-sponsored legislation that would allow people to be extradited to mainland China to face criminal charges.
Hong Kong protests

Five things to know about Hong Kong's extradition law

Street protests continue as controversial bill moves closer to a vote

11 June 2019