Backchat

On Backchat, Zhang Dejiang's visit. He has said that he would listen to “all sectors of society” on “what recommendations and requirements they have” regarding the implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ . Is this a good sign of a non-confron...

On Backchat, Brexit. In a few weeks the UK will vote on whether to withdraw from the European Union. What are the pros and cons, who are the significant personalities, and how are the 'leave' and 'stay' campaigns going? After 9.20, public housin...

On Backchat, the Cultural Revolution. Upheaval on a massive scale marked the 60s and 70s in China - a terrifying mixture of authoritarianism, idol-worship and anarchy. Do we understand better now its causes and consequences? How much responsibil...

On Backchat, China's economic policy. Recent comments in official media suggest debate at the highest level about how to run the economy. Will there actually be a change from recent stimulus-fueled policy? What would that mean for Hong Kong? Is th...

On Backchat, we talk about the weather. The Observatory, the Education Bureau and schools are in hot water over their reaction to bad weather on Tuesday. Was the red rainstorm warning badly timed, or was it simply because of a sudden storm? Was it...

On Backchat, elections in the Philippines.Rodrigo Duterte was elected President on Monday and he is a controversial figure. What is his appeal, and what are likely to be the foreign policy consequences of his victory? Will he really change the ...

On Backchat, Hong Kong politics since Occupy. How has political culture developed since our streets were occupied in the autumn of 2014? New parties have emerged, and some new ideas have come to the surface. But are the changes significant and w...

On Backchat, we put a knapsack on our back and talk about hiking in Hong Kong. The Maclehose Trail has been identified for the National Geographic Magazine as one of the best trails in the world, and our amazing walks are becoming better known loc...

On Backchat, how to handle new media. Hong Kong Free Press, an online newspaper, is launching a judicial review against the Government over its policy of barring online media outlets from its press conferences and releases. Should old and new m...

On Backchat, leaving Legco. An old guard of legislators have announced they will not be standing in September's elections, including Emily Lau, Alan Leong, Sin Chung Lai, Albert Chan Wai-yip, Albert Ho, Kenneth Chan, Ip Kwok Him, Chan Yuen Han a...