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War and peace

The surge in China’s military capacity, especially over the last decade, has been the focus of increasing Western commentary, some of it measured, much of it alarmist. Many alarmists believe it is a truth universally acknowledged that any large nation possessed of a significantly upgraded stockpile of advanced martial equipment will want to use it…

December 31, 20250Comments ByRichard Cullen

Culture Features Hong Kong News Opinion

Being open-minded about China cost me friendships

Long-term Hong Kong resident Richard Cullen reflects on politics, friendships and the Tai Po fire. I first arrived to live and work in Hong Kong over 30 years ago. More recently I began to reflect on the way expressing my own political views on Hong Kong and China has reshaped some long-standing friendships. The recent…

December 10, 20250Comments ByRichard Cullen

China news Culture Features

The hidden message in the names of China’s new military weapons

IF AN ENEMY ATTACKS, the Chinese will defend their nation with the East Wind, a hurricane of power that will destroy his ship. Then from the waters will rise a Giant Wave. And from the skies will fall a Sudden Thunderbolt. If any enemies survive to continue their assault, a Cloud Arrow and a fire…

September 5, 20250Comments ByNury Vittachi

Features News Opinion

America unhinged: it has become a danger to the world and itself

MORE THAN 15 MONTHS AGO, I explained how “America, itself, has verified that it is no longer a normal country” (see this link). Since I wrote that article, America’s grave political deformity has been stunningly ratified. NORMAL VS ABNORMAL Some Americans relish the idea of the US not being normal because they view it as…

April 3, 20250Comments ByRichard Cullen

Features Hong Kong News

Caring neighbors add holiday magic to a program that feeds the needy

A penniless man asked a small restaurateur if there were leftovers he could have. Yes, the owner said. Word spread about this generous act, and the needy began lining up for free meals. Then the local Rotary Club saw what was happening, and stepped in to make a spontaneous act of generosity into a model…

March 18, 20250Comments ByGillian Kew

Features Hong Kong News

In Hong Kong and mainland China, we’re hooked on aircons

HONG KONG IS COOL. And not just in the metaphorical sense. Fully 99% of homes in the southern Chinese city are well-chilled thanks to technology. With hot, humid summers, and mild winters, air-conditioners are ubiquitous, and most residents use them for much of the year. Fortunately, energy bills are relatively low, with about 20% of…

January 16, 20250Comments BySimon Renshaw

China news Culture Features

‘Grass must be trimmed to exactly 10cm’

Chinese officials used taxpayers' money to have roadside grass, weeds and flowers trimmed to a height of exactly 10 centimeters. But the ridiculous policy irritated members of that county's public, who tipped off agents specializing in wrongful spending and corruption, it was revealed this week. They halted the operation and punished the county officials. At…

December 27, 20240Comments ByNury Vittachi

China news Features

Truth at last: Yes, Chinese Uyghurs ARE treated badly

MEMBERS OF THE UYGHUR minorities in China are treated shockingly badly, attendees at an international gathering this week agreed. The products, rights, jobs, of Uyghur people were being hit hard - by deeply unfair sanctions and policies from the United States and their allies. While the regional authorities provided training and funding for new industries…

December 20, 20240Comments ByNury Vittachi

China news Features Opinion

Europe glares at China, hugs US and Israel: What’s going on?

Today, we are told, elites in Western Europe are “waking up to the malevolent influence of the Chinese regime”. At the same time, the conspicuously adverse, contemporary influence of the US and Israel in Europe prompts more “hug-ins” with this terrifying tag-team rather than any awakening. What is going on? Richard Cullen investigates. First: Europe…

November 28, 20240Comments ByRichard Cullen

Features Opinion

Rogue Elephant and Tethered Goat: a fable

Hong Kong's judicial system has become so soft that an opinion expressed by a member of the public can grow into what seems to be an actual court hearing, when it is no such thing. Top legal specialist Henry Litton reviews a recent example. THE RULE OF LAW in Hong Kong is a structured…

October 30, 20240Comments ByHenry Litton