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Archive for the ‘Public Affairs’ Category

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Email to China: Hack This!

In China, Public Affairs on 23 April 2013 at 9:10 AM

A crowded Internet cafe in China

A war of words has erupted between the USA and China. This time the subject is Internet security and claims of hacking or cyberspying. As a columnist on issues of international consequence relating to China, by writing on this subject I feel like the deer in the Larson cartoon with a target on his chest. “Bummer of a birthmark, Hal” says another deer. Can you write about China hacking without getting hacked yourself? Let’s see.

Back to the war of words.

There’s no bigger word than the letter A, especially when connected to the word bomb. General Fang Fenghui, chief of staff of the People’s Liberation Army in China said on Monday that attacking the Internet was as serious as launching a nuclear bomb.

“None of these activities is tolerated here in China,” said General Fang. If Internet security can’t be guaranteed, “the damaging consequences may be as serious as a nuclear bomb.” (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

In the same press conference the PLA chief suggested that attacks can even come from within the same country. His suggestion is that Americans are hacking American sites. And while they are no doubt doing this, there may also be validity to the claims that many cyber attacks originate in China. The evidence is so compelling The Economist prepared this special edition video on the subject:

Now the USA is considering a raft of measures to penalise China for Internet hacking. These range from trade sanction to diplomatic pressures. (They might even take away their iPads until after dinner.) There are also moves within the State Department to cooperate with China to stop other countries from going on the cyber-offensive. Other attacks int he past have been traced to Iran and North Korea. (Learn more at The Wall Street Journal.)

Regardless of outcomes the biggest change is that Internet security has entered the pantheon of modern warfare. Being able to protect information and the free flow of capital is vital to every nation. From electricity grids to water treatment plans to hospitals, everything is online now. Even you – and me. Note to China – Don’t try this at home:

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Research Paper – Spectrum Wars: Hong Kong’s re-auction of 3G spectrum

In Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 15 April 2013 at 5:00 PM

 

 

 

 

Compass

Looking between the lines at China Mobile’s controversial bandwidth bid

 

 An upcoming 3G spectrum re-auction is stirring controversy in Hong Kong following reports that the government’s intention is to ask local operators to vacate spectrum to potentially make way for China’s largest mobile operator.

 

The four current license holders are up in arms, claiming it will lead to prices going up, service disruption and will force them to curb network investment.  As various parties make their case, a key consideration must be whether the policy is consistent with Hong Kong’s market-focused, competition-led regulatory regime.

 

By allowing an operator to bid for a fifth 3G license, can we reasonably expect this to deliver improved service and pricing for mobile users? The participation of China Mobile in the auction will also guarantee heightened media and regulatory scrutiny and illustrates some of the public relations challenges mainland corporates face as they expand beyond their home market.

 

Re-auction proposal

 

At present the Communications Authority  (CA) has issued a consultation paper on 3G spectrum reissuance with three options: first refusal to existing operators; a full re-auction of all spectrum; and lastly a hybrid approach where one-third of existing spectrum will be re-auctioned.

 

The inclusion of the last option has been interpreted as an indication that authorities already favour this option. What’s more, China Mobile has already indicated it is keen to acquire spectrum in a separate consultation paper it filed last year.

 

This potential spectrum grab is proving contentious on a number of levels. For one, it pitches China’s giant state-owned mobile operator and its 710 million subscribers against the longstanding 3G mobile franchises of Hong Kong’s most prominent tycoons.  The profile of the protagonists involved guarantees intense media interest, both locally and across the border.

 

Secondly, it is also risks inflaming delicate cross-border politics. Public opinion is increasingly sensitive to encroaching mainland Chinese influence in Hong Kong due to the growing number of Chinese visitors since the introduction of individual tourist visitor permits.

 

Last year over 30 million mainland Chinese visited Hong Kong, which has a population of 7 million.

 

It is possible that local operators’ could play to fears of a Chinese takeover of Hong Kong.  But, bearing in mind the same companies have business interests on the mainland and in Hong Kong, which benefit from tourist dollars, this could be counterproductive.

 

Hong Kong’s government is also in a tight spot as it has to manage local expectations and maintain relationships with its ultimate sovereign. Recently, it has introduced various policies to limit mainland visitors access to maternity beds, and baby milk powder which already ratcheted up tensions.

