Category: News

Latest official data confirms that China’s total volume of goods traded grew significantly through the first 11 months of 2025, reaching 41.21 trillion yuan (approximately $5.82 trillion USD). This robust performance, which included a particularly strong November, suggests resilience in global supply chains and continued momentum for the world’s second-largest economy despite ongoing international trade complexities.

The General Administration of Customs reported Monday that the cumulative trade figure for January through November 2025 marked a 3.6% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Crucially, this expansion rate remained consistent with the 3.6% growth recorded over the first 10 months, indicating stable and sustained activity in the nation’s import and export sectors.

Assessing November’s Trade Peak

Highlighting the sustained commerce flow, the data showed noticeable acceleration in the penultimate month of the year. For November 2025 alone, China’s combined imports and exports surged, rising 4.1% year-on-year to hit 3.9 trillion yuan. This monthly performance indicates that businesses prioritized shipping and procurement ahead of the year-end holiday season and potential future geopolitical shifts.

The consistent 3.6% overall growth rate, measured in the local currency, the yuan, provides a positive indicator for China’s ambitious economic targets. While global demand has faced intermittent pressures, China’s manufacturing sector has effectively navigated supply chain bottlenecks and maintained competitive export pricing and efficiency.

Implications for Global Commerce

China’s trade figures are widely regarded as a significant barometer for the health of global commerce, given the country’s central role as both a preeminent manufacturer and a massive consumer market. The steady growth underscores several key economic takeaways:

• Manufacturing Stability: China’s capacity to maintain solid export growth demonstrates the continuing strength and reliability of its production base.
• Domestic Demand: Sustained import levels suggest that internal consumption and investment remain relatively strong, supporting global commodity and goods suppliers.
• Currency Strength: Reporting the data entirely in yuan helps mitigate the effect of foreign exchange fluctuations when assessing the underlying volume and value of physical goods traded.

The nearing $6 trillion threshold for the year suggests that 2025 is poised to conclude with historic figures, establishing a high benchmark for the upcoming year. As policymakers worldwide continue to monitor inflation and growth, China’s demonstrated trade momentum will factor heavily into forecasts for global economic conditions moving into 2026. The focus now shifts toward whether this momentum can be sustained amid evolving trade policies and shifting consumer behaviors worldwide.

Hong Kong successfully wrapped up the 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) early Monday morning, December 8, 2025, after an orderly and incident-free counting process. The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) reported that polling and tabulation progressed smoothly, upholding principles of transparency and fairness across geographical, functional, and Election Committee constituencies, with officials expressing satisfaction with the overall conduct of the electoral event.

The vote count officially concluded around 6 a.m. on Monday, 8th December, following the closure of polling stations at 11:30 p.m. Sunday. Electoral staff tallied approximately 1,317,680 ballots from geographical constituencies, 76,940 from functional constituencies, and 1,458 cast by the Election Committee constituency.

Turnout and Oversight

Mr. Justice David Lok, Chairman of the EAC, provided key statistics, noting that 1,317,682 voters participated in the geographical constituencies, resulting in a cumulative turnout rate of 31.9 percent. Justice Lok, alongside Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Mr. Erick Tsang Kwok-wai and other EAC members, personally inspected the counting at the Central Counting Station located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Justice Lok confirmed that the EAC was pleased with the election’s execution, attributing its success to extensive preparations and inter-departmental support. The EAC specifically lauded the efforts of the Crisis Management Committee—a broad coalition including the Security Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau—for providing comprehensive logistical and operational backing. Acknowledgement was also given to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for ensuring a clean and secure polling environment.

Election Innovations and Adaptations

This LCGE introduced several pilot initiatives designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for specific groups of voters. These included Designated Polling Stations tailored for essential workers like civil servants and healthcare personnel, as well as ethnic minority residents. Additionally, the EAC rolled out outreach polling services targeting residents in care homes for the elderly and facilities for persons with disabilities.

The administrative resilience of the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) was tested when immediate adjustments were required following a fire in the Tai Po district. With rapid assistance utilized through the government’s mobilization mechanism, including personnel from the Immigration and Customs Departments, the REO swiftly reallocated three affected polling stations. Free feeder transportation was organized to ensure affected electors could reach the adjusted locations conveniently.

