Latest news with #nationalinterests
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
National and commercial interests must go together, John Lee tells Hong Kong businesses
Hong Kong businesses must consider national interests while pursuing commercial deals, the city's leader has said, arguing that the two are not mutually exclusive. In an interview with the Post as he marked three years in office, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stressed the importance of local companies keeping national interests in mind while seeking profits. Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing's CK Hutchison Holdings has recently drawn the ire of Beijing over a controversial deal to sell its overseas ports to a consortium led by US investment giant BlackRock. Without commenting directly on the controversy, Lee argued in general that commercial and national interests did not have to contradict each other. 'When you do business, you have the maximum freedom to pursue your own goals and foster capitalism,' Lee said. 'But at the same time, there are things that you don't want to hurt, because hurting those things will also hurt your business.'
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Badenoch lays out ‘tests' for Britain to leave ECHR in new Tory probe
Kemi Badenoch is set to launch an investigation into the UK's potential withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Badenoch argues that leaving the ECHR may be necessary to prioritise national interests such as safety, wealth, and fairness. The investigation, led by Lord Wolfson of Tredegar, will address five key questions, including the UK's ability to deport criminals and illegal migrants, protect veterans from legal challenges, and prioritise British citizens for public services. Badenoch will say in a speech that if the investigation reveals the current system prevents the UK from achieving its goals, she is prepared to withdraw from international treaties, including the ECHR, without hesitation. The findings of the investigation will be presented at the Tory conference in October, where Badenoch will outline her plans regarding the ECHR.
CNA
01-06-2025
- General
- CNA
If Singapore has to pick a side, it will choose principles: Chan Chun Sing
Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing says the country will not take sides amid rising geopolitical tensions and rivalries. Instead, the island-state will stand by principles that uphold a rules-based global order and safeguard its national interests. Aslam Shah has more.
South China Morning Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Xia Baolong urges Hong Kong, Macau business leaders to defend national interests
Beijing's point man on Hong Kong and Macau affairs has urged business leaders from both cities to defend the national interests, a move an analyst has said is a 'wake-up call' for local firms such as Li Ka-shing's Hutchison group, currently embroiled in the Panama ports saga, to take a side. Advertisement Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), had spelled out four 'hopes' for entrepreneurs and business sectors during a closed-door meeting with Macau business representatives on Monday, the second last day of his six-day inspection visit to the city. The meeting was held the same day that China and the US issued a joint statement pledging to slash the duties both countries imposed on each other. Xia said he hoped business communities from both cities would carry forward the 'fighting spirit' and unite all forces to stand firm in defending the national interests. 'When faced with sanctions and pressure, everyone should unite and demonstrate proper integrity and moral character,' Xia was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office on Monday night. Advertisement He also called on business communities to take advantage of both cities' strengths while adapting to the changing circumstances. To expand international business networks, Xia called on both cities to continue consolidating ties with traditional markets while tapping into Belt and Road countries as well as exploring the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa.
South China Morning Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously pass motion seeking unity against Trump tariffs
Hong Kong lawmakers on Thursday unanimously passed a motion calling for unity in countering United States' tariffs, with some calling on tycoon Li Ka-shing's CK Hutchison not to go ahead with selling its Panama ports Advertisement The motion, put forward by lawmaker Ma Fung-kwok, urged authorities and the city's industries to 'resolutely dovetail with our country's corresponding strategies' and 'resist the bullying of the United States' by strengthening Hong Kong's international networks. At the Legislative Council session, some lawmakers discussed CK Hutchison's plan to sell two politically sensitive ports at either end of the Panama Canal, and urged the company to prioritise national interests over business. In March, the company announced it was seeking to sell its 43 overseas ports to a consortium led by the US investment firm BlackRock for US$23 billion. CK Hutchison stood to pocket US$19 billion in cash from the deal. The two Panama ports operated by the conglomerate have drawn intense scrutiny from both Beijing and Washington, with the strategic waterway becoming a geopolitical flashpoint in the US-China rivalry. Advertisement 'It's understandable that businesses pursue profit, but I sincerely hope that the business community will not disregard national interests, especially when it comes to matters of principle,' Ma said at Thursday's Legco meeting.
