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The Star
7 days ago
- General
- The Star
Documentary on Lisbon Maru rescue premieres in Hong Kong
HONG KONG, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A premiere ceremony for the documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" was held in Hong Kong on Sunday to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The documentary was based on true stories of the Pacific War. In October 1942, the Japanese army requisitioned a cargo vessel "Lisbon Maru" to carry more than 1,800 British prisoners of war (POWs) from Hong Kong to Japan. In violation of international conventions, the Japanese army did not put any markings on the ship to indicate the POWs inside. Torpedoed by the U.S. army, the vessel sank in the waters off the Zhoushan Islands in east China's Zhejiang Province. Local fishermen risked their own lives to rescue 384 POWs under Japanese gunfire. "Hong Kong is where the story of the 'Lisbon Maru' began," Fang Li, producer and director of the documentary, told Xinhua. It was particularly significant to be able to show Hong Kong viewers the story and humanity behind the story on the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, said Fang, who spent eight years making the documentary. The historical episodes in the documentary are a reminder of hard-won peace and stability, Starry Lee, a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said at the ceremony. Remembering the past will help enable Hong Kong residents, especially the younger generation, to better understand patriotism, she said. The documentary will hit screens on July 24.
RTHK
13-05-2025
- Business
- RTHK
China, Brazil sign cooperation documents
China, Brazil sign cooperation documents Presidents Xi Jinping and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hold talks in Beijing. Photo: Reuters China and Brazil on Tuesday signed 20 cooperation documents during Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's state visit to China. He also held talks with President Xi Jinping. In a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents covering the fields of development strategy alignment, science and technology, agriculture, digital economy, finance, inspection and quarantine, and media. The two countries also issued a joint statement on the Ukraine crisis. According to the statement, China and Brazil welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to start peace talks and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's positive response. It added that Beijing and Brasilia hope Russia and Ukraine will start direct dialogue as soon as possible, which is the only way to end the conflict. Lula on Tuesday also met other state leaders such as Premier Li Qiang and National People's Congress Standing Committee chairman Zhao Leji. Zhao said Beijing is willing to strengthen strategic collaboration with Brazil. (Reporting by Xinhua)
South China Morning Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
New law to protect China's private enterprise can spur greater growth
China's private enterprises have long been the key engines for growth, job creation and technological innovation. Still, it is a wonder they thrived at all in an environment of regulatory murkiness. Advertisement The lack of clarity has left them with a reputation as a neglected stepchild when compared to favoured state-owned enterprises, and exposed them as easy targets of fines and fees by local governments keen to replenish their dwindling coffers. At long last, China's parliament has provided some welcome legal clarity. The Private Economy Promotion Law, crafted to provide legal protection and promotion of the non-state sector was passed yesterday by the National People's Congress Standing Committee and is due to take effect on May 20. The law was to have been a highlight of the March meetings of parliament and its top advisory body, but was delayed. This was due not to cold feet, but because Beijing recognised the need to reassure the private sector it was providing genuine measures to address their concerns rather than lip service. Advertisement The law now promises to promote fair market competition, encourage private sector involvement in science and technology development, and protect their economic rights and interests. Its passage confirmed the Communist Party's long-term support for the development of the private sector, and its core role in national rejuvenation efforts. It already produces more than 60 per cent of GDP, 70 per cent of hi-tech innovation and 80 per cent of urban jobs.
South China Morning Post
16-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong urged to make Northern Metropolis ‘special zone' to speed up work
Hong Kong authorities should designate the Northern Metropolis as a 'special zone' with a separate approval mechanism to speed up development, the city's sole delegate to the nation's top legislative body has said. Advertisement Starry Lee Wai-king, a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, also discussed mounting criticism of CK Hutchison Holdings over its Panama Canal ports sale with key Beijing offices posting scathing commentaries about it, saying businesses should keep the country's interests in mind when making deals. In an interview televised on Sunday, Lee noted the slow pace of construction in the Northern Metropolis, especially the Hong Kong part of a new innovation hub co-developed with Shenzhen in Hetao. 'The Northern Metropolis should become a 'special zone within the Special Administrative Region' and have a special approval process,' said Lee, who recently returned from Beijing after attending the country's key annual political meetings, known as the 'two sessions'. 'For example, it usually takes 10 years to build a railway or three years to complete the bidding. Can we make it happen in one year if needed?' Advertisement The government's Northern Metropolis blueprint aims to transform 30,000 hectares (74,130 acres) in the New Territories into a new economic growth centre and housing hub.
South China Morning Post
15-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong multiple-entry scheme ‘likely to cover more mainland cities this year'
A multiple-entry scheme granting Shenzhen residents unlimited trips to Hong Kong is likely to be expanded this year to cover travellers from other mainland Chinese cities, the city's sole representative in the nation's top legislative body has said, while calling for Beijing and Shanghai's inclusion under the policy. Advertisement Delegate Starry Lee Wai-king of the National People's Congress Standing Committee also said on Saturday that Hong Kong's travel sector was an important element in promoting more international exchanges. The promotion push was listed as a priority for Hong Kong by Beijing officials at China's recently concluded key political meetings, known as the ' two sessions '. Last November, mainland authorities announced that more than 10 million Shenzhen residents could apply for visas allowing them an unlimited number of trips to Hong Kong within a one-year period, with each visit capped at seven days. Lee said on Saturday that she expected the scheme to expand this year to more mainland cities, while calling for Beijing and Shanghai's inclusion on the list. Advertisement 'I personally think, beyond the cities within the Greater Bay Area that could be considered for the expansion of the multiple-entry visa scheme, Beijing and Shanghai could also be considered, as these cities have relatively large populations and they are quite far away from Hong Kong, which means that visitors can stay longer if they come to visit,' she said.