Mr. Justice Lok extended special gratitude to the REO staff, the thousands of polling and counting officers, and the heads of various government departments who seconded personnel, facilitated training, and conducted drills that were critical to the orderly running of the 16-hour voting day featuring over 600 polling booths.

Next Steps and Accountability

In line with statutory requirements, the EAC is now preparing a comprehensive report on the review of the LCGE’s electoral arrangements. This report will be submitted to the Chief Executive within the next three months, detailing operational findings and potential improvements.

The EAC concluded by thanking all stakeholders—electors, the media, candidates, and their agents—for their cooperation, which ensured the democratic exercise was conducted openly, honestly, fairly, and in an efficient manner, culminating in the successful selection of the new Legislative Council.

Australian federal authorities arrested and charged a New Zealand national following the discovery of a substantial quantity of heroin concealed within his luggage at Sydney Airport on Sunday, December 7. The operation, a joint effort between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF), resulted in the seizure of approximately 21 kilograms of the illicit substance, valued at over A$10 million (US$6.6 million) on the black market.

The interception occurred after the 21-year-old traveler, who arrived in Sydney on an international flight originating from Thailand, was flagged for a routine baggage inspection upon landing. During the detailed examination, ABF officers located 21 vacuum-sealed packages containing a white powder hidden inside the man’s luggage. Preliminary field tests conducted by the border agents confirmed the contents to be heroin.

Major Drug Haul Intercepted

The estimated weight of the consignment, precisely 21 kilograms, represents a significant seizure for Australian law enforcement. According to figures released by the AFP and ABF on Monday, December 8, this quantity of heroin could supply approximately 100,000 street-level deals, underscoring the serious nature of the importation attempt.

Following the seizure, the AFP took custody of the drugs and formally charged the New Zealand citizen with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. This charge carries severe penalties under Australian law.

“Stopping illicit narcotics at the border remains a critical priority for our enforcement agencies,” stated an official spokesperson for the ABF, emphasizing the robust capabilities used to detect sophisticated smuggling methods.

Maximum Penalties for Drug Trafficking

The man is now facing prosecution in Australian court. Due to the quantity involved, which exceeds the threshold defined as commercial, he faces the potential for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. This case highlights the strict approach Australian authorities take against individuals involved in the trafficking of dangerous drugs.

Drug trafficking operations often leverage major international hubs like Sydney Airport, attempting to capitalize on high passenger volumes. However, enhanced screening technologies and intelligence sharing between international partners, including those in Southeast Asia, are continuously employed to combat these transnational criminal efforts.

This high-profile arrest serves as a potent deterrent, reminding travelers and criminal organizations alike of the risks associated with attempting to smuggle prohibited substances into Australia. Authorities continue to stress the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in maintaining border security and disrupting global drug supply chains.

Following the completion of Sunday’s orderly polling on December 7, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region officially constituted its eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) on Monday, December 8, 2025. This new 90-seat chamber, fully staffed, will begin its four-year legislative term on January 1, 2026, marking the formal implementation of the region’s revised electoral framework.

The composition of the newly formed LegCo reflects the updated structure adopted in 2021, dividing the 90 seats across three distinct pathways: geographical constituencies, functional constituencies, and the newly influential Election Committee constituency.

Mandate Distribution Across Three Channels

The largest bloc of representation, 40 seats, was determined by the Election Committee constituency. This group, selected by the influential Election Committee responsible for selecting the Chief Executive, includes members such as Yiu Pak-leung, Ginny Man Wing-yee, and Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, signaling a consolidation of political influence within and by the Election Committee.

The second-largest group, comprising 30 seats, was filled through the diverse functional constituencies, which represent specific sectors and professions within Hong Kong society. Prominent results include Kenneth Lau Ip-keung for Heung Yee Kuk, Nicholas (Nick) Chan Hiu-fung for the Legal sector, and Duncan Chiu for Technology and Innovation. This category also notably features multiple representatives for Labour, with Chau Siu-chung, Lee Kwong-yu, and Lam Wai-kong returning. Other key sectors represented include Tourism (Vivian Kong Man-wai), Financial Services (Robert Lee Wai-wang), and Education (Tang Fei).

Finally, 20 members were elected through the 10 revamped geographical constituencies. Each of the 10 geographical areas returned two members, moving away from the previous multi-member district system. For instance, Hong Kong Island East elected Ng Chau-pei and Chik Kit-ling (Elaine), while Kowloon Central returned Yang Wing-kit and Starry Lee Wai-king. The New Territories saw divisions such as New Territories North featuring Tam Chun-kwok and Yiu Ming, and New Territories North West electing Holden Chow Ho-ding and Chong Ho-fung.

