China is rapidly advancing across multiple high-tech fronts—from reusable-rocket development to deep-sea exploration and polar research—reflecting a concerted effort to close the technological gap with established Western leaders.

In the aerospace sector, Chinese private and state-backed firms are making significant strides.

A recent test of the Tianlong-3 reusable rocket included a full-scale first-stage thrust test that surpassed 1,000 tonnes, signifying a material leap in logistically scalable launch capability.

Analysts at the United States Space Force have voiced concern at Beijing’s speed, particularly in sectors that underpin modern military and commercial space operations.

Under the sea, China’s 14th Five-Year Plan emphasises deep-sea technologies and strategic presence in the Arctic, with the concept of an “Ice Silk Road” among the new infrastructural aims.

China is deploying autonomous underwater vehicles, seafloor monitoring systems and support platforms to assert its ambitions in the global marine technology domain.

The navigation-satellite sector presents a parallel front: after the “Yinhe incident” exposed vulnerability to external positioning systems, China developed its BeiDou system and is now promoting global uptake.

Beijing sees satellite navigation, launch logistics and maritime technology as interconnected pillars in its drive for national-security autonomy and industrial leadership.

These efforts come amid broader geopolitical dynamics.

As Beijing invests billions into dual-use technologies—combining commercial applications with strategic objectives—the West is watching closely.

The rapid development of reusable rockets, large satellite constellations and deep-sea infrastructure highlight China’s ambition to shift from technology buyer to technology architect.

In short, China’s comprehensive push into aerospace, navigation and ocean technology reflects a long-term strategy: to reshape competitive advantage, assure independent access to critical domains and assert a more multipolar technological order.

Canada’s recently proposed immigration framework has prompted concern among Hongkongers with pending permanent residency applications, as key sector quota reductions and stretched processing periods mean many will remain in limbo into 2027 and beyond.

The new plan, introduced in the federal budget following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s election in March, reduces the number of new permanent residents to 380,000 between 2026 and 2028, down from 395,000 in 2025 and reviving concerns that backlogs will continue to grow.

Under the budget, a one-off fast-track is proposed for 33,000 work-permit holders, offering hope to some applicants but leaving others uncertain about eligibility and implementation details.

For Hongkongers — who first benefited from special pathways introduced in 2021 in response to Beijing’s national-security measures — the situation remains particularly challenging.

Processing delays have extended such that applications submitted through the Hong Kong-special public-policy streams may now be processed only after 2027, according to immigration authorities.

Meanwhile, the “humanitarian” category under which many Hongkongers applied will be cut to 5,800 places in 2026, then 4,000 in 2027 and 2028, signalling a significant decline in openings for that cohort.

Immigration advocates say the introduced fast-track measure does not mitigate the broader systemic issues: the base quota reductions, rising application volumes and fewer seats in Hong-Kong-specific pathways mean hopeful applicants continue to wait.

Many Hongkongers in Canada hold temporary status while their applications await adjudication, complicating employment, study and settlement plans.

Despite the challenges, the policy shift underscores Canada’s intent to balance economic migration needs with public sentiment and infrastructure pressures.

For those Hongkongers who meet the fast-track criteria, the new measure offers a clearer path.

At the same time, thousands of others remain stuck between temporary and permanent status as the immigration queue grows.

In the months ahead, attention will focus on how the government implements the fast-track initiative and whether further policy refinements will prioritise timely resolution for long-waiting applicants from Hong Kong.

Leasing activity in Hong Kong’s luxury residential sector is showing signs of renewed strength, with a property consultancy estimating rents may climb between three and five per cent next year.

The uptick is attributed chiefly to a surge of returning Western expatriates and local professionals, arriving as the city’s wider business environment recovers.

The research firm noted that leasing transactions are expected to exceed the 660 recorded last year, indicating a sustained rebound in high-end rental demand.

Analysts also pointed to a tightening in prime-unit supply as major projects undergo renovations, further bolstering upward pressure on rents.

Tenant profiles are evolving: European expatriates working in finance are now paying HK$70,000 to HK$80,000 per month for larger units in Mid-Levels, while Indian technology professionals are seeking homes in Western Mid-Levels at budgets of HK$50,000 to HK$60,000.

Meanwhile, mainland-Chinese professionals benefitting from talent-recruitment schemes are active in emerging areas such as Nam Cheong and Olympic Station, often with budgets around HK$30,000 to HK$40,000.

