Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2019 riots, Chinese tourists accounted for over 80% of tourism in Hong Kong, significantly contributing to retail, dining, and hospitality sectors. With the upcoming reopening of Chinese borders by mid-January 2023, there is concern in Hong Kong. The region has seen a surge in Covid cases, and there are worries about Chinese visitors coming to Hong Kong for Western vaccines and medications, which are scarce in China. Hong Kong authorities have assured that residents will have priority access to healthcare and vaccines, with non-residents being able to receive vaccinations for a fee.

The trial of the 'Hong Kong 47', pro-democracy activists involved in the 2020 opposition primary, concluded with closing arguments on December 4 in West Kowloon. Sixteen defendants pleaded not guilty to 'conspiracy to commit subversion' under the National Security Law, facing potential life imprisonment. The verdict is expected in three to four months. The defendants include veteran legislators, a journalist, and citizens who participated in the primaries. Three-quarters of the defendants have been in pre-trial detention since February 2021. The trial, observed by Western diplomats, maintained the customs of Common Law despite being under the new security law. Some defendants pleaded not guilty, believing in their minimal involvement and chance for acquittal, while others who pleaded guilty did so due to lost confidence in the justice system and to benefit from a reduced sentence.

The largest trial of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, involving 47 participants of the 2020 opposition primaries, concluded on December 4th at the West Kowloon courthouse. The final plea took place, with a verdict expected within three to four months. Only 16 defendants, who pleaded not guilty to 'conspiracy to commit subversion' under the new national security law imposed by Beijing, were present. Notable defendants included seasoned legislators Lam Cheuk-ting and Leung Kwok-hung, as well as journalist Gwyneth Ho. The trial, conducted under the new security law, still adhered to the traditions of Common Law, and was attended by several Western diplomats.

In Taipei's Nowhere bookstore, a hub for Hong Kong immigrants, the atmosphere is a stark contrast to the vibrant Ximending district nearby. Hong Kongers in Taiwan, including former journalist Zhang Jieping and writer Mukyu, are experiencing a cultural shock and depression, with many considering leaving due to the unexpected challenges of exile. The situation is set against the backdrop of the 2019 political protests in Hong Kong and the subsequent crackdown on civil liberties, with Taiwan representing the democratic values that Hong Kongers aspire to.

Stephen Chow, the Bishop of Hong Kong, began a mysterious and speculative five-day visit to Beijing on April 17, nearly thirty years after the last similar visit and amidst recent tensions due to the Chinese government's appointment of bishops without coordination with the Holy See, seemingly breaching the secret bilateral agreements of 2018. The visit occurs in a challenging context for all religions in China and amid tensions or misunderstandings between Beijing and the Vatican. The official mission is to promote exchanges between the Church in China and the universal Church. The Chinese Catholic community is split between those loyal to Rome and the state-controlled 'patriotic' church. Hong Kong, with greater religious freedom, has a 5% Catholic population with disproportionate societal influence, including three of the five heads of the executive since the handover being Catholic.

The retrospective 'Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now' opened on November 12 at the M+ museum in Hong Kong, featuring over 200 works from various collections and three special commissions. The exhibition, marking the first anniversary of M+, showcases Kusama's artistic journey over 77 years, with a focus on themes such as infinity and connectivity. Kusama, known for her polka-dotted pumpkins and red wig, is a celebrated artist in Hong Kong, where her work has fetched record prices.

Hong Kong is preparing for the reopening of its borders with mainland China after three years of closure due to COVID-19 policies. The region's Chief Executive, John Lee, announced that exchanges between Hong Kong and mainland China would resume before mid-January, following China's reopening on January 8. The isolation had led to a recession in Hong Kong in 2022, but with the easing of entry conditions since September, the economy is showing signs of recovery. Alicia Garcia Herrero, Chief Economist for Asia-Pacific at Natixis, predicts a potential growth of at least 3% for Hong Kong's economy in 2023. Hong Kong, where 93% of the population is vaccinated, mostly with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, is the only area in China offering Western vaccines. The region has historically been a popular destination for mainland Chinese tourists, who made up 80% of local tourists in 2018, but tourism had declined due to the 2019 riots and subsequent border closures.

