HKSAR Handover Anniversary: Hong Kong marked the 29th anniversary of the 1997 return with a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square and a reception at HKCEC, attended by CE John Lee and senior officials, with helicopters over Victoria Harbour and a water salute. Political Messaging: Lee used the occasion to frame the Communist Party’s leadership as a “fundamental safeguard” for Hong Kong’s prosperity, while Xi Jinping also urged party discipline and adaptability in a speech marking the CPC’s 105th anniversary. Cross-Strait Tensions: Taiwan’s Premier Cho said China’s new “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law” aims to eliminate Taiwan’s sovereignty, with Taiwan vowing to protect citizens as the law takes effect. US-China Pressure: U.S. senators introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the law, citing abuses against minorities and transnational repression. China Policy Watch: China’s State Council rolled out new overseas investment rules, giving authorities power to take “necessary and defensive measures” and raising compliance questions for firms abroad. Hong Kong Governance & Security: Coverage also highlighted official claims that Hong Kong’s national security law provides “institutional safeguards” for good governance. Economy/Markets: China’s June factory activity picked up, with tech shares leading gains as Xi reiterated “high-quality development.” Business/Deals: Reuters reported record global M&A in H1 2026 driven by $10bn-plus mega-deals.