 

Ultimately, the CA will come under considerable public pressure to explain its policy move, whatever the competition justification within its statutory ordinances.

 

The Operators

 

3G mobile operators include businesses run by various high profile local tycoons. These include Li Ka-shing  (Hutchison Whampoa), Thomas and Raymond Kwok (SHK Properties owns SmarTone) and Richard Li (HKT ).   Henry Cheng ( New World Development)  holds a  23.6% shareholding in CSL), which is majority-owned by Australia’s Telstra Group (76.4%).

 

Hong Kong’s 3G incumbents have warned that depriving them of rights  to renew their spectrum could lead to a disruption in service quality, including dropped calls. That said, their respective licenses for the 3G spectrum in the 1.9-gigahertz to 2.2GHz band do not expire until October 2016, suggesting that a lengthy lead-time exists to deal with network capacity and redundancy issues.

 

Policy Challenge

 

Hong Kong’s regulator has a number of issues to consider. It will want to demonstrate that it is not retreating from its even-handed and pro-competition approach to regulation by favouring a particular entity.  Any sign of a policy reversal here would be contentious.

 

The government has previously faced criticism for dragging its feet  when introducing a wider competition law due to opposition from local business interests. The CA will also need to demonstrate how its hybrid auction is based on sound competition policy and not a political imperative.

 

One alternative market-based approach would be for China Mobile to expand in Hong Kong by attempting to buy one of the existing license holders.  However, this may not be  given the green light on competition grounds, as it would reduce the number of operators.

 

The argument for China Mobile entering Hong Kong

 

The mainland telecoms provider  has a presence in  Hong Kong after buying People’s Phone 2G business in 2006.

 

China Mobile has various reasons to covet 3G spectrum. First,  there is the technology angle.  Even if China Mobile were able to buy an existing Hong Kong 3G operator, they are using a different standard from China’s indigenous 3G technology, TD-SCDMA. Hence, it is likely China Mobile would prefer to purchase spectrum rather than an existing operator. Chinese authorities are keen to promote the TD CDMA  standard which has around 100 million users in China.

 

Typically the CA would not express a preference to favour a particular technology standard when issuing spectrum.

 

Secondly, China Mobile is simply just following its customers. With  its customer base, comprising approximately about 2/3 of the mainland market the operator has an interest to serve its sizeable numbers of customers who travel through Hong Kong. The numbers using TD-SCDMA are likely to rise further by 2016 thanks to new rail and  bridge links between Hong Kong and China. Being separated by  two different mobile networks is inconvenient, particularly when factoring in penal roaming charges.

 

Good for Hong Kong?

 

One factor that  could influence the debate  would be the argument that China Mobile’s entry would boost competition substantially by lowering roaming charges.  However, China Mobile did not  cite this in its initial submission.

 

There is also precedent in Europe for regulators to legislate lower roaming charges. While this is likely to be hugely popular with consumers, it  could make China Mobile extremely competitive and disrupt  the existing order. It could even be a prelude to other  Hong Kong’s operators merging or allying  with China’s other mobile operators China Unicom and China Telecom.  Such change would certainly be disruptive in the short term. A case could be made that the Hong Kong mobile market also needs a wider definition to include the  sizeable number of cross-border mobile users.

 

One argument against letting China Mobile bid for spectrum in Hong Kong, is that the mainland does not allow similar reciprocal access in its own market. This is something mainland regulators will increasingly have to consider as more corporates seek to expand internationally.

 

Bottom Line

 

The spectrum auction is likely to be contentious and it is important to keep sight of the competition policy issues .   A bumpy ride looks inevitable without a clear articulation of the wider benefits of allowing China Mobile to enter Hong Kong’s 3G market by purchasing spectrum.

 

Disclaimer: Kreab Gavin Anderson does not represent any of the companies listed in this report.

 

Background Information


Hong Kong’s telecommunications market has an enviable track record of generating rigorous competition, consumer choice and low prices.

This has been fostered under a pro-competition regulatory regime, often at the forefront of telecom policy liberalisation and best practice internationally.

The benefits of this regime are seen in some of the world’s lowest domestic mobile tariffs and highest mobile penetration levels – at 200%.

