Speaking Of Asia

The long view on Hong Kong

Amid the angst and anxieties over the city's future, it may help to consider Li Ka Shing's experience

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Those venting over China's stated intent to assert more control over Hong Kong through new security laws have possibly forgotten a key moment in the territory's history when the underworld boss known as "Big Spender" kidnapped the older son of its wealthiest man, Mr Li Ka Shing.

Here's what happened: On May 23, 1996, when the territory was still under British administration, the younger Mr Li was waylaid near his home in Deepwater Bay and abducted by men clad in bulletproof vests and holding AK-47s.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 12, 2020, with the headline The long view on Hong Kong. Subscribe