The Road Ahead for LegCo

The comprehensive makeup of the eighth LegCo, finalized just twelve months before its official start date, sets the stage for the region’s legislative agenda over the next four years. With a significant number of members returning, alongside new additions across all three streams, the Council’s work will focus on advancing specific policy objectives laid out by the government and aligning local ordinances with national priorities.

The election process, completed efficiently, ensures that the legislative branch is prepared to convene at the start of the new year. Political analysts anticipate that the structure of the new Body will facilitate greater executive-legislative cooperation, with the broad representation from the Election Committee constituency playing a pivotal role in shaping policy outcomes.

For Hong Kong residents and international observers, the constitution of the new LegCo provides clarity on the personnel who will oversee the territory’s legislative operations through 2030, marking a critical phase in the implementation of the region’s updated governance framework.

Veteran cueist Mark Selby secured his third career UK Championship title on Sunday, defeating defending champion Judd Trump 10-8 in a gripping final that showcased both dominance and resilience, cementing Selby’s return to the snooker elite following a two-year Triple Crown drought. Held in Washington, the victory not only marked Selby’s tenth Triple Crown event win overall but also signaled the 42-year-old’s enduring competitive strength against the current world No. 1.

The crucial 18-frame contest began with overwhelming momentum favoring Selby, who established a near-unassailable early lead. During the initial afternoon session, Selby displayed precision, crafting nearly flawless snooker that allowed him to win the first five frames consecutively, leaving Trump visibly struggling to find rhythm. Although the reigning champion managed to win two frames, halting the sweep, Selby concluded the first session with a commanding 6-2 advantage.

Trump’s Resurgence Tests Selby’s Nerves

The narrative shifted significantly as play resumed. Facing a steep deficit, Trump mounted a formidable comeback, tightening his game and capitalizing on opportunities. He claimed three of the next four frames, utilizing consistent potting to narrow the gap dramatically. Selby temporarily regained control by executing a composed break of 91, extending his lead to 8-5. However, a series of uncharacteristic missed pots from Selby proved costly, inviting Trump back into the match. Trump, known for his explosive scoring, responded immediately with high breaks of 125 and 55, bringing the scoreline to a tense 8-7.

The final stretch featured a hard-fought exchange of frames, raising the stakes and the intensity for both players and spectators. With the match poised at 9-8, just one frame separated the competitors. Selby, benefiting from his decades of experience in high-pressure situations, demonstrated exceptional composure. He shut down Trump’s final push by crafting a coolly constructed break of 69 points, ultimately closing out the match 10-8 and regaining the prestigious championship trophy.

Implications of the Triple Crown Victory

This title holds significant implications for Selby, who had not claimed a Triple Crown event—comprising the World Championship, the UK Championship, and The Masters—since 2021. The win solidifies his standing among the sport’s modern greats and provides a massive confidence boost heading into the new competitive season. For Trump, the loss marks the end of his title defense but reinforces his status as a dominant force, capable of powerful, match-altering comebacks, even after facing significant early deficits. Snooker analysts view this final as a critical demonstration of the generational rivalry between the tactical brilliance of Selby and the aggressive scoring of Trump, ensuring continued excitement for future major tournaments.

Hong Kong’s main stock market indices began the trading day quietly on December 8, 2025, reflecting cautious investor sentiment and resulting in slight losses for the benchmark Hang Seng Index (HSI). The tentative start saw mixed performance across key sectors, including financials and technology, as investors processed recent market developments.

At the open, the HSI recorded a marginal decline of 17 points, or 0.06%, settling at 26,067. The China Enterprises Index, tracking mainland Chinese firms listed in Hong Kong, displayed minimal movement, inching up less than one point to 9,198. Meanwhile, the Hang Seng Tech Index showed a slightly positive trend, gaining four points, or 0.08%, to reach 5,666.

Tech Giants See Divided Performance

The early session highlighted a divided landscape among major technology companies, which hold significant weight on the indices. Several industry leaders experienced declines, offsetting gains from competitors.

