Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Friday that Moscow is prepared to engage in “substantive discussions” regarding a recent 28-point peace proposal presented by the United States aimed at resolving the protracted conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin acknowledged receiving the detailed framework through routine diplomatic channels with the U.S. administration, signaling a potential, albeit cautious, revival…
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed two new imported cases of Chikungunya fever on November 21, 2025, involving two women who recently traveled to mainland China, highlighting the continuing risk of vector-borne disease transmission from regional hotspots. Both patients, residents of the Kwai Tsing District, were admitted to local hospitals in stable condition,…
The United Kingdom Home Office recently released a consultation document outlining significantly tighter criteria for British National (Overseas) visa holders seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR), while confirming the existing five-year residency timeline will be preserved. While BN(O) applicants will retain the “5+1” route—allowing them to apply for settlement after five years—the new proposals mandate…
Hong Kong Police delivered a major blow to a narcotics smuggling syndicate this week, seizing approximately 228 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of HK$150 million (roughly US$19 million) following a targeted operation in Pok Fu Lam that resulted in the arrest of three men. On Wednesday evening, the Hong Kong Police…
Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed Beijing’s commitment to expediting zero-tariff implementation on South African exports and aligning bilateral development goals during recent high-level discussions in Johannesburg, ahead of the G20 Summit. Meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, November 21, 2025, Premier Li underscored China’s intent to deepen political confidence, offer mutual support…
Hong Kong health officials are urgently investigating a significant food poisoning cluster affecting 13 individuals who consumed takeaway meals from a Tsuen Wan vendor, prompting a city-wide advisory on robust food and environmental hygiene practices. The outbreak, announced by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on November 21st, centers on meals prepared by Houwan Ming…
A diplomatic incident sparked by remarks following a recent Asian Cup qualifier has concluded with Singapore’s Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth publicly retracting his statements and sending an apology directly to Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law. The swift escalation and resolution underscore the importance both territories place on…
A harrowing incident aboard Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has ignited a fierce public discussion about the city’s relentless work culture, after a commuter reportedly collapsed on the Tuen Ma Line only to insist on continuing her journey to the office rather than seeking medical help. The event, which occurred during the peak morning…
A corporate executive visiting Hong Kong turned real-life hero late Wednesday night, instinctively leaping into the dark waters off the Hung Hom promenade to rescue a woman calling for help. Ed van de Weerd, the CEO of AS Watson Health & Beauty Benelux, was near the waterfront around 11 p.m. on November 19, when he…
Japanese leadership is attempting to balance a renewed commitment to constructive bilateral relations with Beijing against unwavering national security priorities, a tension made evident following recent diplomatic friction over Taiwan. On Friday in Tokyo, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that Tokyo and Beijing had previously agreed to foster a stable, strategically beneficial relationship. However, speaking…
Hong Kong’s Immigration Department concluded a three-day, citywide sweep against illegal employment this November, detaining 34 individuals found to be overstaying or working in contravention of their visa conditions. The operation, running from November 18 to 20, exposed a concerning trend: foreign domestic helpers whose contracts were prematurely terminated are remaining in the city to…
A secondary school assistant vice-principal in Hong Kong is facing a theft charge stemming from an incident at a major Causeway Bay supermarket, where she allegedly took over HK$3,500 worth of groceries and health supplements. The case, involving 47-year-old Ng Ka-yan, was mentioned earlier today at Eastern Magistrates’ Courts, with the defense signaling plans to…
A serving Hong Kong police officer, 46-year-old Chow Wai-kit, appeared in Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts today to face a charge of careless driving following a fatal traffic accident in Mong Kok earlier this year. The alleged incident, which occurred on May 29, 2025, resulted in the death of a 60-year-old male pedestrian. Following the brief…
A surge in geopolitical friction between Beijing and Tokyo has prompted China to issue a strong travel advisory urging its citizens to postpone non-essential trips to Japan, immediately triggering a significant wave of cancellations that could cost the Japanese economy over a billion dollars in lost tourism revenue by year’s end. This highly unusual warning,…
A Hong Kong construction worker, Chao Chung-yuen, 63, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on November 21, 2025, after a High Court jury unanimously convicted him of manslaughter for the 2022 fatal stabbing of his friend, Hui Man-tat, during a dispute over unpaid debt at the defendant’s residential flat in Choi Hung Estate. While…
Hong Kong is significantly bolstering its commitment to sustainable urban mobility, announcing the public tender sale of a prime site in the New Territories specifically designated for a high-capacity electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging station. The government, through the Environment and Ecology Bureau, confirmed the sale of Tsing Yi Town Lot No. 203, reinforcing its aggressive…
A former Philippine mayor, already scrutinized over alleged ties to China, has been sentenced to life imprisonment following her conviction on human trafficking charges linked to a vast “pig-butchering” scam operation just north of Manila. Alice Guo, 35, the former mayor of Bamban, was sentenced Thursday alongside three co-defendants and ordered to pay a P2…
The Biden administration recently acted to suspend a 40% tariff on a variety of Brazilian agricultural products, including staples like coffee, beef, and fruit, signaling a renewed diplomatic engagement with Brasilia while aggressively addressing persistently high domestic food costs. The official decree, made public on Thursday, dramatically expanded the list of Brazilian imports exempt from…
The heated rhetoric surrounding political discourse in the United States reached a flashpoint this week after former President Donald Trump publicly suggested that six Democratic members of Congress who reminded U.S. service members of their right to refuse unlawful orders were engaging in “seditious behavior, punishable by death.” The inflammatory comments, posted to his Truth…
An apparent electrical fault sparked an early morning blaze in a Tai Kok Tsui industrial building today, requiring rapid deployment of fire services and resulting in injuries to the unit’s proprietor who attempted to extinguish the flames manually. The fire erupted around 7:52 a.m. at the Wah Yuen Factory Building, situated at 15-21 Elm Street,…