 

About Kreab Gavin Anderson

 

Kreab Gavin Anderson is a leading communications consultancy with a global reach. We help our clients solve complicated and demanding communications issues that can have an impact on their futures.

With operations in 25 countries and over 400 experienced consultants, we provide independent and strategic advice on high-stakes financial, corporate and public affairs communications.

Compass looks to bring timely insights on prominent issues hitting the headlines. We look across a range of sectors, themes and news sources in Hong Kong and China to deliver business views  that matter today.

As one of the Four Great Inventions celebrated in Chinese culture, the compass served as a symbol of China’s lasting legacy to science and technology.

Originally invented by the ancient Chinese in the 4th Century BC, the compass greatly improved maritime trade by making travel safer and more efficient.

Today, compasses can be found in ships through to smartphones, providing direction when  people most need it.

At Kreab Gavin Anderson, our clients rely on us for direction, wherever they operate in the world.


Ripped from the Headlines: Hong Kong News Today

In Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 15 April 2013 at 10:37 AM

The top news from all of Hong Kong’s newspapers today is below – enjoy your reading!

SCMP

l   HK: Rising costs plunge poor into despair

-New study says poor suffer from anxiety over inflation

 

l   HK: Green light for state firms may herald a rebound in IPOs

-Sinopec Engineering and China Galaxy Securities brighten market prospects

 

l   HK: Owners are held liable for illegal land-filling by intruders on their property-

 

l   China: North Korea a test for new leaders

-Many now believe Pyongyang’s belligerence is undermining China’s interests

 

l   China: China, US to form group on climate change

 

l   China: Graft busters shy on disclosure of assets

-February meeting of national anti-corruption body reveals lack of support for move to compel party officials to declare their wealth

 

Sing Tao

 

l   Striking dock workers between rock and hard place

-They must keep their jobs but are reportedly being replaced by South Asian strikebreakers

 

l   85 percent of Hong Kong people are anxious over inflation

 

l   Businesses would have to pay out HK$50 billion more if overtime pay were mandated

 

 

Caixin

 

l   Li Keqiang: Policy should not become a stumbling block to further development

-Says local governments should engage in reform to raise employment and incomes

 

l   Customs official says there was no basis to previous claim that the NDRC had approved 7 trillion yuan in investments

 

l   CIC says that goals of CSRC circular that aims to restrict wealth management by commercial banks will be hard to attain

 

l   Chinese demand pushes European baby formula suppliers to implement restrictions

 

Xinhua

 

l   13 dead from H7N9 as virus spreads

 

l   First-quarter GDP figures to be announced today, growth may be at 8 percent

 

l   End of the 12-year gold bull market as international gold prices plummet

 

l   Plan to upgrade the construction steel industry may have to be put off

 

l   Detailed plan for restructuring railways ministry released

 

l   Li Keqiang’s comments on reform

 

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“Where Is Leung Chun-ying?” Editorial from The Wall Street Journal

In Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 12 April 2013 at 1:46 PM

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NOTE: In this blog I strive to provide original content and not a rehash of the daily news. However this is an important editorial that deserves widespread distribution. Subscribers to the Wall Street Journal can access the original editorial here. Others can read below.

 

The political chasm in Hong Kong just keeps getting wider. Opposition politicians want Beijing to follow through on vague promises to allow residents to elect their leader by universal suffrage. Meanwhile the mandarins worry that full democracy will allow a future charismatic figure to challenge their authority and ignite demands for elections on the mainland. To forge a compromise plan, the city desperately needs its current chief executive to step into the breach, but Leung Chun-ying has remained strangely silent.

The latest kerfuffle began when Benny Tai, a law professor at Hong Kong University, proposed a campaign of civil disobedience to put Beijing’s feet to the fire. His plan actually starts out conciliatory, with numerous off-ramps for compromise. These include a “deliberation day,” during which participants are supposed to form little discussion groups to talk about their visions of political change.

If Beijing still doesn’t come to the table, however, the plan culminates in a mass rally known as “Occupy Central.” Tens of thousands of protesters would flood Hong Kong’s central business district on July 1 next year, effectively shutting down this Asian financial capital.

This threat sure got Beijing’s attention, but if anything China’s leaders have dug in their heels on democracy. A series of top party members have come out in force to declare the ground rules for selecting Hong Kong’s next chief executive.