Key Technology Movements:

• Tencent and Meituan both registered early losses, easing 0.4% and falling 0.6%, respectively.
• Kuaishou also trended downward, decreasing by 0.6%.
• Conversely, Xiaomi saw a gain of 0.3%, and JD.com advanced by 0.2%.
• Alibaba shares opened flat, showing no immediate change.

This uneven performance suggests that investment focus may be shifting within the tech sector, potentially driven by varied company-specific news or anticipation of regulatory updates affecting different platforms.

Financial Sector: Uneven Start for Blue Chips

The financial sector, another heavy contributor to the HSI, also displayed variability in the initial hours of trading.

Blue-chip banking giant HSBC Holdings experienced a notable dip, retreating 0.9% from its previous close. In contrast, several key insurers and market operators managed to secure modest gains:

• AIA reversed the broader negative trend, rising 0.4%.
• Ping An Insurance edged up 0.2%.
• Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), the operator of the stock exchange, also added 0.2%.

The simultaneous decline in a major bank like HSBC alongside gains in insurance and exchange operators points to complex market dynamics. Investors may be rotating capital within the traditional finance segment, possibly favoring companies focused on long-term growth and capital market activities over traditional lending institutions.

Market Context and Outlook

The subdued opening in Hong Kong mirrors a general sense of caution pervading regional markets, often influenced by ongoing global economic forecasts and regulatory environments in Mainland China. The slight loss in the benchmark index, despite the tech index gaining slightly, indicates that underlying factors, particularly in the heavyweight financial and established technology sectors, kept general market sentiment muted.

As the trading day progresses, market watchers will be scrutinizing the next moves from these blue-chip companies, looking for clearer directional cues that could shape the mid-week performance of the Hang Seng and China Enterprises indices. The slight early declines suggest that investors are maintaining a watchful posture, waiting for more definitive economic indicators or policy announcements.

The focal point for mourning following the devastating five-alarm Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po has concluded its public activities, as authorities and volunteers cleared a significant volume of tributes on Monday morning. For nearly two weeks, the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area served as an emotional gathering place where residents honored the victims of the recent blaze by leaving flowers, messages, and tangible keepsakes.

Community Memorial Period Ends Peacefully

The clearance operation commenced late Sunday evening, December 7, after organizers formally announced the closure of the informal memorial site. Dedicated to those lost in the fatal apartment building fire, the area had seen an outpouring of community grief, characterized by continuous visits from residents laying floral tributes, constructing paper cranes, and sharing handwritten condolences. Organizers managing the “flower bed” and “message pavilion” confirmed the closure would take effect just before midnight.

Official reports indicate that the decision to remove the tributes was made following coordination between site organizers and authorities. By 10:30 p.m. Sunday, the area ceased accepting new offerings, and those present agreed to depart voluntarily, ensuring a smooth transition for the subsequent clearance team.

The overnight action saw the meticulous removal of every item by cleaning staff, volunteers, and members of the Civil Aid Service. Floral tributes were systematically collected and loaded into municipal refuse containers, while volunteers carefully used scissors to detach message cards from display boards—a testament to the emotional value placed on each contribution.

Respectful Disposal and Distribution Efforts

Central to the clearance operation was a plan for the respectful disposition of the collected items. It is understood that most paper offerings and floral tributes will be cremated, a common practice ensuring respectful closure. Meanwhile, items with potential utility, specifically soft toys, pet toys, and non-perishable food items, are slated for donation. These goods will be passed on to local social welfare organizations for distribution to vulnerable populations, transforming expressions of sorrow into direct community aid.

Due to the sheer volume of donations accumulated over the 10-day period, the clearance effort was anticipated to last throughout the night. By Monday morning, December 8, the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area had been completely restored, with no further memorial items visible and no residents observed returning to the location to pay respects.

The peaceful conclusion to the mourning period marks a necessary step for the community to transition toward recovery following the devastating incident. While the public outpouring of grief has subsided geographically, the effort to honor the victims through respectful clearance and charitable donation ensures that the community’s heartfelt response will continue to have a lasting, positive impact on those in need across Tai Po. Moving forward, authorities and social services will likely focus on providing long-term support for the displaced residents and families directly affected by the Wang Fuk Court tragedy.

BANGKOK — The fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia faced severe testing this week following a cross-border confrontation on Sunday, culminating in confirmed Thai Royal Army airstrikes along the contentious border. These military actions, announced Monday by Thai officials, followed a skirmish that injured two Thai soldiers, intensifying mutual accusations concerning violations of the long-standing ceasefire agreement. The incident underscores a significant escalation in tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations, centered on disputed boundary lines.

