Beijing-linked conglomerate loses two strategic terminals as US-China rivalry reshapes global trade Panama Takes Control of Two Canal Ports From Hong Kong Giant CK HutchisonIn a dramatic escalation of geopolitical tensions surrounding one of the world's most vital shipping corridors, Panamanian authorities physically seized control of two strategic Panama Canal ports on February 24, 2026, removing employees of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison from the Balboa and Cristobal terminals and handing temporary operations to Danish shipping giant Maersk and Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).The takeover follows a ruling by Panama's Supreme Court in late January declaring CK Hutchison's concession contracts unconstitutional, a verdict that became legally binding when published in Panama's official gazette on February 24. CK Hutchison's subsidiary, Panama Ports Company (PPC), had operated both terminals for nearly three decades under concessions most recently renewed in 2021 for another 25 years.Employees Threatened With Criminal ProsecutionCK Hutchison said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that Panamanian authorities made "direct physical entrance" into both terminals and assumed administrative and operational control. Company staff were told to leave immediately and threatened with criminal prosecution if they refused to comply or attempted to maintain contact with the firm.The company called the entire process unlawful, saying the court ruling, the executive decree, the termination of PPC's concession, and the physical takeover…
Investigators find city firms shipped $28 million in Western military components to Moscow with no sanctions penalty Hong Kong Companies Funneling European Military Technology to Russia, Investigators FindHong Kong has become the world's most important transshipment node for routing Western military technology to Russia's war machine in Ukraine, according to a damning new investigative report published by the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation and reported by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in February 2026. The findings reveal that a small group of Hong Kong and mainland China-based traders have moved hundreds of semiconductors, sensors, electrical connectors, and microchip components -- many of them produced by major European technology companies -- into Russian weapons systems, all while evading international sanctions.The report, titled "Bypassing the Blockade," is based on Ukraine's defense ministry database of foreign components recovered from destroyed or captured Russian weapons, cross-referenced with export records and corporate filings. The findings are the latest in a series of CFHK investigations that have identified Hong Kong as the premier global conduit for procuring Western technology for Russia, Iran, and North Korea -- a role that the city's government has enabled by refusing to enforce any Western sanctions, recognizing only those imposed by the United Nations.Seven Traders, Twenty Companies, One Deadly PipelineResearchers identified seven Hong Kong and China-based traders who…
Beijing seeks to leverage the city's markets for global yuan dominance, but democracy's collapse undermines the strategy Beijing Bets on…
Beijing eyes the city as a strategic hub to challenge London and New York for global bullion market dominance Beijing…
The Long Arc of Communist Reconsolidation Hong Kong's democratic collapse is often dated to recent years, but this framing obscures…
The CCP's Capture of Lawyers, Bar Associations, and Due Process The Chinese Communist Party did not need to abolish Hong…
The CCP's Conversion of Markets Into Political Leverage For years, Hong Kong's economic success was cited as proof that political…
Hong Kong Advances Stablecoin Licensing Despite Beijing’s Cryptocurrency Prohibitions – First licenses expected March 2026 as city navigates tensions with mainland crypto ban
Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years in Devastating Blow to Press Freedom – Apple Daily founder receives harshest punishment under National Security Law
Amnesty International Pens Valentines Poem for Imprisoned Democracy Activist Chow Hang-tung – Human rights groups honor barrister facing 10-year sentence for peaceful advocacy
West Kowloon Cultural District Secures Financial Lifeline Despite Mounting Deficits – Arts hub signs HK$3 billion loan as operating shortfall reaches sixth consecutive year
Hong Kong Convicts Democracy Activist’s Father in Unprecedented National Security Case – Kwok Yin-sang found guilty for attempting to access daughter’s insurance policy
Rosewood Hong Kong Delivers World-Class Urban Resort Experience with Unmatched Attention to Detail – Flagship property combines residential elegance with sophisticated harbor-view luxury
Hong Kong Auditors Face Quality Crisis as IPO Surge Strains Professional Resources – Accounting regulator warns firms handling public offerings may lack sufficient expertise
Tai Po Fire Survivors Struggle with Temporary Housing as Lunar New Year Approaches – 168 dead in Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in nearly 80 years, thousands displaced
Samsonite Seeks US Dual Listing to Expand Investor Access – Hong Kong-traded luggage maker pursues American depositary shares
Consensus Hong Kong 2026 Concludes as Premier Digital Asset Conference Draws 11,000 Global Participants – Three-day summit showcased institutional adoption and AI integration across Web3 ecosystem
Rosewood Hong Kong Redefines Urban Luxury Hotel Experience with Unparalleled Harbor Views – 65-story waterfront property named best hotel in Asia delivers residential elegance
Consensus Hong Kong 2026 Concludes with 11,000 Attendees Advancing Digital Asset Dialogue – Three-day conference showcased AI integration and institutional adoption across 122 countries
Hong Kong Airport Launches Autonomous Bus Service Linking Bridge to Entertainment Hub – World’s first large-scale autonomous mass transit system begins operations
Consensus Hong Kong Wraps Three-Day Digital Asset Summit Drawing Global Industry Leaders – 11,000 attendees from 122 countries explore AI integration and institutional crypto adoption
Consensus Hong Kong Spotlights Machine Economy as Crypto Payment Infrastructure – AI agents poised to drive digital asset adoption across autonomous systems
Amnesty Pens Valentine’s Love Letter to Imprisoned Hong Kong Activist Chow Hang-tung – Human rights groups honor democracy advocate facing decade in prison
Hong Kong Cinema Industry Faces Existential Crisis as Palace IFC Closure Looms – Prime Central district cinema may shut down as box office revenues plunge to 13-year lows
Hong Kong Banking Sector Faces Acute Talent Shortage Amid Historic IPO Surge – Regulators warn 13 investment banks as principal bankers oversee up to 19 simultaneous listings
Hong Kong Moves Forward with Stablecoin Licensing Despite Beijing’s Comprehensive Crypto Ban – First regulatory approvals expected March as city tests limits of digital asset autonomy
Thailand and Hong Kong Sign MOU to Strengthen Digital Asset and Financial Cooperation – Nations agree to collaborate on cryptocurrency regulation and cross-border payment systems
Michelle Yeoh Highlights Ongoing Struggle for Asian Representation at Berlin Film Festival – Oscar winner receives Honorary Golden Bear while advocating for industry change
Why Hong Kong’s Resistance Still Matters – What the Pro-Democracy Movement Proved Despite Defeat
How Communism Turned Law-Abiding Citizens Into Criminals – The Criminalization of Normal Democratic Behavior in Hong Kong