The resurgence in luxury leasing is supported by broader corporate momentum.

Official data show the number of local companies registered in Hong Kong reached 1.5 million by July, while overseas enterprises, including those from the US and Europe, are establishing new regional bases in the city.

This revitalised corporate presence is translating into housing demand in the upper segment.

Despite the positive signals, analysts stress that rent growth will remain “stable to gently rising” and largely dependent on how supply dynamics evolve.

With prime stock limited and tenant relocation still rising, Hong Kong’s luxury rental market appears well-positioned to make a sustained recovery in 2025.

A Beijing-based artificial intelligence start-up, Moonshot AI, has launched a new open-source model named Kimi K2 Thinking, which it claims outpaces leading closed-source systems from the United States in reasoning, coding and “agent” tasks.

The model is presented as a “thinking agent” capable of executing multi-step reasoning and interacting with software tools, such as search engines, code execution environments and web APIs. Moonshot says it trained the model for approximately US$4.6 million – a cost that analysts note is dramatically lower than those incurred by proprietary rivals – and it has already become the most-used model by developers on the platform Hugging Face.

In benchmark tests published by independent indexers, Kimi K2 Thinking reportedly exceeded the performance of GPT‑5 and Claude Sonnet 4.5 — among the world’s most advanced models — in metrics assessing reasoning depth, coding fluency and autonomous tool use. Some analysts say the model may represent another “DeepSeek moment,” referencing a previous Chinese model launch that disrupted expectations of U.S. AI leadership.

The release is being viewed as a strategic signal in the global AI race, particularly given its open-source nature, comparatively low cost and competitive results. Moonshot’s architecture is reported to feature around 1 trillion parameters in a mixture-of-experts design, supports long-context windows and enables dynamic tool orchestration, according to documentation posted on Hugging Face and company blogs.

Industry observers caution that while benchmark results and open access are notable, real-world adoption, regulatory oversight, safety guard-rails and long-term robustness remain in early stages. However, the model’s emergence intensifies pressure on Western vendors, as it highlights how low-cost, high-capability open-weight models are gaining traction rapidly within the Chinese ecosystem and potentially beyond.

With Kimi K2 Thinking now publicly available under an open licence, attention will focus on how quickly developers integrate it, how it scales commercially and how rival labs respond. The model marks not simply a technical milestone but a shift in the competitive landscape — one in which open-source reasoning agents built in China are asserting influence on the global stage.

Hong Kong continues to hold a meaningful role as an international ship-owning centre, even as some industry participants highlight the United States’ potential rise in maritime capacity.

An analysis published by a leading maritime data provider emphasises that Hong Kong’s shipping registry, services ecosystem and proximity to the mainland’s cargo hub still underpin its relevance.

While data show the number of oceangoing vessels registered in Hong Kong has declined by over 8 per cent since 2021 — from around 2,580 to 2,366 — the registry remains ranked fourth globally in terms of gross tonnage and maintains a comprehensive maritime services cluster that supports ship-finance, insurance and arbitration.

Hong Kong’s government recently affirmed its commitment to strengthening the city’s maritime status via its Maritime and Port Development Strategy, which sets out multiple action measures to enhance competitiveness through innovation, green shipping and logistics integration.

Industry insiders recognise growing external pressures: pressures from international sanctions, U.S. tariffs and rising national-security scrutiny are prompting some owners to diversify flags.

However, many retain Hong Kong registration to maintain proximity to China’s manufacturing, shipping and commodity trades — which cover around 40 per cent of global dry-bulk import-export activity.

In parallel, the United States has signalled a broader ambition to expand its maritime capacity — especially in ship-finance, new-build ordering and strategic logistics — adding an emerging competitive dimension to the global ship-owning landscape.

Nonetheless, experts argue that Hong Kong’s established services infrastructure and East-Asia positioning continue to provide a distinct value proposition.

Analysts say that Hong Kong’s future as a ship-owning centre will hinge on its ability to adapt to evolving geopolitics, reinforce regulatory clarity and expand value-added services.

Should it succeed, the city can maintain its niche even as global maritime power dynamics shift.

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has issued its third batch of digital green bonds, marking a key step in the city’s strategy to become a leading centre for tokenised finance.

The offering comprised four currency tranches — US dollars, euros, offshore Chinese yuan and Hong Kong dollars — and amounted to about US$1.3 billion.

