by geoffreykfcheng

Meetings in June: Extradition Bill and US-China Trade War

According to Civil Human Rights Front, organiser of the anti-extradition protest, 1.03 million (1,030,000) people marched on the streets of Hong Kong yesterday. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Police Force estimated that 240,000 were on the march “at its peak”.

At a press conference this morning, Chief Executive Carrie Lam made it clear that the Second Reading debate on the bill scheduled for Wednesday at LegCo would not be postponed.

We wish to hear your thoughts! Join us for the upcoming meetings of The Economic Club of Hong Kong.

Extradition Bill: Massacre of Freedom or Nothing to Fear?

June 18th, Tue 19:15 | The Hive, Kennedy Town (map) | Sign up on Facebook or Eventbrite

A proposed extradition law in Hong Kong has set off alarm bells not only within the former British colony, with the Legislative Council witnessing violent clashes between pro-government and pro-democracy lawmakers opposed to the bill, but also from the international community. Why? Critics fear the law would allow Beijing to nab anyone it likes who sets foot in the territory — from a normal resident to the chief executive of a multinational in transit — and whisk them off to mainland China on trumped up charges.

In this meeting, Edward Chin Chi-kin (錢志健), Convenor of 2047 HK Monitor (a political advocacy group) and a hedge fund manager, will share his view on the extradition bill and its implications. For sure it is relevant not only to locals but to everyone who has business interests in the city. Come and join our discussion!

Speaker’s profile:
Edward Chin Chi-kin (錢志健) [LinkedIn]

Professionally, Ed Chin has over 20 years of experience in hedge funds, securities trading, and business valuation. He previously held the position of Country Head at Man Investments, the largest global hedge fund manager measured by asset under management and part of the FTSE 100. He is currently a board member of a family office, with portfolios in real estate and other “liquid alpha” strategies.

Politically, Ed Chin is a core member of Occupy Central Movement and Convenor of 2047 HK Monitor, a political activist group. In 2017, he ran for the by-election of the Peak constituency of the Central and Western District Council. He has also been a columnist of multiple local publications, including Apple Daily, Next Magazine and Hong Kong Economic Journal as well as a host of D100 Radio.


Materials to read prior the meeting:

  • A draft bill would allow Hong Kong to hand suspects to China’s police (The Economist article, link)
  • Comparing Hong Kong’s extradition bill with other international, law-abiding agreements is misleading (Hong Kong Free Press Article, link)
  • Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam says it is ‘almost impossible’ to drop controversial extradition bill (SCMP Article, link)

Register via Facebook or Eventbrite | June 18th, Tue 19:15 | The Hive, Kennedy Town

US vs. China – Trade War or Cold War

June 25th, Tue 19:15 | The Hive, Kennedy Town (map) | Sign up on Facebook or Eventbrite

Since the initial opening-up of China in the 1980s, the profit motive had become a pillar of stability in its relations with the US. However, in recent weeks narratives have changed to strategic competition, containment and the “Thucydides trap”. Are we at the brink of a new cold war and an “economic iron curtain” coming down between China and the West? How will both sides manage the technological, military, economic and political aspects of this great-power contest?

Welcome to join us to discuss these and other related questions.

Suggested reading:

  • A New Kind Of Cold War (The Economist Special Report, link)
  • A New Cold War Has Begun (Foreign Policy, link)
  • Crackdown on Huawai is escalating trade war (Vox Article, link)

Register via Facebook or Eventbrite | June 25th, Tue 19:15 | The Hive, Kennedy Town

The Economic Club of Hong Kong is a community of lifelong learners and intellectually curious people. Events are organised by a group of passionate volunteers.

Meeting Format:
The host will welcome you at the venue and start with introduction about the community and topic of choice. Depending on how many people will attend, we split into sub-groups of 4-5 people for more detailed discussions. Within subgroup we will introduce ourselves (name, profession, hobby and fun fact) and begin a free-flowing discussion on the theme. That’s why it is important to prepare and read suggested materials prior the meeting. Questions, new paths for discussion, personal experience, and opinions are highly encouraged. We conclude the event with everyone sharing their takeaways on the subject.

It’s free to attend our events, yet we would buy a drink as a courtesy to the venue. If you would like to host an event on the topic of your choice or join the team, please email to us or speak to one of the committee members.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by the speaker do not necessarily reflect the position of the club.

(Newsletter: Geoffrey Cheng / The Economic Club of Hong Kong.)

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