One archbishop accused the White House of manipulating a “sacred” moment for political gain.

Lawmaker Kenneth Fok called on the government on Monday to enhance cooperation with the Greater Bay Area to further enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. The call was among recommendations proposed by the G19 bloc of Legislative Council members. Fok said the suggestions were made as total passenger throughput at Hong Kong International Airport had yet to get back to pre-pandemic levels. “Compared to our competitors around the region, for example Shenzhen and Guangzhou, we are actually behind in this number,” he said. Fok called for more collaboration between airports in the region, adding that regional collaboration had become a norm. “I think the key is to have more collaborative effort with our regional airports and especially the Greater Bay Area,” he said. “Can we join hands with them together in some kind of agreement between Hong Kong and mainland and then negotiate with our partners in Europe and elsewhere? “These are the collaborative discussions that can only happen at the government-to-government level. This is very important. "That's why I say we need to have a more open mind, a more aggressive strategy in order to implement these frameworks and strategies.” Fok added the government could be more proactive in pitching the airport to the world to attract more foreign airlines. Edited by Tony Sabine

The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department will take legal action against at least seven people for cutting down 15 trees, including 11 wild Himalayan cherry trees, at a memorial built to honour the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in Chiang Mai province.