China
Hong Kong Companies to Implement New Inspection Regime in Phase 3 Starting December 27, 2023
The new inspection regime on the Companies Register will now allow for the use of correspondence addresses and partial identification numbers (IDNs) for directors and company secretaries. This will protect personal information while still allowing public access for purposes outlined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
Under the new inspection regime, (a) correspondence addresses instead of usual residential addresses (“URAs”) of directors and (b) partial identification numbers (“IDNs”) instead of full IDNs of directors, company secretaries, and other relevant persons like liquidators, will be made available on the Companies Register for public inspection. Meanwhile, companies can withhold the URAs and full IDNs (except the first part) on the registers where the information is maintained from public inspection. (The first part of the IDN is decided by an established rule, which is usually the first half of the sequence number if the IDN is an even number or the part that begins with the first character in the sequence and ends with the character that falls on the middle of the sequence if the IDN is an odd number.)
The URAs and full IDNs are regarded as “Protected Information” under the new inspection regime. Previously, the URAs and full IDNs of any company’s director, company secretaries, or other relevant persons could be accessed by the public. By replacing URAs and full IDNs with correspondence addresses and partial IDNs, the protection of personal information will be enhanced. At the same time, it will ensure the transparency of the Companies Register by allowing the public to access it for the purposes stipulated under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
This article is republished from China Briefing. Read the rest of the original article.
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Business
Previously Unseen Photos of Joe and Hunter Biden in China Spark New Questions About Son’s Business Ventures for the President
Unseen photos of Joe and Hunter Biden with Chinese leaders have intensified scrutiny on Hunter. Joe recently pardoned Hunter for past gun and tax fraud charges, igniting controversy over their business dealings.
New Photos Stir Controversy
Previously unseen photographs of Joe and Hunter Biden meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with Hunter’s business associates, have reignited scrutiny around the First Son. This visual evidence coincides with ongoing controversies surrounding Hunter’s business dealings following President Biden’s recent blanket pardon for his son on gun and tax fraud charges dating back to 2013.
Business Connections Revealed
The snapshots, sourced from the National Archives, depict Joe Biden engaging in discussions during his vice presidency, including introducing Hunter to prominent figures like then-vice president Li Yuanchao and business executives from BHR Partners. Hunter Biden, who co-founded the private equity firm BHR, has faced criticism concerning his financial ties to Chinese companies.
Biden’s Defense and Future Implications
In light of these revelations, the President has reiterated that he never engaged in business discussions with Hunter. However, the photos have fueled allegations previously brought forth during impeachment inquiries, prompting mixed reactions from political opponents and supporters. Hunter’s recent pardon, which extends to potential future charges, raises questions about the implications for his past dealings.
China
China and India Foster Trust on the Road to Reconciliation
On October 23, 2024, Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi endorsed troop withdrawals along their disputed border, signaling a shift toward normalcy in China-India relations influenced by economic pressures and pragmatic leadership.
Recent Diplomatic Progress
On 23 October 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the BRICS conference in Kazan, Russia. This marked their first delegate-level meeting in five years, during which they reaffirmed an agreement to disengage their militaries along the disputed border. Within a week, both nations initiated troop withdrawals, effectively restoring the status quo to its pre-2020 conditions.
Historical Context of Tensions
The border dispute between China and India, which dates back to colonial times, has led to significant hostilities, including a war in 1962. Both countries have maintained distinct perspectives on the boundary, prompting occasional escalations. Recent tensions have largely arisen from the rise of nationalist leaders and the shifting landscape of international politics, which have intensified the rivalry between the two nations.
Implications for Global Relations
The Xi–Modi meeting drew international attention due to its potential impact on regional dynamics. While some analysts view the disengagement as a positive step for bilateral relations, others suggest it is merely a tactical pause rather than a strategic shift. The outcome of this development remains critical to understanding the interplay between China, India, and the broader global geopolitical landscape.
Source : China and India rebuild trust on the path to reconciliation
Business
Nigeria and China Revive Currency Swap Agreement – Guardian Nigeria
Nigeria and China have renewed their currency swap deal, enhancing economic cooperation and facilitating trade between the two nations, as reported by Guardian Nigeria.
Currency Swap Deal Renewed
Nigeria and China have officially renewed their currency swap agreement, which is vital for strengthening economic ties between the two nations. This deal is designed to enhance trade relations, making transactions more efficient and less vulnerable to fluctuations in foreign exchange markets.
Benefits for Both Nations
The renewed agreement allows both countries to conduct trade using their local currencies, thereby reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar. This initiative is expected to foster economic stability and boost bilateral trade, benefiting businesses on both sides significantly.
Future Prospects
As the agreement takes effect, it is anticipated that Nigeria will experience easier access to Chinese goods and investments. This partnership not only promises immediate economic advantages but also signals a long-term commitment to closer collaboration between Nigeria and China, paving the way for future developments in trade and infrastructure.
Source : Nigeria, China renew currency swap deal – Guardian Nigeria
- Previously Unseen Photos of Joe and Hunter Biden in China Spark New Questions About Son’s Business Ventures for the President
- China and India Foster Trust on the Road to Reconciliation
- Nigeria and China Revive Currency Swap Agreement – Guardian Nigeria
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