This issuance follows earlier digital-bond programmes in 2023 and 2024 and is described by authorities as a “digitally native” transaction, meaning it is structured, issued and settled on blockchain-based or distributed-ledger infrastructure.

The government expects the issuance to advance its digital asset ecosystem and reinforce Hong Kong’s position in sustainable finance.

According to people familiar with the matter, the digital green bonds will support environmentally-eligible projects in line with the city’s green-bond framework.

A rating agency reportedly assigned the bonds an AA+ grade, aligning with the city’s long-term sovereign rating.

The government’s Digital Asset Development Policy and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Project Ensemble initiative, which tests wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) and tokenised asset settlement, are cited as key enablers of the new issuance.

By combining multi-currency issuance, blockchain settlement and green use of proceeds, Hong Kong aims to integrate fintech innovation with its established capital-markets infrastructure.

Market participants note that the success of earlier digital-bond programmes, along with corporate tokenised debt issuances in Hong Kong this year, have built momentum.

The latest sovereign issue is therefore seen as both a symbol and a test-case of how domestic and international investors may access tokenised sovereign debt in the region.

While not all logistical and regulatory details (such as platform provider or settlement chains) have been publicly disclosed, the move signals that the government views digital bonds as a recurring funding channel rather than a one-off experiment.

Over the coming months, observers will focus on secondary-market liquidity, infrastructure integration and investor uptake, which will determine whether Hong Kong’s ambitions to become a go-to digital-asset hub gain real traction.

If successful, the issuance may help Hong Kong compete with other global centres for token-based securities and reinforce its dual credentials as a green-finance pioneer and digital-finance innovator.

The city now appears to treat digital bonds as part of its core capital-markets strategy rather than simply a pilot programme.

The Hong Kong Observatory has maintained Tropical Cyclone Standby Signal No. 1 on Tuesday as Typhoon Fung-wong continues its northward track across the northeastern South China Sea, keeping well east of the city.

At 9 a.m., Fung-wong was located about 530 km southeast of Hong Kong and is moving north at around 10 km/h.

Forecasters advised that the system is expected to come closest to the territory later on Tuesday or overnight, passing at a distance in excess of 400 km.

Unless the typhoon alters its course towards the coast of Guangdong, the Observatory said the likelihood of raising Strong Wind Signal No. 3 remains relatively low.

Though some offshore areas may experience stronger northerly winds, the territory’s terrain offers natural sheltering, reducing the chance of sustained gale-force winds in the city.

As a result, the Standby Signal No. 1 will continue to apply for the day, while residents and businesses are advised to monitor weather updates and take routine precautions.

The Observatory noted that if the storm track shifts markedly closer to Hong Kong, authorities will reassess conditions and could raise the warning level.

For now, operations across the territory proceed largely as normal under the current advisory conditions.

A deepened strategic alliance between Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines was formally unveiled at a ceremony in Hong Kong on 4 November 2025, aligned with Etihad’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong.

The agreement introduces a broad codeshare arrangement and a reciprocal frequent-flyer programme.

Under the new codeshare terms, flights operated by Hong Kong Airlines between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi are now bookable under Etihad’s ‘EY’ code, giving Etihad access to the carrier’s route network.

Conversely, Etihad passengers flying to Japan — including destinations such as Fukuoka, Hokkaido-Sapporo, Osaka and Okinawa — may travel on flights operated by Hong Kong Airlines bearing the ‘HX’ code.

The arrangement enables one-ticket bookings covering the full journey, a unified check-in process and automatic baggage transfer across carriers.

Abu Dhabi is positioned as a seamless hub linking Greater China, Japan and the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

In tandem with the codeshare, members of Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club and Etihad’s Etihad Guest loyalty scheme will be able to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ full networks.

Etihad says this positions Etihad Guest as the largest non-alliance frequent-flyer programme globally by partner count.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad, described the partnership as delivering “meaningful value” by offering wider reach, increased flexibility and enhanced rewards for members.

Louis Li, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, called the agreement a milestone in his carrier’s global re-engagement and noted surging GCC region-to-Asia travel demand.

The renewed collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two airlines dating from 2014 and reflects both carriers’ strategic interest in reinforcing connectivity through Abu Dhabi.

The alliance also leverages the travel resurgence between the Middle East and Asia, offering business and leisure travellers stronger options.

As the arrangements become operational, industry watchers will monitor how swiftly the joint loyalty benefits take effect and how the airlines deploy the expanded codeshare to compete in long-haul markets.

