Hong Kong | Hundreds gather to protest editor’s dismissal

Around 400 people have gathered in Hong Kong to protest a veteran newspaper editor’s dismissal that triggered concerns about press freedom in the semiautonomous Chinese territory. The dismissal last month of the Ming Pao newspaper’s No. 2 editor, Keung Kwok-yuen, came after the newspaper published a report on the “Panama Papers” document leak revealing offshore business dealings of the rich and powerful. The newspaper said Keung was dismissed to save operating costs. The South China Morning Post said journalists, activists and politicians attended the rally yesterday outside the Ming Pao Industrial Center. Protesters carried signs saying “protect journalists, protect Ming Pao, protect press freedom.” Anxiety has grown in recent years among many in Hong Kong about Beijing’s growing influence on the territory.

China rejects Hong Kong port call by US aircraft carrier

China recently denied a request from a U.S. aircraft carrier for a port visit in Hong Kong, the State Department said Friday, in an apparent sign of mounting tension in the disputed South China Sea.  Defense Secretary Ash Carter and his Philippine counterpart visited the carrier, USS John C. Stennis, in those waters two weeks ago, a move that irked Beijing. Gabrielle Price, spokeswoman for East Asia, said the department was recently informed that a request for a visit by the Stennis and accompanying vessels was denied. She said the U.S. has a long record of successful port visits to Hong Kong, including a current visit by the USS Blue Ridge, and it expects that will continue. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China ambassador says North Korean proposal merits study

China’s U.N. ambassador says a North Korea proposal under which Pyongyang would halt its nuclear program if the U.S. and South Korea suspend joint military exercises merits consideration. “I think anything, anything, any proposal, no matter where the proposal comes from, so long it is conducive to a negotiated solution that will contribute to denuclearization to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula should be studied very carefully,” Liu Jieyi said on the weekend. He stressed the need for a multidimensional approach to the North Korea situation and said that sanctions and Security Council resolutions alone would not resolve the issue. He added countries could also work directly with North Koreans to diffuse tensions. Liu made his remarks during a news conference wrapping up his month-long term as Security Council president.