Hong Kong is preparing to reopen its borders with mainland China after three years of closure, with Chief Executive John Lee announcing the resumption of trade before mid-January. The reopening is expected to aid Hong Kong's economic recovery, as it has been the only Asian economy in recession in 2022. Hong Kong's population is 93% vaccinated, mostly with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which is not available in China. Coordination with major southern cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou will be necessary to manage the reopening process.

The retrospective 'Yayoi Kusama, from 1945 to the present' opened on November 12 at M+, Hong Kong, featuring the renowned Japanese artist's iconic works, including her signature polka-dotted pumpkins. At 93, Kusama is one of the most recognized contemporary artists in Hong Kong, where her works have fetched record prices. The exhibition, marking M+'s first anniversary, showcases over 200 pieces from private and public collections and includes three special commissions. Curators Mika Yoshitake and Doryun Chong have organized the exhibition thematically and chronologically, highlighting Kusama's artistic journey over the past seventy-seven years.

Jimmy Lai, former head of the opposition press group Next Digital Limited, which published the popular tabloid Apple Daily, faces serious charges under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong. His trial, which could result in life imprisonment for collusion and conspiracy with foreign forces, has been postponed to September 2023. The judges have been selected by the government, and local authorities have tried to prevent Lai from being defended by his chosen lawyer, British barrister Tim Owen. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee has appealed to Beijing to overturn the decision of Hong Kong's highest court, further undermining the already tarnished reputation of Hong Kong's judiciary.

Business trips to China from Hong Kong have become challenging due to COVID-19 restrictions. Pre-pandemic quick trips are now replaced with weeks of waiting for border crossing lotteries and quarantine requirements. Despite recent easing of measures, such as reducing pre-flight testing, travelers like Paul H. and Alec L. face obstacles like overnight stays at airports and the need for patience and perseverance.

Hong Kong has undergone a significant transformation in less than three years, losing many aspects of its unique identity as a bastion of Anglo-Saxon liberalism and capitalism, nourished by fundamental freedoms and human rights. Despite an incomplete democratization process, Hong Kong was the only part of Chinese territory with a solid rule of law, independent judiciary, political opposition, religious freedom, free press, unrestricted internet access, internationally renowned universities, and open borders. These attributes contributed to its ranking as the world's freest economy for 25 consecutive years. However, as of July 1, 2022, entering the second half of the 50-year crucial period after the handover from the UK to China, Hong Kong has experienced a shift from a sense of freedom to a latent state of fear, with self-censorship in public, at work, on social media, and even in private due to the infiltration of denunciation.

Cardinal Joseph Zen, canto pop star Denise Ho, and human rights lawyer Margaret Ng were arrested in Hong Kong under the national security law imposed by Beijing. They are accused of 'collusion with foreign forces.' The arrests also included Hui Po-keung, a former university lecturer, and are part of a crackdown on the remaining pro-democracy figures in the city. The 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which supported protesters from the 2019 demonstrations, has been dissolved. Cardinal Zen, a prominent democracy advocate and former bishop, is known for his moral authority and his support for imprisoned media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

Following the outbreak of hostilities initiated by Vladimir Putin, hundreds of thousands of people across Europe and the world demonstrated in support of Ukraine on February 26 and 27. Protesters, adorned in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, rallied against the war and Putin, with some depicting him with a Hitler-like mustache. In London, amidst a return to normalcy post-COVID-19, thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square, expressing solidarity with Ukraine and calling for an end to Putin's aggression. Personal stories of protesters, such as Oksana Cheremkhivra and Cassia Scott-Jones, highlighted the human impact of the conflict and the frustration with the international response.

Hong Kong authorities have initiated a new strategy to control the wild boar population, which involves culling the most invasive or aggressive animals. This decision follows an increase in complaints and incidents involving wild boars, such as attacks on people and destruction of property. The previous method of capture, sterilization, and relocation was deemed insufficient. The population of wild boars in Hong Kong is officially estimated at 3,000, and the issue has become a significant public safety concern.