By , HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong passed a bill on Thursday that would criminalise disrespect of China’s national anthem, a move critics see as the latest sign of Beijing’s tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.The move comes just days after Chinese authorities gave the green light to move ahead with a national security law, which the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada, as well as international human rights groups, say will erode freedoms in the global financial hub.The national anthem bill orders that primary and secondary school students in Hong Kong be taught to sing...…By , HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong passed a bill on Thursday that would criminalise disrespect of China’s national anthem, a move critics see as the latest sign of Beijing’s tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.The move comes just days after Chinese authorities gave the green light to move ahead with a national security law, which the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada, as well as international human rights groups, say will erode freedoms in the global financial hub.The national anthem bill orders that primary and secondary school students in Hong Kong be taught to sing...WW…

By , HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong’s Education Bureau on Friday announced the suspension of all schools from Monday after a sharp rise in locally transmitted coronavirus cases fuelled fears of renewed community spread.Schools in the Asian financial hub have been mostly shut since January, with many having switched to online learning and lessons by conference call. Many international schools are already on summer break.Hong Kong reported 38 new coronavirus cases on Friday, edging down from Thursday’s 42 but broadly in line with a sharp increase that the city registered over the past three...…By , HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong’s Education Bureau on Friday announced the suspension of all schools from Monday after a sharp rise in locally transmitted coronavirus cases fuelled fears of renewed community spread.Schools in the Asian financial hub have been mostly shut since January, with many having switched to online learning and lessons by conference call. Many international schools are already on summer break.Hong Kong reported 38 new coronavirus cases on Friday, edging down from Thursday’s 42 but broadly in line with a sharp increase that the city registered over the past three...WW…

By , HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong’s security and police chiefs said “terrorism” was growing in the city, as government departments rallied on Monday behind Beijing’s plans to introduce national security laws after thousands took to the streets to protest against the move.The security legislation, which could see Chinese intelligence agencies set up bases in Hong Kong and aims to tackle secession, subversion and terrorist activities, has sent shockwaves through the business and diplomatic communities.“Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as...…By , HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong’s security and police chiefs said “terrorism” was growing in the city, as government departments rallied on Monday behind Beijing’s plans to introduce national security laws after thousands took to the streets to protest against the move.The security legislation, which could see Chinese intelligence agencies set up bases in Hong Kong and aims to tackle secession, subversion and terrorist activities, has sent shockwaves through the business and diplomatic communities.“Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as...WW…