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Kari Lindberg
For Kari Lindberg's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Singapore has topped Hong Kong for the first time in the Economic Freedom of the World Index.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 21, 2023
In first, Singapore tops Hong Kong to become ‘world’s freest economy’
Hong Kong fell to second place in the Economic Freedom of the World Index for the first time since its began in 1970.
A customer shops at a sushi counter at the Food Le Parc supermarket in Hong Kong.
BUSINESS / Economy
Aug 24, 2023
Hong Kong restaurants brace for cost jump after Japan seafood ban
The saga is yet another headache for the city’s restaurant industry, which is still suffering from the effects from pandemic curbs and a worker shortage.
The music score for “Glory to Hong Kong”
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 8, 2023
Hong Kong government to appeal in failed bid to ban protest song
Reiterating that disseminating the song was a national security crime, the government said its injunction was crucial to safeguarding the city.
John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, during an event in Hong Kong on April 15
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 28, 2023
U.S. should invite Lee to summit after report he’s barred: Hong Kong
Chief Executive John Lee and other top Hong Kong and mainland Chinese officials were sanctioned by the U.S. for their role in the crackdown on civil liberties in the city.
Demonstrators sing the "Glory To Be Thee, Hong Kong" protest song during a flash mob in 2019.
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 21, 2023
Hong Kong court says protest song is matter of national security
The city’s High Court on Friday heard the government’s argument for why it should be illegal to perform or broadcast Glory to Hong Kong with criminal intent.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 19, 2023
China names ex-intelligence official as Hong Kong security chief
Dong Jingwei, 59, has been appointed as director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 17, 2023
China intensifies military drills with Russia amid U.S. sanctions
The two countries conducted six joint military exercises together last year, the most in data going back two decades.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 7, 2023
U.S. Navy cuts Taiwan transits even as China steps up military pressure
The U.S. reduced its number of naval transits through the Taiwan Strait in 2022 to the lowest level in four years.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 6, 2023
Hong Kong-China border reopening no quick fix for ailing city
The reopening will be a slow process, with a limit of about 60,000 people allowed to travel into the mainland from the financial hub every day.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Dec 14, 2022
Hong Kong aims to prove it can still be ‘Asia’s World City’
As the pandemic recedes, a new Hong Kong is emerging — one that's less free, less cosmopolitan and, for some businesses, less vital than the old one.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / FOCUS
Oct 17, 2022
Xi looks to harness Chinese 'fighting spirit' to take on U.S.
Leader Xi Jinping used a highly anticipated speech at a twice-a-decade Communist Party congress to deliver a clear message to those who want to thwart China's rise: You will fail.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 15, 2022
Congress forces Biden toward risky face-off with China over Taiwan
More hawkish moves by Congress could leave the U.S. president with a choice of whether he would rather look weak in Washington or in Beijing.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jun 30, 2022
Hong Kong has 'risen from the ashes,' China's Xi says on rare visit
This is Xi Jinping's first trip to the territory since orchestrating crackdowns on political dissent and COVID-19, which put the city's future as a financial hub at risk.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 29, 2022
Xi to finally leave mainland China after 893 days at home
The leader will head to Hong Kong on Thursday and Friday, according to local media, for events marking 25 years of Chinese rule in the former British colony.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jun 27, 2022
China’s Xi keeps Hong Kong guessing on in-person visit
The confusion over the Chinese president's visit comes as Hong Kong recorded nearly 2,000 new COVID-19 cases.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 27, 2022
Hong Kong police adopt ‘goose step’ marching to boost patriotism
The official switch will take place on the city's 25th anniversary of Chinese rule, a crucial political event that Chinese President Xi Jinping is widely expected to attend.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 24, 2022
Xi’s trip to Hong Kong in doubt after top officials get COVID-19
Two members of incoming Chief Executive John Lee's cabinet have tested positive for the virus, the government revealed in a Thursday statement.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / FOCUS
Jun 20, 2022
Hong Kong lawyers are the next target of Xi’s national security law
There is growing concern that Hong Kong's rule of law, for decades a foundational pillar of its standing as an international financial center, is becoming more influenced by the mainland.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 4, 2022
Hong Kong plots different COVID-19 path to China's zero tolerance
As Shanghai and Beijing stick ever more closely to 'COVID-zero' principles, Hong Kong is methodically moving toward opening up to the rest of the world.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Apr 7, 2022
Ex-Hong Kong security chief launches bid to become city’s leader
John Lee's candidacy is a sign Beijing is focused on deepening its crackdown on dissent in the city, and his agenda will likely include the passage of additional security legislation.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on