The confrontation erupted Sunday afternoon, with both sides offering starkly contrasting narratives regarding the initiation of hostilities. Thai Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree confirmed that the military had conducted air strikes but firmly rejected claims from Phnom Penh that Cambodian forces had refrained from shooting. According to the Thai account, the incident began when Cambodian personnel encroached upon the Phu Pha Lek–Phlan Hin Paet Kon area in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, while Thai engineers were undertaking routine road improvement operations on the Thai side of the frontier.

Major General Winthai stated that Cambodian troops initiated fire upon the security detail protecting the engineering crew, prompting Thai forces to engage under standard rules of engagement protocols. During the exchange, two Thai servicemen were wounded: Sergeant Anuchat Rueankham sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, and Private Pornchai Champachum suffered an impact to the chest, which his body armor successfully absorbed. The spokesperson dismissed Cambodia’s denial of engagement as baseless, asserting it fit a pattern of deflecting responsibility in prior border incidents.

Conversely, Cambodia maintains that Thailand provoked the clash. Lieutenant General Mali Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence, alleged Thai troops started the incident around 2:15 p.m. in the Phlan Thom area of Chom Krosan district, Preah Vihear province. Lieutenant General Socheata specifically claimed that the Thai military utilized a range of heavy weaponry, including rifles, machine guns, B-40 rocket launchers, and 60mm mortars, while insisting that Cambodian forces did not return fire.

Escalation Amid Heightened Rhetoric

The recent violence follows a period of heightened diplomatic and military posturing from Bangkok. Ahead of the skirmish, Thai officials had ramped up rhetoric, including allegations that new landmines were being planted along the border and calls for independent international investigations into recurring border violations.

The use of air power by Thailand signals a serious military response, moving beyond localized ground engagements. The deeply entrenched territorial dispute, often centered around areas near the Preah Vihear Temple, has historically been a flashpoint for military conflict.

Implications for Regional Stability

The increasingly volatile situation along this border casts a shadow over regional stability maintained by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). International observers are likely to focus on the need for immediate de-escalation and verifiable third-party intervention to stabilize the disputed zones.

To prevent further bloodshed and a protracted conflict, both nations must adhere strictly to agreed-upon ceasefire mechanisms and immediately engage in high-level dialogue facilitated by an impartial mediator. The fragility highlighted by this exchange poses a critical challenge to the diplomatic efforts aimed at defining and demarcating the contentious boundary. Continued military action risks plunging the region into a wider crisis.

Following heightened geopolitical friction, Russia has staunchly backed Venezuela’s leadership and cautioned the United States against allowing the current political climate to spiral into outright conflict with Caracas. On Sunday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov voiced Moscow’s escalating concern over the rising tensions gripping the region, citing what he characterized as Washington’s aggressive push for regional dominance. This diplomatic intervention underscores the deepening strategic alignment between Moscow and Caracas amid ongoing international pressure.

Speaking to the state news agency TASS, Ryabkov articulated Russia’s view that the instability is primarily rooted in actions intended to enforce unchallenged U.S. hegemony in the hemisphere—a characteristic he linked directly to the foreign policy approach of the Trump administration. He reiterated that Moscow is tracking events in Venezuela “with deepening concern,” stressing the need for restraint from external actors.

Solidifying the Strategic Partnership

The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized the recent strategic cooperation and partnership agreement between Russia and Venezuela as evidence of their robust bilateral relationship. This accord, he suggested, cements Moscow’s commitment to standing by President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

“We support Venezuela, and Venezuela supports us,” Ryabkov stated, affirming the reciprocal nature of the partnership. “In these testing circumstances, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Caracas and its leadership.”

This vocal support comes as geopolitical activity in the Caribbean Sea and surrounding areas has intensified. Since early September, the U.S. military has openly acknowledged conducting a sharp increase in operations targeting suspected illicit maritime activity. Publicly available statistics indicate that the Pentagon has executed at least 22 confirmed strikes against narcotics vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These operations have regrettably resulted in significant casualties, with figures reporting over 87 fatalities onboard the targeted vessels.

