Nate Thayer, renowned for his daring journalism and the last Western correspondent to interview Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, has died at 62. Thayer's career was marked by his deep connections to Asia, his investigative prowess, and his adventurous spirit. He gained significant recognition for his 1997 interview with Pol Pot, which revealed the leader's lack of remorse for his genocidal regime. Thayer's work extended to various regions and topics, including far-right movements in the U.S. Despite his professional success, he faced financial difficulties later in life, remaining principled and uncompromising until the end.

Nate Thayer, a renowned investigative reporter known for his interview with Cambodian leader Pol Pot, has passed away. Thayer's career was marked by his deep expertise in Asian affairs, stemming from a childhood spent in Taiwan and his father's diplomatic work. He contributed to various publications and was recognized for his bravery and investigative skills. Thayer's most notable achievement was securing an interview with Pol Pot in 1997, which won him several awards. Despite his professional success, Thayer faced financial difficulties later in life, leading to a crowdfunding campaign to support him. His life was characterized by a commitment to principle and a desire to understand the perspectives of those he reported on, including extremist groups.

Hong Kong's substantial fiscal reserves, amounting to nearly HK$2 trillion, should be utilized to benefit its citizens. Former officials and experts argue that the reserves are excessively large and should be spent on addressing the city's pressing issues, such as housing, education, and social welfare. Criticism is directed at former financial secretary John Tsang for not effectively using the reserves, contributing to economic inequality. The article emphasizes the need for strategic spending to support infrastructure projects and social programs, particularly for the aging population.

Hong Kong's substantial fiscal reserves, amounting to nearly HK$2 trillion, should be utilized to address the city's pressing issues, according to various experts. Former financial secretary Sir Hamish Macleod's 'golden rule' of maintaining 18 months' worth of spending in reserves is deemed excessive by figures like Mike Rowse and Allan Zeman. They argue that the reserves should be invested in land acquisition, education, and creative industries to benefit the public. Criticism is directed at former financial secretary John Tsang for his conservative fiscal policies, which are seen as contributing to economic inequality. The article also highlights the need for increased social spending, particularly for the aging population, and calls for a more balanced approach to managing the city's finances.

A Beijing-backed panel is set to select Hong Kong's next leader amid ongoing political unrest and uncertainty. The leading candidate, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, is widely believed to be Beijing's preferred choice, despite negative poll ratings. Other candidates include John Tsang Chun-hwa, who lacks support from pro-government factions, and Woo Kwok-hing, a retired judge with no government experience. The election process, controlled by a small committee, has been criticized for lacking genuine democratic elements. Beijing's influence and pressure on the election committee are evident, with significant implications for Hong Kong's political future.

Hong Kong's leadership has faced continuous controversy since its return to China in 1997, with the upcoming chief executive election marred by the trial of former leader Donald Tsang on corruption charges. Tsang's trial coincides with the resignation of Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, who is now running for chief executive. The election, dominated by a Beijing-appointed committee, is set for March. Lam's candidacy is already controversial due to a secret plan involving a museum housing artifacts from Beijing's Palace Museum. Other candidates include judge Woo Kwok-hing and legislator Regina Ip, with former financial secretary John Tsang also a potential candidate. The current chief executive, C.Y. Leung, is not seeking re-election amid unpopularity and allegations involving a payment from Australian firm UGL. Anson Chan, a former chief secretary, calls for honesty and transparency in the next chief executive, criticizing the non-transparent process surrounding the museum project.

The Hong Kong government failed in its attempt to imprison three prominent pro-democracy students, Joshua Wong, Alex Chow, and Nathan Law, who were instead sentenced to community service. Magistrate June Cheung Tin-ngan rejected the government's request for jail time, citing a lack of new evidence. The administration of Chief Executive C.Y. Leung, which had taken a hard line against the Umbrella Movement, was dissatisfied with the lenient punishment. Legal experts suggested that the government's actions might be influenced by pressure from Beijing. The students expressed gratitude for the judiciary's independence and reflected on the support for civil disobedience in Hong Kong.