Yu Zhengsheng, the chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, warned against using the chief executive’s office to undermine mainland politics; he stressed the importance of patriotism and the need for the chief executive to “love the nation and love Hong Kong.” Zhang Xiaoming, director of China’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong, said there must be a process by which candidates are vetted by Beijing for their “suitability.” Qiao Xiaoyang, the chairman of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee, elaborated that candidates who did not accept one-party rule in China would be disqualified.

This is the vicious cycle Hong Kong feared all along. Residents increasingly feel that they are being strung along with stall tactics because Beijing has no intention of honoring its commitment to universal suffrage. Frustrated by the lack of progress, they are more willing to challenge Beijing head on. Even the more moderate politicians have been forced to go along with this trend lest they be marginalized.

This radicalization only realizes Beijing’s deepest fears about allowing greater democracy. Its real concern is that residents of towns and cities on the mainland will emulate Occupy Central and mobilize for greater autonomy of their own.

And so the harder Hong Kong pushes for universal suffrage and the closer the city veers toward civil disobedience, the tighter Beijing will squeeze. As the Communist Party-affiliated Global Times newspaper wrote, “Confronting the central government is not an option if Hong Kong is to survive. China has adequate power to stop Hong Kong [from] . . . becoming a threat.”

Beijing-controlled local publications have made reference to Beijing’s power to declare a state of emergency in Hong Kong, which would then allow for the application of martial law. As former pro-Beijing journalist Ching Cheong wrote in Singapore’s Straits Times, “it will spell the end of the ‘one country, two systems’ formula, of which essence is Hong Kong’s exemption from Chinese laws.”

There are still some cooler heads around and hopefully they will prevail. Academic experts on both sides have called for compromise. Even Hong Kong’s former Chief Secretary Anson Chan has weighed in, saying that it was not unreasonable to expect the city’s chief executive be able to cooperate with Beijing.

Which brings us to Hong Kong’s current chief, Leung Chun-ying. Appointed by the central government last year, he is considered one of the Party’s most trusted allies. And while we expressed concern at the time that Mr. Leung’s policies on education, health care, land reform and the judiciary might eventually turn Hong Kong into just another Chinese city, he surprised us by advising Beijing against implementing a “patriotic education” curriculum in Hong Kong’s state-funded schools, and we praised him for it.

But ever since Mr. Tai introduced his Occupy Central plan, Mr. Leung has stayed on the sidelines of the debate. It’s as if he’s been pushed aside by more powerful forces from Beijing.

Now more than ever Hong Kong needs leadership. Mr. Leung may not have been democratically elected, but he could still act as a bridge between the interests of mainland China and the people of Hong Kong, who are growing increasingly frustrated that their views are not heard in Beijing. Their desire for self governance stems from the disconnect between their maturing political culture and China’s outmoded means of central and unaccountable government. By remaining silent, Mr. Leung only demonstrates why the people of Hong Kong need a leader who will represent them.

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 8 April 2013 at 2:47 PM

Broken doors – and more!

With more than 20 daily newspapers, Hong Kong has the highest per capita newspaper readership of any country in the world. Of those 20, all but a few are in traditional Chinese characters. Therefore the English speakers in Hong Kong miss out on what’s making news in the Cantonese press. At Kreab Gavin Anderson we provide a daily summary for our clients – and friends. I hope you enjoy.

Boarding bridges collapse, pulling door off of airplane

Yesterday, a boarding bridge set collapsed at Chep Lap Kok Airport, pulling the cabin door off a Cathay Pacific airplane. After the passengers had boarded the Japan-bound aircraft, the boarding bridge leading to the economy-class cabin suddenly moved towards the first-class boarding bridge. As the first bridge fell, it caused the second bridge to fall, pulling off the door of the first-class cabin. A bridge operator was injured, having fallen from a height of five meters. After the accident, the airport immediately and temporarily halted the use of similar boarding bridges in order to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

 

Unions protest ineffective government mediation

The dockworkers’ strike involving Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) has entered its 12th day. Yesterday, workers mobilized nearly 4,000 people to join nearly 100 workers and their families on a protest march from Victoria Park to Cheung Kong Centre and the government headquarters. The marchers, who included students and several organizations, decried what they called ineffective government mediation and called on HIT to become directly involved in the negotiations. According to police, 2,800 people were assembled at the height of the march. The Labor Bureau is expected to attempt another round of mediation today. Separately, the labor union at the MTR corporation is calling for a 7 percent pay rise in order to help attract new candidates following the 2012 to 2017 period, when 75 percent of workers are expected to retire.

