Advertisement

Advertisement

SCMP Hong Kong Series

Where is Hong Kong 29 years after handover?

As Hong Kong marks the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1, the South China Morning Post talks to the city’s senior officials about the Lee administration’s achievements so far and what may lie ahead.

Updated: 06 Jul, 2026

Hong Kong’s Central skyline. Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

[1]

Hong Kong to roll out measures boosting offshore yuan trading in July

Government wants more listed firms trading stocks in renminbi and will use city’s hub status to help mainland Chinese firms expand overseas.

22 Jun, 2026

Hong Kong overtook Switzerland as the world’s largest cross-border wealth hub last year, with assets of US$2.95 trillion, according to a report by the Boston Consulting Group. Photo: May Tse

Advertisement

Advertisement

[2]

Hong Kong aims to offer more investment options for mainland Chinese: Paul Chan

Authorities on both sides reviewing broader Greater Bay Area trading scheme, finance chief says, adding crackdown on illegal trades will help city.

22 Jun, 2026

Exchange Square in Central. Finance chief Paul Chan says a well-calibrated expansion of cross-border stock trading will attract additional capital to the city. Photo: Jelly Tse

[3]

Exclusive | Competing for tourists? Then Hong Kong must be ‘bigger and better’: Rosanna Law

‘If Hong Kong hopes that our neighbouring cities or competitors can stand still … I think that is unrealistic,’ tourism minister says.

23 Jun, 2026

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law says Hong Kong's answer "is not to expect or hope that our neighbours do not grow". Photo: Jonathan Wong

[4]

Exclusive | How Hong Kong plans to tap popular films, historic buildings to lure tourists

Tourism chief says city will build on success of old Yau Ma Tei police station exhibition to turn more historic buildings into cultural experiences.

23 Jun, 2026

Tourists take photos outside the former Yau Ma Tei police station. Photo: Sun Yeung

[5]

Exclusive | Hong Kong needs visionaries to run Kai Tak Cruise Terminal: Rosanna Law

Tourism minister also says prospective bidders sought extra time to work on proposals before government extended tender deadline.

23 Jun, 2026

The next Kai Tak Cruise Terminal operator must do far more than simply manage cruise berthing operations, the city’s tourism minister has said. Photo: Sam Tsang

[6]

City leader’s new national security powers will not affect appeals: minister

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam says subsidiary laws provide greater clarity and certainty.

24 Jun, 2026

Hong Kong passed new subsidiary legislation earlier this month to clarify the definition of national security offences by establishing a mechanism that vests certification power in the chief executive at any stage of proceedings. Photo: Jelly Tse

[7]

Exclusive | ‘No limits’ to accountability over Tai Po fire, security chief Chris Tang says

Secretary for security says committee investigating blaze will deliver results in a timely manner and commission of inquiry not needed.

25 Jun, 2026

Secretary for Security Chris Tang. Photo: Dickson Lee

[8]

Exclusive | Loss of fugitive transfer deals a ‘pity’ and only helps criminals: Chris Tang

Security minister tells SCMP it’s up to countries that suspended agreements whether to resume them.

25 Jun, 2026

Secretary for Security Chris Tang says Hong Kong authorities have continued to work with counterparts work against crime. Photo: Dickson Lee

[9]

Exclusive | Repentant protesters will be given priority case review, minister says

Secretary for Security Chris Tang flags ongoing threats amid geopolitical tensions and need to continuously review and refine national security laws.

25 Jun, 2026

Riot police make arrests after clashes with anti-government protesters at Polytechnic University on November 18, 2019. Photo: Winson Wong

[10]

Exclusive | Hong Kong’s own drug regulator pushes ahead with hiring, seeks WHO recognition

Health chief says the city is aiming to approve drugs independently by 2030 as it builds capacity and courts global pharmaceutical companies.

26 Jun, 2026

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau. Photo: May Tse

[11]

Exclusive | Why having more foreign-trained doctors in Hong Kong won’t threaten local ones

Health minister Lo Chung-mau says city lacks doctors trained in certain branches but hospitals will always prioritise local hires.

26 Jun, 2026

“The existing restriction hindered our talent recruitment," Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau says. Photo: May Tse

[12]

Exclusive | Bigger space, better living: what Northern Metropolis public flats have to offer

Share of larger flats will also be increased to 25 per cent, with estates integrated with the area’s environment, heritage and technology.

29 Jun, 2026

An artist's impression of the Fanling North New Development Area. Estates located near rivers will feature waterfront elements and integrate with the riverside environment. Photo: CEDD

[13]

Could a ‘Reit Connect’ be Hong Kong’s handover anniversary gift from Beijing?

Previous July 1 anniversaries have delivered financial policy changes, and markets anticipate expanded cross-border access this year.

29 Jun, 2026

Link Reit is the largest among Hong Kong’s 11 Reits. Photo: Handout

[14]

Exclusive | High ceiling to clear? First rectified subdivided flat to be approved soon

Housing minister Winnie Ho also says government still needs at least four years to fulfil Beijing’s order to eradicate substandard homes.

29 Jun, 2026

There are currently about 220,000 residents living in subdivided homes. Photo: Eugene Lee

[15]

Exclusive | Housing minister talks accountability, how to prevent another Tai Po fire

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho says tragedy left profound impact on all involved departments and highlighted need to strengthen oversight.

29 Jun, 2026

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho says the Wang Fuk Court tragedy left a profound impact on all involved departments. Photo: Dickson Lee

[16]

Hong Kong, mainland China to start sharing data this year: tech minister Sun Dong

Minister also outlines plans to host chats between students and city’s first astronaut as early as start of new school term.

01 Jul, 2026

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong. Photo: Jonathan Wong

[17]

Hong Kong tech chief warns AI will unleash ‘greatest industrial revolution’

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong says city is proactively preparing for paradigm shift with key AI initiatives.

01 Jul, 2026

A robot wows people at a conference hosted by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on June 3. Photo: Dickson Lee

[18]

Education chief says students must master technology, not be disconnected from it

Christine Choi says banning devices would hinder learning as Hong Kong rolls out blueprint to integrate AI and digital tools in schools.

06 Jul, 2026

Hong Kong has bucked a global trend of limiting the use of technology in school, with ministers saying students must learn to navigate devices responsibly. Photo: Kelly Le

[19]

Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis university town tender to launch in 2 months

Education minister Christine Choi says 22-hectare site in Hung Shui Kiu will comprise three university campus sites.

06 Jul, 2026

The Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen new development area of the Northern Metropolis. Photo: Elson Li