Thousands of Hong Kong residents are expected to participate in an annual protest march against Chief Executive CY Leung and Beijing's influence. The march, led by Lam Wing-kee and other pro-democracy figures, aims to prevent Leung from securing a second term and to protest the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, highlighted by the case of detained booksellers. The protest also precedes legislative elections featuring new parties like Demosisto, led by Joshua Wong and Nathan Law. Public sentiment is increasingly negative towards Leung, with significant political implications for the upcoming elections.

Thousands of Hong Kong residents are expected to participate in an annual protest march, expressing dissatisfaction with Chief Executive CY Leung and Beijing's influence. The march, led by Lam Wing-kee and other pro-democracy figures, aims to prevent Leung's re-election and highlight the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, especially in light of the booksellers' case. The protest also precedes legislative elections featuring new parties like Demosisto, led by Joshua Wong and Nathan Law, who emphasize the importance of protecting freedoms and personal security.

China's senior official Zhang Dejiang concluded a three-day visit to Hong Kong, assuring that Beijing will not undermine the 'one country, two systems' principle. The visit, set against the backdrop of upcoming elections, addressed rising localist sentiments and fears of 'mainlandization.' Zhang met with pro-democracy legislators, marking the highest-level meeting since 1997, and faced criticism of Hong Kong's current leadership. The article highlights the tension between maintaining Hong Kong's autonomy and the central government's stance against independence movements.

Political maneuvering is intensifying in Hong Kong ahead of the legislative council election, with a generational shift giving rise to new political parties. Public trust in both the Hong Kong and Beijing governments is declining, especially among younger citizens. Joshua Wong, a prominent figure from the Occupy movement, is forming a new political party focused on Hong Kong's future post-2047. The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) is attempting to distance itself from unpopular figures to align more with public sentiment. Radical nativist movements and new political groups are also emerging, advocating for full independence from China and democratic reforms within professional sectors.

Shi Deyun, a mainland Chinese man accused of killing his two teenage nephews in Arcadia, agreed to be extradited to the United States after a hearing in Hong Kong. Acting without legal counsel, Shi signed a document consenting to his extradition and the return of his seized properties. The consent order requires the signature of Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to take effect. Shi was informed of his right to apply for habeas corpus but chose not to pursue it. The U.S. assured Hong Kong that Shi would not face the death penalty, only a life sentence. Shi had moved to Southern California in 2014 and was dealing with personal issues, including a pending divorce and health concerns.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is meeting with President Barack Obama in Washington during the anniversary of Hong Kong's pro-democracy 'Umbrella Movement' protests. Key figures from Hong Kong's democracy movement, including Martin Lee, Joshua Wong, and Benny Tai, are speaking at Freedom House's 75th anniversary. Concerns persist in Hong Kong over Beijing's increasing control, highlighted by recent controversial statements from Chinese officials. The Umbrella Movement's legacy is debated, with some seeing it as a catalyst for political awakening and others as ineffective against Beijing's hardline stance. The US is seen as having an obligation to address Hong Kong's democratic aspirations due to its support for the Sino-British agreement and the Basic Law.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington during the anniversary of Hong Kong's Umbrella Movement protests. Key figures from Hong Kong's democracy movement, including Martin Lee, Joshua Wong, and Benny Tai, speak at Freedom House's 75th anniversary event. Concerns persist over Beijing's increasing control over Hong Kong's local affairs and the lack of progress following the Occupy Central protests. Despite low popularity, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying remains in power, with Beijing's backing. Democratic leaders reflect on the legacy of the protests, emphasizing a shift in political culture and the importance of long-term strategies for democracy.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators vetoed an electoral reform proposal from China's communist leaders, which would have allowed a direct vote for the city's chief executive but only from candidates approved by China. The vote was a significant event in Hong Kong's democratic development since returning to China in 1997. The rejection, seen as a blow to Beijing and the Beijing-backed chief executive Leung Chun-ying, maintains the current election system. The veto followed peaceful protests and is a public rejection of a major policy by Beijing, highlighting concerns over the erosion of the 'one country, two systems' principle. The failed walkout by pro-Beijing lawmakers during the vote further complicated the situation. The outcome has raised concerns about the future communication between Beijing and Hong Kong democrats.