 

Elsie Leung says it will be hard to make the 2017 Chief Executive election perfect

Yesterday, Elsie Leung, Vice-Chairman of the Basic Law Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), said that she did not expect that Hong Kong would develop the perfect plan for electing the Chief Executive in 2017. She said that democracy was a step-by-step process She also expressed that the sooner the government began the consultation process on political reform the better. Moreover, regarding the comments made by NPC Law Committee Chairman Qiao Xiaoyang that any candidate would have to love Hong Kong, love China and not oppose the central government, Leung said that these were obvious criteria. She noted that if Hong Kong people were “stupid enough” to vote for a candidate who did not fulfill these criteria, they should not blame Beijing for the consequences.

 

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Research Paper – Highlights of 2013 National People’s Congress

In China, Public Affairs on 22 March 2013 at 4:58 PM

On 5 March 2013, the first plenum of the 12th NPC officially opened in Beijing. During the 13-day meeting, delegates from across China, and the PLA, officially confirmed the appointments of China’s state leaders and cabinet members, concluding the leadership transition that began during the 18th Party Congress in November 2012. They also ratified a streamlined government structure.

 

As a service to clients, Kreab Gavin Anderson published a white paper on the outcomes of this important meeting. Included are the Ministerial reorganisations and what that means for business and China’s population. As one example, the merging of Ministry of Transport with Railways may yield better overall transport planning. It also signals a move to market-driven infrastructure investments, versus state-driven decision.

You can download a copy of the research report here: Kreab Gavin Anderson – National Peoples Congress – White Paper – March 2013

 

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 22 March 2013 at 4:37 PM

The iconic Hong Kong taxi may be getting a make-over. China car manufacturer BYD announced plans to introduce an electric taxi soon. We’re fortunate in Hong Kong to have a large fleet for clean, efficient and low cost taxis. “Home, please!”

 BYD announces plan to import 3,000 electric taxis

Yesterday, mainland car manufacturer BYD announced that, in May 2013, it would bring 45 electric taxis to Hong Kong. Within three years, the number could rise to 3,000 taxis. BYD also said it would spend HK$40 million to install 47 charging stations at parking lots. The first three of the charging stations have already been completed. BYD said that the electric taxis could be leased or bought. The company did not reveal how much it would cost to lease the vehicles, but it did say that the cars would sell for HK$450,000. Each vehicle would save HK$110,000 in fuel charges. The reaction from taxi drivers has been lukewarm. Drivers have expressed concerns that they might have to wait in line to charge car batteries and would be inconvenienced by having to ship the electric taxis back to the manufacturer for service. Questions have also been raised on who will pay for the electricity.

 

Pan-democrats found Alliance for True Democracy

Yesterday, 27 pan-democrat legislators, along with 12 political parties and trade unions, formerly founded the True Democracy Alliance. The group may join former Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan’s Citizens’ Commission on Constitutional Development and Occupy Central to call for a democratic election of the Chief Executive in 2017 and to oppose the establishment of a primary process or screening mechanism. The Convener of the Alliance, Joseph Cheng, said that the threshold for the election of the Chief Executive must not surpass the current level. He also said that the qualifications for nomination must not include a political screening.

 

Sai Kung sewage treatment plant may be moved into a cavern

The government began the second stage of a public consultation yesterday on a proposal to undertake reclamations at five sites. The government also proposed three cavern sites that it says might house sewage treatment plants or reservoirs. According to the proposal, if a sewage treatment plant in Sai Kung were moved into one of the sites, and a nearby reclamation went ahead, 6.2 hectares of land could be made available for housing. Additionally, since the reclamation project includes the construction of a seawall, a neighboring mooring area for boats can be increased in size. Critics of the plan have suggested that the plan might not be cost-effective due to the effort involved in relocating the plants and in conducting the necessary excavation.

