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Explainers

Explainers
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Explainers. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
Chim Pui-chung is known for his outspoken nature and at times crass remarks. Photo: SCMP
Hong Kong society

Explainer | ‘Angry Chiu Chow man’: who is Hong Kong’s Chim Pui-chung?

From ‘golden banker’ fame to fiery outbursts, the Post looks at background of former lawmaker found guilty in fraud case this week.

Hong Kong housing

Explainer | Court ruling is latest twist in battle to build flats on Hong Kong golf course

Crime in Hong Kong

Explainer | Hong Kong bar blaze: why a 1997 arson case that killed 17 is back in the spotlight

US presidential election 2024

Explainer | What are US recess appointments and why has Donald Trump suggested using them?

Several nominees for top posts have drawn fire for being unqualified, but there is a way to seat them without hearings or a Senate vote.

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US president-elect Donald Trump at the launch of a test flight of a SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, on November 19. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
Hong Kong politics

Explainer | US threatens sanctions: what Hong Kong can expect after the jailing of 45 activists

The Post reviews how Hong Kong was caught in China-US geopolitical crosshairs and the impact of restrictive measures on the city.

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Banking & finance

Explainer | What makes China’s ultra-long ‘special bonds’ so special?

China has only issued its ultra-long-term government bonds in special circumstances – here’s why this year qualifies.

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Hong Kong courts

Explainer | Why Hong Kong prosecuted ‘Dragon Slaying’ bomb plotters under anti-terrorism law

Defendants were charged under the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance, which was invoked for the first time since it was enacted in 2002.

Police officers keep watch as protesters take to the streets on December 8, 2019. Photo: Winson Wong
Hong Kong transport

Explainer | Walk this way? Why Hong Kong’s MTR Corp is targeting escalator etiquette

Some residents are putting their foot down over call to do away with transport tradition and stand still on both sides of escalators.

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US presidential election 2024

Explainer | What is the ‘Blue Wall’ and how can it be breached?

Among the fiercest battlegrounds in this year’s US presidential election are three states Donald Trump won in 2016 but lost in 2020.

US-China relations

Explainer | The heated US-China cable competition under the seas

Vital for data transmission and communications between continents, lines are vulnerable to sabotage and a stage for global power rivalry.

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A partially buried undersea cable. Image: Shutterstock
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Explainer | Hong Kong zoo melioidosis outbreak: what is this disease and how does it spread?

The Post explains the cause of the infections and how you can keep yourself safe.

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A De Brazza’s monkey at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Central. Photo: Sam Tsang
John Lee policy address 2024

Explainer | What is Hong Kong’s plan to eradicate its worst subdivided flats?

Critics say government legitimising problem by only eliminating 30 per cent of problem homes, despite Beijing order to ‘bid farewell’ to them.

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Hong Kong housing

Explainer | How can new policies help young Hongkongers stop ‘lying flat’, be homeowners?

Applicants aged under 40 will get extra ballot number in flat draws, a move that is expected to increase their chances of being selected.

John Lee policy address 2024

Explainer | How does Hong Kong’s liquor tax cut work and why do some find it hard to swallow?

Drinkers with a taste for pricier spirits will benefit most from new framework, but health concerns are also top of mind.

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The cut aims to boost the high-end spirits market, with hopes that it will also benefit the tourism and restaurant sectors. Photo: May Tse
Crime in Hong Kong

Explainer | How Hongkongers can stop thieves stealing their valuables while flying

The Post learns why direction your bag faces in overhead compartment can offer protection, among other advice, amid spike in on-board thefts.

A recent theft case involved a passenger losing a watch valued at HK$4.16 million. Photo: Shutterstock
US presidential election 2024

Explainer | 2024 US congressional races: what to expect and how China plays a role

Concerns about Beijing loom in some contests as Democrats seek to hang on to the Senate and Republicans eye expanding their House majority.

US presidential election 2024

Explainer | How do US ‘swing states’ decide presidential elections?

The seven states where Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump will win – or lose – the White House.

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US presidential election 2024

Explainer | How are votes counted in the US presidential election?

The Post looks at the timeline and issues that may affect the American election result and transition to a new White House administration.

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Illustration: Davies Christian Surya
Hong Kong society

Explainer | What to know about lithium-ion batteries after 1 caused fire on Hong Kong train

The Post looks at how you should take care of the batteries that charge your mobile phones and laptop computers.

Hong Kong society

Explainer | What were the risks involved in Hong Kong’s cancelled drone shows?

The Post breaks down what went wrong with the National Day events, the technology involved and why neighbouring Shenzhen was able to carry on with its shows.

Hong Kong weather

Explainer | What happened to Hong Kong’s pre-National Day drone show? The Post talks science

Consultant working with organisers attributes decision to significant ionospheric interference affecting GPS signals used to control drones.

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Hong Kong was forced to cancel it’s pre-National Day drone show on Monday. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong transport

Explainer | How do Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, other airlines deal with unruly fliers?

Incident involving drunk passenger on Chicago-bound Cathay flight puts safety back under microscope, as industry body warns of legal loophole.

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An incident involving a drunk passenger on a Chicago-bound Cathay flight has put air safety back under microscope. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
Hong Kong weather

Explainer | All you need to know about waterspouts after rare sighting in Hong Kong harbour

A waterspout was seen in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour for the first time since records began in 1959, so what caused the phenomenon?

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Hong Kong economy

Explainer | Unsure how to spend National Day break in Hong Kong? The Post has you covered

Hong Kong has lined up series of activities to mark 75th anniversary of country’s founding, including discounts and an evening drone show.

Crime in Hong Kong

Explainer | Hong Kong’s HK$3 million Scameter raffle: how to participate and what you can win

The Post breaks down this unprecedented publicity drive by police and what sweeteners are available for participants.

More than 40,000 prizes worth over HK$3 million will be handed out, from coupons to a BYD electric car. Photo: Sun Yeung
Hong Kong property

Explainer | Why banks ‘call’ mortgage loans, and what your options are if they do

What to know about when and why a bank might call your loan, and why falling interest rates create more options for strapped borrowers.

People enjoy a park in Kai Tak near the Oasis Kai Tak residential development on July 7, 2024. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
Cathay Pacific

Explainer | To recline or not? A look at in-flight rules after Cathay bans Cantonese couple

The Post unpacks protocols, common misconduct on flights and what can get you blacklisted.

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Middle East

Explainer | Israeli-Hezbollah conflict escalates – but is this war?

Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly traded fire in the last year, but neither side is calling it a war – yet.

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