China s Foreign Ministry has requested all foreign consulates in Hong Kong to provide personal details of their locally employed staff, including names, job titles, addresses, identity card numbers, and travel document numbers. The request, in line with international practice, is seen as Beijing tightening its control over the semi-autonomous city. The consulates have been asked to comply by 18 October, with future staff details to be provided within 15 days. It remains unclear whether China provides similar details about its own staff in foreign missions.
Kevin Kaul, founder of U.S. Global Business Forum, a 16-year-old international trade organization, promotes trade, commerce, investments and joint ventures.