US official Sarah B Rogers criticized the UK's justice system at a London conference, claiming "thousands of speech arrests" and echoing far-right memes. The UK government and MPs rejected her characterization, calling it an attempt to undermine democracy.
Iraq is experiencing an unusual wave of anti-corruption arrests targeting senior officials, leading to the seizure of approximately $86 million, 70 properties, and other assets. The new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has initiated probes and established a new council to combat systemic corruption.
Hong Kong's Health Minister Lo Chung-mau defended a proposal to allow doctors without permanent residency to work in the city, stating it aims to attract younger talent and will not harm local practitioners' careers. A bill is expected in two weeks.
Hong Kong is actively recruiting global talent to establish its own drug approval body, the Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR), expected to launch by Q4. This initiative aims to accelerate access to advanced medicines and bolster the city's international biomedical hub ambitions, aligning with national policy.
A senior NPS official confirmed claims of vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, stating its liner was cut and fence posts thrown in, amid controversy over Trump's $14.2m renovation project. This follows an algae bloom, peeling blue coating, and an arrest, while calls for evidence grow.
Hong Kong's Security Chief Chris Tang revealed that arrested protesters from the 2019 unrest may have their cases reviewed if they show remorse and national identity. Investigations continue for over 7,000 uncharged individuals.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice, Paul Lam Ting-kwok, discussed ongoing efforts to enhance the city's legal system, particularly concerning national security. He clarified that appeals in national security cases are not retrials and do not involve new evidence, aiming to provide clarity and certainty through subsidiary laws.
Hong Kong officials discuss achievements and future plans, focusing on national security and legal system improvements. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam emphasizes continuous work on subsidiary laws for clarity and certainty, stating appeals do not involve new evidence and classification as national security should not affect appeal prospects. New legislation clarifies national security offenses and vests certification power in the chief executive.
As Hong Kong marks 29 years since its return to China, officials discuss national security law achievements. Justice Secretary Paul Lam emphasizes continuous legal system improvement and clarifies appeal processes, stating national security classification won't hinder appeals. New legislation clarifies offenses and vests certification power in the chief executive.
The EU and Hong Kong are discussing a financial services dialogue, with EU companies interested in opportunities within Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis. Ambassador Harvey Rouse highlighted potential cooperation in sustainable finance and the green transition.
Hong Kong plans to develop more heritage attractions, combining historic buildings with cultural experiences, following the success of the Yau Ma Tei police station exhibition. Tourism chief Rosanna Law identified Haw Par Mansion as a future major development.
Hong Kong's tourism chief stated the city should aim to grow bigger and better, rather than expecting Shenzhen to stop its development. She expressed confidence in meeting a target of increasing tourism's GDP contribution to 5% by 2029, up from 3% last year.
Vijendra Nath Tiwari, elder brother of actor Pankaj Tripathi, was seriously injured in an axe attack in Belsand village, Gopalganj district, Bihar. The incident, reportedly linked to a land dispute, occurred on Sunday evening. Tiwari was attacked outside his home and is undergoing treatment at PMCH. One suspect has been arrested.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po is reviewing the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect scheme to allow mainland Chinese investors access to a wider range of products, potentially including higher-return, higher-risk options. This comes as the city marks the anniversary of its return to Chinese rule.
Polish PM Donald Tusk cautioned against a political conflict with Ukraine, calling it a strategic mistake. This follows Poland revoking Zelenskyy's top honor after he supported renaming a unit after nationalists who massacred Poles in WWII. Meanwhile, Ukraine's attacks on Russian fuel supplies in Crimea have led to civilian gas sales suspension.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan revealed plans to strengthen the city's role as an offshore yuan hub next month, aiming to increase listed firms trading in renminbi and expand yuan investment products. Chan defended the city's financial center status, highlighting its gateway function for mainland Chinese IPOs.
Ukraine is reinforcing its northern border with Belarus due to a sharp increase in Russian spy drones and growing concerns about Belarus's deeper involvement in Russia's war. Officials fear Moscow is integrating Minsk into its war efforts, potentially widening the conflict's scope.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit Russia on June 16-17, 2026. During his trip to Moscow, he will hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and meet with President Vladimir Putin, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source.
China's fourth-ranking official, Wang Huning, praised the "enthusiastic" participation of Taiwanese people at the Straits Forum, despite restrictions imposed by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party. The forum, Beijing's main platform for cross-strait people-to-people engagement, featured 58 events in Fujian province.
Japan's distinct approach to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, including maintaining contact with Moscow and seeking energy imports, has been noted by European governments and NATO nations. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi defended Tokyo's outreach, emphasizing the importance of dialogue during conflict. A politician from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been attempting to arrange a meeting between the Japanese and Russian foreign ministers. Japan is also reportedly close to an agreement with the US to continue importing energy from Russia's Sakhalin 2 project.
A veteran US diplomat, Richard Haass, urged the US and China to hold regular high-level meetings and deepen cooperation on emerging technologies like AI. He emphasized the need for transparency to prevent a downturn in relations and suggested institutionalizing diplomatic interactions.
The Central Party School has had several notable heads in the past 30 years, including Hu Jintao (1993-2002), Xi Jinping (2007-2012), Zeng Qinghong, and Liu Yunshan (until 2017). These roles often served to familiarize heirs apparent with ideology work or were held by chief ideologues.
China's Central Military Commission, led by President Xi Jinping, issues strict measures to enforce discipline among senior PLA officials, emphasizing education, management, and supervision, aligned with Xi Jinping Thought.
China's International Liaison Department Minister Liu Haixing met with Pakistan's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Dar in Beijing. They discussed strengthening bilateral ties, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and international affairs, signing a cooperation MoU.
