‘Abduction’ of China tycoon sparks fear in Hong Kong

AFP, HONG KONG: The mystery over the reported abduction from Hong Kong of a Chinese billionaire deepened Wednesday after a newspaper advert appeared in his name pledging loyalty to China, in a case that has heightened fears over Beijing’s meddling.
The whereabouts of financier Xiao Jianhua—one of China’s richest men—are unclear after reports in overseas Chinese-language media that he was taken from Hong Kong by mainland security agents last week.
The reports suggested Xiao’s disappearance was part of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which some critics believe has been used to target President Xi Jinping’s political opponents.
Xiao had been staying at Hong Kong’s Four Seasons hotel and was looked after by female bodyguards, local media reported.
A front-page advert in Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao, attributed to Xiao, said he had “always loved the (ruling Communist) party and the country” and would soon meet with media.
“I personally believe the Chinese government is civilised and has rule of law,” the advert read.
“I have not been kidnapped.”

Abduction of China tycoon sparks fear in Hong Kong

AFP, HONG KONG: The mystery over the reported abduction from Hong Kong of a Chinese billionaire deepened Wednesday after a newspaper advert appeared in his name pledging loyalty to China, in a case that has heightened fears over Beijings meddling. The whereabouts of financier Xiao Jianhuaone of Chinas richest menare unclear after reports in overseas Chinese-language media that he was taken from Hong Kong by mainland security agents last week. The reports suggested Xiaos disappearance was part of Chinas ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which some critics believe has been used to target President Xi Jinpings political opponents. Xiao had been staying at Hong Kongs Four Seasons hotel and was looked after by female bodyguards, local media reported. A front-page advert in Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao, attributed to Xiao, said he had always loved the (ruling Communist) party and the country and would soon meet with media. I personally believe the Chinese government is civilised and has rule of law, the advert read. I have not been kidnapped.