HK has slammed the US for placing sanctions on six local and Chinese officials for their involvement in what Washington calls "transnational repression." ...

Some shipping companies are discreetly moving operations out of Hong Kong and taking vessels off its flag registry. Others are making contingency plans to do so.

Hong Kong's flag is now flown by many of China's state-owned international vessels. In a conflict, these tankers, bulk carriers and large container vessels would form the backbone of a merchant ...