Following China’s passing of the new national security law for Hong Kong, the US has removed Hong Kong’s special privileges. However, previous evidence shows that economic sanctions seldom work. Zaobao correspondent Tai Hing Shing asks if this time will be any different.

Seeing that stalwarts have kept their positions while new blood comes in the form of those who have law enforcement or political experience, pundits wager that Beijing may take a more hardline approach in the days to come.

Norman Yik finds a silver lining in the Covid-19 chaos coursing through Hong Kong. A group of self-reliant individuals are showing that the fighting spirit that Hong Kong is known for is alive and well. And Tai Hing Shing charts the beginning of a busy week as Hong Kong civil servants return to office.

Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing rationalises that Hong Kong’s decision thus far not to completely close borders with the mainland is not unfounded.

In 2003, criticisms of how the authorities handled the SARS outbreak were harsh but kind. Now with the outbreak of the Wuhan virus in Hong Kong, people are quicker to cast the first stone despite the authorities’ relatively faster response. Politics in Hong Kong is seeping into every facet of life, even the flu.

Since its return to mainland China in 1999, Macau has seen rapid progress and growth. But despite the impressive figures, issues with governance and bread-and-butter issues such as housing remain. On the 20th anniversary of Macau’s return to China, Zaobao reporter Tai Hing Shing looks at the challenges facing the Macau SAR government.

After heavy defeats suffered by the pro-establishment camp in the recent district council election in Hong Kong, what lies ahead for the upcoming Legislative Council elections and elections for the Election Committee and the Chief Executive? Tai Hing Shing gathers relevant views and lays the cards on the table.

Hong Kongers used to call Beijing “Grandpa”. But the recent protests and the district council elections show that they no longer see mainland China as an authority figure. Tai Hing Shing analyses how Beijing lost its standing in Hong Kong.

The Macau SAR is in a celebratory mood, busy preparing for the 20th anniversary of its return to China. On the other side of the estuary, the Hong Kong SAR has been in turmoil for the past four months with no hint of a reprieve. China’s two SARs are facing circumstances that are poles apart. Why?