Journalists’ umbrellas temporarily confiscated at opening of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect

The much-anticipated Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, which will allow foreigners to invest in Chinese companies more easily, was launched today, and the government was taking no chances with any potential pro-democracy, umbrella-wielding saboteurs.

Ming Pao reports that umbrellas were temporary confiscated from journalists who attended the opening ceremony at 9:30am this morning.

More than a hundred journalists were present, all of which had to go through security checks.

Chief Executive CY Leung, Acting Financial Secretary KC Chan, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Chief Executive Norman Chan and HKEx Chairman Chow Chung attended the ceremony.

Perhaps the government is a bit antsy after a couple rebellious acts of umbrella-opening occurred at official events.

Paul Zimmerman, a district councillor, opened a big, bright-yellow umbrella at the high-profile National Day Ceremony on Oct. 1.

 

An anonymous pro-democracy activist who goes by his Twitter handle, @freakingcat, also opened a yellow umbrella as Chief Secretary Carrie Lam gave a speech at the Spanish consulate’s celebration of the Spanish National Day on Oct. 13.

 

 

 

 

The ceremony was, in the end, uneventful. Bo-ring!

Photo: Laurel Chor/Coconuts Media



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