 

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Research Paper – China’s Five Year Plan for Energy Development

In China, Public Affairs on 15 March 2013 at 12:50 PM
Electrician's Nightmare by Thomas Gaston

Electrician’s Nightmare by Thomas Gaston

On 25 January, China’s State Council announced the 12th Five-Year Plan for Energy Development. Covering the 2011-2015 period, the plan clarifies national energy policy priorities through an ambitious set of infrastructure and market targets. It also serves as a useful basis to benchmark China’s progress in the energy space.

To better understand the full details of the five year energy plan, please download this complimentary research report from Kreab Gavin Anderson Greater China: Kreab Gavin Anderson – China FYP for Energy Development

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 14 March 2013 at 11:56 AM

The RTHK mess continues – former staff say Roy Tang is unfit to lead. In other news the Chief Executive said – wait for it – that government should take a role in economic development, Who knew?

Leung says government can take a role in economic development

The Economic Development Commission that Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying called for in his first policy address held its first meeting yesterday. Following the meeting, Leung, who chaired the event personally, said that the government should take an appropriate role in economic development. He noted that the government had undertaken direct investment in key assets in the past. If necessary, the government would continue to directly invest in the future. He also indicated that anyone could communicate with him, Financial Secretary John Tsang, or other government officials if they had suggestions or opinions. This would buy time and cut red tape, he said.

 

Pan-democratic alliance for universal suffrage holds first meeting

Yesterday, an alliance of 24 pan-democratic lawmakers that strives for democratic elections held its first meeting. The convener is former Civic Party Secretary General Cheng Yu-shek. Through the alliance, they hope to unify the strength of the pan-democratic camp to achieve democratic elections. At the moment, the League of Social Democrats has said it will participate. Additionally, People Power Chairman Christopher Lau has said that the party will participate for the time being. However, if the new alliance does not accept a call for democratic legislative elections in 2016 and for the chief executive in 2017, the party will leave the alliance.

 

Controversy at RTHK continues to escalate

The controversy over the management of RTHK Broadcasting Director Roy Tang has escalated. Yesterday, a former public affairs director at RTHK stated that Tang was unqualified to be broadcasting director. He recommended that staff members begin a movement to express their lack of confidence in Tang. The RTHK Programme Staff Union will call a meeting tomorrow. They plan to call on Tang to provide an explanation in light of the many accusations that have been made against him for interference in programming.

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 13 March 2013 at 10:28 AM


My sister can do that loud whistle. I can’t. And the man who did it in the ear of a policeman during a protest rally can. He has six weeks in jail to practice!

Assistant Director at RTHK claims he was pressured to carry out political missions

According to recent reports, RTHK Acting Assistant Director of TV and Corporate Broadcasting Forever Sze Wing-yuen was not promoted due to his failure to heed the directives of Broadcasting Director Roy Tang Yun-kwong. Yesterday, Sze claimed that his coworkers were feeling political pressure. He said that he also felt pressured to carry out political missions. However, while addressing a meeting of RTHK managers yesterday, Tang denied that he had ever asked colleagues to carry out political missions. He also said that he had not required the public affairs program Headliner to be always broadcasted via ATV. These points were included in a statement that RTHK issued. As an attendee of the meeting, Sze agreed to allow the statement to be distributed.

Tang says time for a consultation on political reform is pressing

Pan-democratic lawmakers had breakfast with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying yesterday. They called on Leung to begin a consultation on political reforms. Leung responded that the time for a consultation had not yet been reached and that any of the lawmakers’ ideas could be expressed to the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau. However, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Standing Committee member Henry Tang Ying-yen expressed yesterday that legislation on political reforms should be introduced in 2014 and that time for a consultation was pressing. He indicated his belief that citizens wished for adequate time to discuss proposed reforms.

Man who whistled in ear of police officers receives six-week sentence

A construction worker who whistled in the ears of several police officers during the 1 July protest rally last year and was charged with three counts of assaulting police officers has been sentenced to six weeks in jail. Yesterday, the judge hearing his case expressed her view that the defendant had deliberately assaulted the police officers. Moreover, she noted that the defendant was a repeat offender with similar cases on his record. However, the judge permitted the defendant to leave the courthouse on a HK$10,000 bail so that he could wait for an appeal.

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