With both carriers aiming to improve network depth and traveller convenience, the partnership signals a step-change in their commercial cooperation.

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) has unveiled the city’s first integrated hydrogen power generator in support of the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China.

As silver sponsor of the Hong Kong competition region, Towngas has installed the unit at the golf venue in Fanling, using locally produced hydrogen combined with a battery energy storage system to supply temporary electricity to the police command centre, volunteer headquarters and event offices.

Developed jointly by Towngas and Chi Shing New Energy Technology, the system roughly the size of a shipping container is positioned as a low-carbon alternative to traditional diesel generators, producing only water vapour during operation.

Officials from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department visited the site to evaluate safety and operations, marking a milestone in Hong Kong’s hydrogen-energy deployment.

Mr Don Cheng Hill-kwong, Chief Operating Officer (Hong Kong Business) of Towngas, said the initiative demonstrates the city’s innovative capabilities in hydrogen energy application and aligns with broader ambitions in the Greater Bay Area to accelerate green development.

Academic groups have also been invited to tour the system, underscoring the educational and industrial synergy envisaged.

The move by Towngas highlights an important trend: hydrogen energy is increasingly being integrated into high-profile infrastructure and events.

The Hong Kong government’s Strategy of Hydrogen Development has already approved multiple pilot projects, including hydrogen extraction from existing pipelines and vehicle-fuel cell applications.

Looking ahead, Towngas said it plans to expand hydrogen-energy applications across multiple sectors in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, reinforcing the transformation to a sustainable energy ecosystem and supporting key regional sporting and cultural events.

Hong Kong’s mixed doubles team of Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem opened their campaign in impressive fashion at the 15th National Games of China, defeating Hebei’s Zhou Yu and Zang Xiaotong 10-12, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5 in the round of 16 on Saturday at Macao’s Galaxy Arena.

Their match was played in front of a vibrant crowd and marked the first major contest staged in the Macao competition zone as part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao co-hosted event.

Macao resident and volunteer interpreter Liu Feng Theresa cheered the performance and noted the significance of the national sport being engaged at such a level.

“As table tennis is known as our national sport, there will be fierce competition at the Games definitely, while the strength of China’s Hong Kong and Macao paddlers is noteworthy in particular,” she said.

Both players emphasised their focus on process over outcome.

Wong, aged 34 and the torch-bearer for Hong Kong in the relay, stated that the pair needed to “move forward step by step and just focus on each match,” while Doo, 28, added that the seeding “didn’t give us pressure… we are clear about our status and will not regard ourselves as the top duo.” Their familiarity was evident: Doo remarked that they “grew up together in training camps… we are familiar with each other and have great relationship.” Wong added that the enthusiastic Cantonese-speaking crowd provided an extra boost.

Macao’s hosting of the table tennis events, which are scheduled from 7 to 20 November at the Galaxy Arena, forms part of the region’s role in the landmark Games—its first time as a venue for China’s premier multi-sport event.

A schedule released in May confirms that Macao is designated to host the table tennis competitions, along with other sports including women’s volleyball and 3×3 basketball.

Theresa also pointed to the broader impact: with Macao’s student population increasingly active in sports, she said large-scale staging like the National Games “will further ignite the passion in younger generations.” She noted Macao local paddler Zhu Yuling, world number six and gold medallist at the United States Smash this July, will open her Games campaign in the singles draw on Monday, setting further hope for the territory.

With strong starts from the Hong Kong pair and growing local engagement in Macao, the table tennis competition promises to be a focal point of the Games’ multi-city showcase of sport, culture and integration across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.

President Xi Jinping officially opened the 15th National Games of China at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre in Guangzhou on Sunday evening, marking the first time the event is co-hosted by Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau.

The opening ceremony featured a dramatic blend of cutting-edge technology and southern China’s Lingnan cultural heritage.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, attending as part of the city’s delegation, described the opportunity to co-host the Games as an “immense honour” and said the city was ready to make its mark across the eight elite sports and two cross-boundary competitions it will stage.

Hong Kong athletes are already making headlines: cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing defended her women’s road-race title and gave the city a second gold medal just before the formal opening.

The ceremony emphasised the role of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area as a dynamic hub, with Xi stating the Games would highlight “the vibrant landscape of Chinese modernisation” in the region.

