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Is Hong Kong back? Views from SCMP Opinion

Critics have been quick to write off Hong Kong after the political violence of 2019 and a slow post-pandemic economic recovery. Are they right? Tourism numbers are starting to show signs of improvement. The government is seeking out opportunities in new markets to bolster confidence and showcasing positive stories to allay concerns after Hong Kong finally enacted its own national security law this year. Is Hong Kong doing enough to still consider itself Asia's "world city", or are its best days forever behind it?

Updated: 23 May, 2024
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[1]

Opinion | What kind of hi-tech tourism hub has taxis that can’t take card payments?

Most taxis in Hong Kong can still only take cash while popular apps like Uber are harassed by the government. And that’s not a good look for a city with hi-tech ambitions aiming to attract big-spending international travellers.

19 May, 2024
Passengers board taxis at Paterson Street, in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on May 7. Photo: Sam Tsang
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[2]

Opinion | Face it, Hong Kong’s bars won’t recover unless enough expats return

The expatriates and international travellers who went away have mostly been replaced by mainlanders – but hanging out in bars is a predominantly Western social practice.

22 May, 2024
People at The White Stag bar in Wan Chai during the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament in 2018. Photo: Dickson Lee
[4]

Opinion | Why Western hype about Hong Kong losing its high degree of autonomy rings hollow

A report on Hong Kong by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies does not appreciate fundamental pillars set out in the Basic Law. The city is still governed by Hongkongers, maintains judicial independence and has an international identity under the umbrella of China.

13 May, 2024
People walk past the Chinese national and Hong Kong flags on October 1, 2023. PhotoL EPA-EFE
[5]

Opinion | Forget past glories, Hong Kong must find relevance in a changing world

Hong Kong’s economic malaise is structural. China will remain a powerful economy and global player,but this does not ensure the city’s relevance unless it shapes up.

07 May, 2024
Illustration: Stephen Case
[6]

Opinion | Hong Kong ignores talent from emerging markets to its own detriment

Amid a series of setbacks, Hong Kong remains stuck the past when it comes to cultivating foreign talent and capital from emerging markets. By establishing itself as a hub that celebrates innovation and multiculturalism, the city can attract top-tier professionals from around the globe.

05 May, 2024
Pedestrians cross a street in Central district, Hong Kong, on August 1, 2022. To thrive in the evolving landscape, the city must focus on redefining its identity to attract a diverse pool of talent. Photo: Jonathan Wong
[7]

Opinion | Fact is, millions of Hongkongers voted with their feet – by staying

Many Hongkongers who are eligible to live elsewhere have not moved, a testament to their confidence in the city. And a disappointing stock market performance is no indicator of poor economic prospects – Hong Kong has gone through some low points, but bounced back each time.

28 Apr, 2024
Pedestrians cross a road in Central district in Hong Kong in 2023. Government statistics registered a net inflow of people in the last two years. Photo: Bloomberg
[8]

Opinion | Hong Kong should celebrate its common law, to boost trust in the city

Protecting the city’s distinct advantages calls for leaders to promote the importance of the common law system, and impress on Beijing the urgent need for Chinese officials, here and on the mainland, to study it.

06 May, 2024
Illustration: Stephen Case