The Regional Context and Implications

The expanded U.S. military presence and operational tempo in the Caribbean serve as a backdrop to Russia’s renewed diplomatic offensive. Moscow views perceived attempts to isolate or destabilize the Maduro regime as unacceptable interference. From a Russian perspective, ensuring Venezuela’s sovereignty is critical not only for maintaining an alternative global viewpoint but also for preserving investment and influence in Latin America.

Analysts suggest Russia’s declaration serves multiple strategic purposes: it reinforces Moscow’s credibility as a reliable partner to internationally isolated regimes; it contrasts Russian foreign policy with perceived U.S. interventionism; and it seeks to raise the diplomatic cost for Washington to increase military or political pressure on Caracas.

Moving Forward

The escalating rhetoric and simultaneous expansion of military operations in the region suggest that Venezuela remains a critical flashpoint in U.S.-Russian relations. The international community, therefore, requires a concerted effort to manage this confrontation before it evolves beyond diplomatic means. Russia’s call for the U.S. to avoid a “full-scale confrontation” places the responsibility for de-escalation firmly on Washington, even as the complex underlying issues—including drug trafficking and political legitimacy—remain unresolved. Future stabilization efforts will necessitate clear communication channels between all major powers involved to prevent miscalculation and maintain regional peace.

The results of the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) election in China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) were announced early Monday, confirming the 90 representatives poised to serve from January 1, 2026, for a four-year term. The comprehensive polls finalized the composition of the new legislative body, which includes 40 members selected by the Election Committee, 30 from functional constituencies, and 20 elected directly from geographical constituencies. The electoral outcome solidified the position of established political alliances, while introducing notable figures like Olympic medalist Vivian Kong Man-wai.

The electoral process, managed by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Erick Tsang, and Electoral Affairs Commission chairman, Arthur Luk Yee-shun, commenced with the opening of ballot boxes at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Initial results from the Election Committee constituency confirmed strong showings for prominent figures such as Yiu Pak-leung, Chan Hoi-yan, Steven Ho, Peter Douglas Koon, Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, and Priscilla Leung.

Political Landscape Consolidates

The election served as a significant win for the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), which emerged as the leading party by securing 20 seats—an increase of one seat compared to their previous total. Following the DAB, the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) obtained eight seats, with the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) securing seven. While the majority of incumbents were successful in their bids, four of the 54 seeking re-election failed to retain their seats.

The outcome signaled a wider political consolidation among the city’s major pro-establishment parties, although the landscape was punctuated by a few closely contested races and upsets across various sectors.

Key Electoral Victories in Geographic Constituencies

Voting across the geographical constituencies delivered decisive wins for leading candidates, underscoring clear public mandates.

• Kowloon Central: Starry Lee Wai-king led the vote with 53,529, followed by Yang Wing-kit (28,163).
• Hong Kong Island East: Ng Chau-pei secured 39,707 votes, with Elaine Chik Kit-ling taking the second seat (22,054).
• New Territories South East: Christine Fong Kwok-shan topped the poll with a significant 58,828 votes, alongside Chris Ip Ngo-tung (26,250).
• Hong Kong Island West: Chan Hok-fung (30,543) and Judy Chan Kapui (30,033) were victorious.

Other notable constituency results included Tang Ka-piu and Cheung Pui-kong winning in Kowloon East; Dominic Lee Tsz-king and Chan Hak-kan in New Territories North East; and Chan Wing-yan and Kwok Fu-yung in New Territories South West.

Functional Constituencies See High-Profile Debut

The results from the functional constituencies introduced a mix of established sector leaders and new faces. Olympic épée champion and first-time political candidate, Vivian Kong Man-wai, secured a significant breakthrough, comfortably capturing the Tourism seat.

In other key sectoral races:

• Retail and Wholesale: Veteran retailer Peter Shiu Ka-fai successfully defended his seat against Annie Tse Yau On-yee, Chairwoman of the Retail Management Association.
• Catering: Jonathan Leung Chun won with 101 votes, defeating Maurice Kong Chi-hang (22).
• Medical and Health Services: David Lam Tzit-yuen retained his position with a substantial margin (11,739 votes).
• Agriculture and Fisheries: Chan Pok-chi secured a narrow victory with 82 votes against Yeung Sheung-chun’s 79.

The upcoming eighth-term LegCo, set to begin its mandate on January 1, 2026, reflects a clear mandate for the prevailing political alliances, highlighted by powerful individual victories and the successful transition of figures like Vivian Kong from athletics to politics.