Hong Kong’s involvement includes venues such as the Hong Kong Velodrome for track cycling and the Kai Tak Sports Park hosting rugby sevens and handball—events the city has been preparing for with a record delegation of more than 600 athletes.

For Hong Kong, the Games represent both a major sports opportunity and a platform for broader regional integration.

Lee attended the flame-lighting ceremony days earlier in Guangzhou’s Nansha District, where the torch was symbolically drawn from marine methane-ice under the South China Sea—a fusion of technology and natural heritage.

Officials say the event is on track to be “simple, safe and splendid,” with over 16 000 volunteers mobilised and extensive test-events completed.

As the Games proceed through November 9 to 21, Hong Kong officials are keen to see athletes such as fencers Cheung Ka-long and Ryan Choi Chun-yin build on their success at past Asian and Olympic events.

With the spotlight now on the city and the wider Greater Bay Area, the focus will be on how effectively the co-hosting model and cultural spectacle deliver both sporting excellence and regional showcase value.

The autumn auction staged by Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio in Hong Kong spanned eight days and encompassed approximately 8,500 lots of world coins, Chinese rarities and paper currency. The sale realised in excess of US$18 million, underlining the firm’s pre-eminence in the numismatic market and demonstrating growth in Asian demand.

The opening session, dubbed “Rarities Night”, featured 233 premier lots focused on Chinese treasures and achieved US$6.206 million in total. A gold “Flying Dragon” dollar pattern (Lot 40161) led the session, achieving a hammer price of US$504,000. Other notably strong performers included a Kiangnan 7 mace 2 candareen gold coin graded PCGS MS-62 (Lot 4005) which realised US$240,000, and a gold presentation “Pavilion” dollar (Lot 40173) also selling for US$240,000.

Across subsequent sessions, additional highlights included a Foochow Arsenal silver award medal (Lot 40229) that realised US$140,000, and a gold 10-tael ingot dating circa 1750 (Lot 41039) which fetched US$78,000. From the Philippines, an 1828 overstrike on a Peru-mint 8 reales (Lot 43496) achieved US$114,000. Paper-money sales likewise thrived: a People’s Bank of China 10 yuan note (Lot 31075) realised US$114,000 and a Hong Kong Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China US$5 note (Lot 31101) sold for US$55,000.

Throughout the auction, Chinese rarities—both in coin and paper form—anchored the market, reflecting strong regional collector interest and international investor participation. The realisation of multiple six-figure lots and a total auction result above US$18 million further reinforce the company’s leading position and the robustness of the Asian numismatic segment.

As consignors and bidders now assess the results, the performance offers insight into price levels for Chinese rarities and paper money entering market channels in 2025. With global collectors increasingly active in Asia, the Hong Kong auction sets a benchmark for forthcoming world-currency and numismatic sales in the region.

Hong Kong enters the sixty-fourth month of its national-security crackdown with a fresh wave of legal developments, as authorities press ahead with trials, arrests and restrictions under the city’s sweeping security framework.

The month has brought highly visible cases and international diplomatic exchanges that underscore the depth and breadth of Beijing’s security agenda for the territory.

On October 9, the trial of Kwok Yin-sang commenced at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts.

He is charged under Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law for allegedly handling funds belonging to his daughter, fugitive activist Anna Kwok.

The case is the first instance in which a family member of a wanted activist is criminally prosecuted under Hong Kong’s national-security law.

Kwok pleaded not guilty and the hearing has been adjourned to December 23 for closing arguments.

Several other prominent cases advanced last month.

A 19-year-old woman pleaded guilty to sedition after appearing in videos promoting a “shadow legislature” the authorities deem subversive, while a 16-year-old boy admitted to conspiring to commit secession over his alleged involvement with a Taiwan-based independence organisation.

Separately, an 89-year-old man was arrested on October 1 under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance for setting up a demonstration, though he was later released on bail.

In a separate domain, scrutiny of the independent film scene intensified, as the city’s film regulator confirmed that since November 2021 a total of 13 films had been banned on national-security grounds and 50 required edits.

This comes as the Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration refused to publish a full list of the titles affected.

On the diplomatic front, Hong Kong and Chinese authorities rebuffed UK and US calls for the release of media tycoon Jimmy Lai ahead of the anticipated verdict in his national-security trial.

Beijing’s top diplomat in Hong Kong delivered a warning to the newly appointed US consul general, Julie Eadeh, issuing so-called “four don’ts” in relation to contact with activists, foreign interference and national-security cases.

