🌊Nothing much happened yesterday

Did you know Poland makes most of Europe's candles?

Harbour Times

Jun 4, 2022

Good morning,

Nothing much happened yesterday. In fact there’s so little news, I see no reason keeping this issue behind a paywall.

Don’t worry though paid folks, we’ll make up the privilege to you soon (real soon - it’ll be exciting, believe me)

But High Tide is daily, so we’re being daily.

You know what else is daily? The countdown to John Lee’s CE inauguration.

— Cyril

On Today’s Tide

Politics | Foreign Consulates in Hong Kong light candles despite Beijing warnings
COVID
Not really news | Police gather in Victoria Park to stop people from gathering in Victoria Park
Events (and deals - ft. Poland selling candles)
Government | Opening border with mainland won't be easy - John Lee

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Foreigners lighting candles 😤

Several consulate generals in Hong Kong including Canada, the US, the UK, Australia and the EU Office lit candles and posted on social media commemorating the Tiananmen incident.

Canada in Hong Kong @CanCGHongKong

Today, Canada joins Hong Kong and others remembering the tragic events of #June4, 1989, when peaceful demonstrators were violently suppressed in and around #TiananmenSq. Assembling peacefully is a human right, Canada stands with all those prevented from exercising their rights.

This was despite an official warning from Beijing warning consulates not to share views on 1989. According to Ming Pao, Beijing’s message called previous demonstrations illegal and “hosted by a very small number of people who were anti-China and hostile towards the Chinese government”.

European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao @EUinHKandMO

In commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the #TiananmenSquare crackdown on #June4 1989. The European Union always stands in solidarity with human rights defenders across the globe.

Poland meanwhile did not post about their office being filled with candles. They instead advertised the fact that Poland makes the most candles in Europe. I have no idea why they decided to that today of all days, kind of rude to steal the spotlight.

Hong Kong SAR Government News @newsgovhk

The Centre for Health Protection says it is investigating 446 additional #COVID19 cases, of which 176 were detected by nucleic acid tests and 270 were identified via rapid antigen tests

news.gov.hk446 COVID-19 cases recordedThe Centre for Health Protection says it is investigating 446 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 176 were detected by nucleic acid tests and 270 were identified via rapid antigen tests.

New cases: 446
Total cases: 1,214,638
New deaths: 0
Total deaths: 9,382

Nothing happened near Victoria Park

On my way home, I made a quick detour round Victoria Park to see how nothing was happening. There were lots of police not doing much.

Cyril Ma @Cyrildoesthings

Went for a walk where nothing happens and took pics of the tranquil scenery

I was a bit early though because something did happen later on. Several small atomized demonstrations like candles being put in phone booths, people walking past the park in black, an old man with candles….

There were some isolated incidents of police arguing with citizens. Some body searches. But generally, almost quite literally, nothing much happened.

Hong Kong Free Press HKFP @hkfp

A man who was wearing a face mask with the Chinese characters "Never forget June 4" was led away by the police at Victoria Park, where the annual vigil for remembering the victims who died in the 1989 was previously held.

Events and deals

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For more local events, check out yesterday’s High Tide.Events and deals

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ReThink returns 5-6 Oct

Read our full press release on the event here.

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Sign up here using the code HTP22 for 25% off!

Vegetarian Food Asia 2022

vegfoodasia

A post shared by 亞洲素食展 | Vegetarian Food Asia 🌱 (@vegfoodasia)

As chosen by our LoTW Luke Samtani: I follow a vegan plant-based diet, undoubtedly, I'm excited about Hong Kong's biggest and most diverse vegetarian and green living expo that will take place in June.

Where: HKCEC
When: 10-12 Jun (latest rescheduling)
Entry: Free (advanced registration; $20 walk-in)

Sha Tau Kok Partially Opens to Tourists

discoverhongkong

A post shared by Discover Hong Kong (@discoverhongkong)

The border town of Sha Tau Kok is partially opening up to tourists. Located within the Frontier Closed Area, Sha Tau Kok is normally only accessible with a special travel pass. But now local tours can visit the longest pier in Hong Kong and several other small Hakka islands on Fridays and weekends.

Travel to the mainland? Less likely than you think

Speaking with Chinese media, John Lee said yesterday that reopening the border with the mainland won't be as easy as once thought. For one, our control of the pandemic hasn't been perfect, and we’re a resurgence of cases. It's unfair for the mainland to have to deal with that.

However, Lee said that once he's taken up the mantle of CE next month, he’ll ask Beijing specifically what’s needed for a reopening.

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