The House of Representatives voted to grant Temporary Protected Status to Hong Kong residents, allowing them to live and work in the US for five years. The initiative, which still requires Senate approval, aims to support Hong Kong amid China's crackdown. Congressman Tom Malinowski emphasized the move as a powerful stance against dictatorship. The bill contrasts with the Trump administration's efforts to end similar protections for other countries, drawing criticism for its immigration policies.

Seven pro-democracy Hong Kong politicians were arrested over protests in the legislature, marking the latest prosecution against Beijing's critics. The arrests stem from a May incident where pro-democracy lawmakers clashed with pro-Beijing counterparts over the appointment of a committee chair. The inability to elect leaders has fueled opposition to Beijing, leading to last year's massive protests. Beijing's new national security law has further stifled freedoms, with the Liaison Office warning that future protests could result in severe penalties. Legislative elections were postponed due to the coronavirus.

The Hong Kong Museum of History's Hong Kong Story exhibition is undergoing a two-year revamp, sparking concerns among scholars about potential political influence and bias in the portrayal of the city's history. The previous exhibition, which attracted over 10 million visitors since 2001, covered the period up to 1997 and was criticized for its conservative curation. Experts like John Carroll and Godfrey Lai advocate for a balanced and critical approach to the new exhibit, which will extend to 2014. They emphasize the importance of including diverse perspectives, especially those of Hong Kong people, and caution against the government's reliance on pro-establishment sources. The revamp comes amid heightened sensitivity to political issues following massive protests in Hong Kong.

A McKinsey survey reveals that urban teenagers in mainland China exhibit a strong preference for domestic brands, with 88% expressing trust in local brands compared to 65% for foreign brands. The survey, which included 793 respondents aged 12 to 17, highlights a blend of modern and traditional values among Chinese teens. The report estimates that these teenagers have a combined annual spending power of about 60 billion yuan, with their families spending approximately 230 billion yuan on them, including significant amounts on food, education, and clothing.

Male sex workers in China have been identified as a new high-risk group for HIV/AIDS transmission due to a lack of sex education and high rates of drug use. Wang Longde, deputy Minister of Health, highlighted the low rate of condom use and frequent sexual activity among male escorts. The number of HIV/AIDS infections among prostitutes, their clients, and drug addicts is rising rapidly. Official figures indicate that unsafe sex is the most common cause of infections, with China having over 650,000 HIV carriers and 75,000 AIDS patients.

The Qiqihar No2 Pharmaceutical Company was fined 19 million yuan and had its production license revoked by the Heilongjiang Food and Drug Administration following a fake drug scandal that resulted in 10 deaths. The scandal emerged in Guangdong when patients became ill after using armillarisin A produced by the company, which contained industrial material diglycol instead of propylene glycol. An investigation led by the Ministry of Supervision and supported by other ministries arrested 14 people, including procurement officer Niu Zhongren. Premier Wen Jiabao has ordered a high-powered inquiry into the incident.

China marked International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with high-profile executions and the destruction of confiscated drugs. Authorities held mass trials and paraded drug convicts on national television to demonstrate their commitment to combating drug trafficking. Yang Fengrui of the China National Narcotics Control Commission highlighted the critical state of drug issues in China, with over a million addicts reported. International human rights organizations criticized the mass trials and executions. The Supreme People's Court approved death sentences for several traffickers, with some executions broadcast live. The Golden Triangle and Afghanistan remain significant sources of narcotics, while domestic production of methamphetamine and other drugs continues due to high profits.

Clearstream, a Luxembourg-based bank specializing in international securities clearing and fund custody, plans to expand aggressively in Asia to capitalize on the region's strong growth. The bank, part of the Deutsche Borse Group, will open new offices in Singapore and Tokyo, adding to its existing presence in Hong Kong. Philippe Metoudi, head of Clearstream in Asia and the Middle East, highlighted the region's importance and the need for additional support to manage growing business activities. Clearstream has also signed agreements with Chinese depositories to share expertise and explore integrated systems. The bank reported significant growth in assets under custody and transaction settlements in Asia.

At least 22 workers were killed and 37 injured in a coal mine explosion in Liaoning province, China. The blast occurred at the Wulong Coal Mine in Fuxin, with four miners still missing. The explosion happened about 1km underground, and the chances of finding more survivors are slim. Senior leaders from the Liaoning and Fuxin governments are overseeing the rescue operation and investigation.