The government reported that as of November 1 a total of 348 individuals had been arrested on suspicion of acts endangering national security since the law came into effect in 2020. Among those charged, 172 persons and one company are either convicted or awaiting sentencing; 77 people have been convicted under the national-security law.

The figures illustrate how national-security policies have become an established part of Hong Kong’s legal and political landscape.

Observers say the latest developments signal a continuation of the city’s wide-ranging security enforcement phase, reflecting Beijing’s intention to maintain tight oversight of dissidence, foreign links and media operations in its global financial centre.

For Hong Kong, the sixty-fourth month of enforcement reaffirms that national-security policy remains among the most consequential influences on the territory’s rule-of-law environment and international standing.

“Hong Kong has transformed from a contesting space into one of managed stability,” said one legal analyst.

“What we are seeing now is the long-term phase of a security regime that far outlasts the immediate protest era.”

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has voted down a government-proposed bill that would have offered limited legal recognition for same-sex couples, marking a significant setback for LGBTQ rights in the city.

The legislation, rejected by 71 votes to 14 with one abstention, was introduced in response to a 2023 Court of Final Appeal ruling that required the government to create a framework for recognizing same-sex partnerships by October 2025.

The proposed Registration of Same-Sex Partnerships Bill sought to grant couples certain civil rights, including hospital visitation, access to medical information, authority over organ donation, and decision-making in funeral arrangements.

The measure would not have legalized same-sex marriage but was intended to bring Hong Kong into compliance with the court’s directive.

Opponents, including pro-Beijing legislators and conservative religious figures, argued that the bill undermined traditional Chinese family values and that society lacked consensus on the issue.

Some lawmakers warned it could open the door to full marriage equality, which the government has said is not currently under consideration.

Following the vote, the government expressed disappointment but said it would respect the outcome and explore alternative administrative options to fulfill its obligations under the court order.

Rights advocates described the veto as a “missed opportunity” for Hong Kong to demonstrate inclusivity and align with global standards of equality.

Surveys from the Chinese University of Hong Kong have found that around 60 percent of residents support same-sex marriage, indicating growing acceptance among the public despite political resistance.

Activist Jimmy Sham, whose legal case prompted the original ruling, said the rejection was regrettable but vowed to continue pressing for change.

Legal analysts warned that the government must still comply with the court’s timeline, raising the possibility of renewed judicial intervention if no viable framework is introduced.

Hong Kong’s police force is preparing a significant upgrade to its “HKSOS” mobile application this December that will introduce live location sharing for groups and increase the number of emergency contacts users can designate.

Since its launch in January 2024, the app has been credited with aiding the rescue of 272 people.

Senior Superintendent Swalikh Mohammed of the Digital Policing Services Bureau reported that the app has achieved 150,000 downloads to date and that all search-and-rescue missions involving the app so far have been completed without prolonged delays.

The current version allows users—particularly those engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, paragliding and canoeing—to alert the 999 emergency call centre with a single tap.

An upcoming feature upgrade will enable users to form groups of up to ten people and track each other’s locations in real time throughout a journey.

Another enhancement is the further deployment of the patented “Signal Radar” technology, which allows rescue teams to pinpoint a user’s location even if the mobile device lacks signal reception.

Rescuers may use the radar on helicopters or drones in terrains where conventional telecoms coverage is unavailable or unreliable.

The new version is part of the police’s broader push to boost outdoor safety in Hong Kong’s challenging terrain and strengthen the connection between digital tools, live rescue capability and community involvement.

The force is also increasing public education efforts to raise awareness of the app’s features and promote its relationship with designated emergency contacts as part of its “outdoor safety-first” initiative.

With the upgraded functionalities, the app is expected to enhance response times and coordination among users and rescuers—particularly for remote or signal-poor areas—and broaden the safety net for both individuals and small groups engaged in outdoor recreation.

Hong Kong has stepped into a pivotal role as co-host of the 15th National Games of China, playing a key part alongside Guangdong province and Macau in what is the first-ever multi-jurisdiction sporting event of its scale across the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The Games run from November 9 to 21 and represent a milestone in both sports and regional integration.

The city will stage eight sports events, with venues such as Victoria Park and others already declared “ready” by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, who described Hong Kong’s involvement as of “immense significance” and a sign of the central government’s confidence.

The co-hosting arrangement expands Hong Kong’s international event-hosting credentials and aligns closely with national priorities under the GBA framework.