Following violent clashes between protesters and police in Hong Kong, the government is attempting to quell the unrest by leveraging familial pressure. As temperatures drop, parents are urging their protesting children to return home, often through messages offering comfort such as a bowl of hot soup. The student-led democracy protesters have shifted tactics, surrounding government buildings to emphasize their discontent with the government rather than the people of Hong Kong. The government has responded with increased force, using tear gas and truncheons to clear protesters. Despite these efforts, the main protest area remains largely intact. The conflict centers on Beijing's refusal to allow fully democratic elections for Hong Kong's chief executive, a stance that has led to significant public demonstrations.

Following severe clashes between protesters and police in Hong Kong, colder weather is providing a temporary respite to the ongoing protests. The conflict, driven by student-led democracy movements against the Hong Kong government backed by Beijing, is causing significant stress within families. The government is leveraging familial bonds, with parents urging their children to return home, to quell the unrest. Despite police efforts to clear protest sites, the main protest area remains intact. The protests began in response to Beijing's decision to control the nomination process for Hong Kong's chief executive, which protesters view as a sham democracy.

Hong Kong police clashed with pro-democracy demonstrators as they attempted to clear them from Argyle Street, arresting 30 protesters including legislator Leung Kwok-hung. The clearance, in response to a court injunction, is seen as a precursor to a larger eviction planned for Nathan Road in Mong Kok, Kowloon. Despite an internal poll suggesting most Occupy Central protesters would return home if asked, there is a strong sentiment for continued, possibly more aggressive action. The protests, which began in September, are driven by demands for greater democracy and local autonomy from China's government. The clearance operation took seven hours and involved court bailiffs, police, and riot police, with tear gas used to disperse protesters outside a shopping complex. Media presence was significant, and the day's events suggest that the upcoming clearance of Nathan Road may be challenging.

Hong Kong police clashed with pro-democracy demonstrators as they attempted to clear them from Argyle Street, arresting 30 protesters including legislator Leung Kwok-hung. The clearance, a precursor to a larger eviction planned for Nathan Road, was met with resistance and took seven hours. Despite an internal poll suggesting most Occupy Central protesters would go home if asked, tensions suggest potential for more aggressive action. The protests, ongoing since September, are driven by demands for greater democracy and autonomy from Beijing's control. The Nathan Road clearance is expected to be challenging, with the possibility of increased violence.

On the 51st day of Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Movement,' protesters and court officials removed barricades blocking access to a business tower linked to mainland China, signaling a potential peaceful resolution. The action followed a court injunction by CITIC, which argued that the barriers impeded traffic. Despite ongoing protests in other areas, today's events suggest a non-violent approach, influenced by public opinion polls showing a majority wanting the demonstrators to disperse. Key figures like Andrew Li, Albert Ho, and Joshua Wong played significant roles in the day's developments.

On the 51st day of Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Movement,' protesters and court officials removed barricades blocking access to CITIC Tower, signaling a potential peaceful resolution to the student-led democracy protests. The action followed a court injunction by CITIC, with students and bailiffs working separately to clear the barriers. Despite this development, protests continue in other areas, and public opinion is increasingly against the demonstrators. Key figures involved include former Chief Justice Andrew Li, Democratic Party legislator Albert Ho, and student leader Joshua Wong.

For over 40 days, Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Movement' has seen diverse groups of protesters demanding real democracy from China. The movement is split between two main camps: the more affluent Admiralty area and the working-class Mongkok. Admiralty hosts students and features creative protest art, while Mongkok is characterized by older, working-class protesters and has seen more violence. Despite their differences, both groups share a common goal of achieving genuine democratic governance in Hong Kong.

After nearly four weeks of pro-democracy protests, Hong Kong's government held its first face-to-face talks with student leaders of the 'Umbrella Movement.' The meeting, involving Chief Secretary Carrie Lam and five student representatives, was broadcast live and highlighted the students' demands for full and unfettered elections in 2017 and the resignation of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. The talks, while unlikely to have immediate political effects, are significant for occurring despite China's firm stance and for the Hong Kong government's commitment to inform Beijing of the city's views. The discussions also touched on the wealth gap, with criticism directed at the city's governance by a few wealthy elites and mainland-based corporations.

Reflecting on a personal encounter with Robin Williams in a San Francisco comedy club, the author recounts Williams' extraordinary improvisational performance that showcased his deep knowledge of Shakespeare. The article commemorates Williams' genius and laments his tragic death, drawing parallels to Shakespearean themes.