Observers say the Games offer more than competition: they act as a vehicle for infrastructure connectivity, tourism growth, talent mobility and the alignment of regulatory regimes across the GBA.

One standout example is the cross-border road cycling route beginning in Zhuhai, passing over the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge and into Hong Kong’s territory, symbolising the region’s evolving integration.

While the event marks a significant shift in scope, it also brings operational and logistical challenges, including the coordination of immigration, venue readiness and cross-border services.

Hong Kong’s dedicated National Games Coordination Office is managing these demands in partnership with mainland and Macau authorities.

For Hong Kong’s government, hosting parts of the Games is an opportunity to reinforce the city’s status as a global sports hub and to deepen its links with neighbouring cities in the GBA.

Chan said the legacy will extend beyond November, helping sustain the city’s sports, tourism and development agenda in the years ahead.

China’s biopharmaceutical industry is entering a new era of global influence, having secured a wave of billion-dollar licensing agreements with major international drug companies this year.

These deals mark a decisive shift: Chinese firms are no longer just catching up, they are now shaping the direction of global pharmaceutical innovation.

In December 2022 one landmark accord saw US drug-maker MSD licence global (ex-China) rights to seven antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) cancer candidates from Sichuan Kelun‑Biotech Biopharmaceutical for an upfront payment of US$175 million and potential milestone payments of up to US$9.3 billion.

Analysts regard that deal as the turning point for China’s export-oriented biotech ambitions.

By the first eight months of 2025 Chinese biotech companies had concluded at least 93 overseas licensing agreements totalling approximately US$85 billion in potential value—demonstrating how China has become a major exporter of innovative medicines, rather than merely a manufacturing base for foreign drugs.

Much of the momentum is rooted in oncology: ADCs, bispecific antibodies and other high-complexity therapies developed in China are now attracting global investment at scale.

One estimate projects China’s outbound licensing activity may reach US$60 billion across more than 150 deals by year-end.

Several structural factors underpin this surge: improved R&D capabilities in China, regulatory reforms that accelerate development and approval, and cost advantages that make Chinese-origin assets attractive to Western pharmaceutical companies facing pressure from patent expiries and pricing constraints.

In the first quarter of 2025 China accounted for 32 % of global out-licensing value, up from 21 % the previous year.

Although concerns remain—including regulatory scrutiny overseas, supply-chain tension and domestic pricing pressures—Chinese biotechs are increasingly positioned as sources of high-value assets.

Their transformation from generic-drug makers into global innovators signals a major strategic shift in the international drug-development ecosystem.

The broader implication is that global pharmaceutical firms must now engage China not simply as a market but as a partner in research and innovation.

With more high-value deals expected, China’s biotech industry is stepping into a new role as a pillar of the global drug pipeline and a key driver of medical innovation.

The pace and scale of these licensing agreements suggest that the age of China as a purely manufacturing powerhouse is coming to an end—and it is becoming a strategic collaborator in defining the next generation of therapies.

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency and police have arrested 32 individuals — including 13 frontline bank employees — as part of a joint operation that uncovered a HK$140 million (US$18 million) fraud involving government-backed small- and medium-enterprise (SME) loans.

The sting, designated Operation “Momentum”, took place on October 30 and 31 and targeted 28 loan applications submitted on behalf of 22 SMEs.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) revealed that bribes totalling HK$500,000 were paid to staff at ten banks to facilitate the scheme.

Investigators say intermediaries orchestrated the entire process, from application preparation to bank submission, with the involvement of both loan applicants and bank insiders.

The loans in question stem from the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, which offers 80 %, 90 % and 100 % government guarantees for eligible firms—measures originally intended to assist businesses amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 100 % guarantee product launched in April 2020 and ran until March 2024.

ICAC principal investigator Grace Yee Hin-Lai cautioned that the misconduct was enabled by weak oversight in the loan-guarantee process and noted that banks and commercial clients alike would face more rigorous checks going forward.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited are working with regulators to review the integrity of the guarantee scheme in light of the arrests.

Banking sources say affected institutions are now conducting internal reviews of staff-referral processes and enhancing training on detecting illicit loan submissions.

Authorities froze some assets and are investigating how funds flowed once disbursed.

The case adds to a series of recent loan-fraud operations in Hong Kong, underlining the challenges facing pandemic-era relief programmes when exploited by well-organised syndicates.