Hong Kong must keep cash buffer amid complicated geopolitics: Paul Chan

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Leopold ChenJanuary 31, 2026 at 06:13 AM

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Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan stated that the city must maintain strong cash reserves despite a projected surplus in the government's operating account. The surplus of HK$43.9 billion for the nine months ending December 31st was attributed to strong exports and a booming financial market in 2023. Chan cautioned that revenue would decrease, and expenditure would increase in early 2024. While acknowledging public desire for financial incentives, Chan emphasized the need for cautious financial management to address geopolitical uncertainties and support long-term development projects like the Northern Metropolis. He will address these issues further in his upcoming budget speech in February.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

China 50% Southeast Asia 60% Northern Metropolis 70% Government of Hong Kong ×280% Paul Chan Mo-po ×290% Hong Kong ×2100%

Keywords

cash reserves 90% geopolitical shocks 80% paul chan 80% long-term growth 70% government surplus 70% financial incentives 60% northern metropolis 60% economic forecasts 50% infrastructure construction 50% budget speech 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: 0.10

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Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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cash reserves geopolitical shocks paul chan long-term growth government surplus financial incentives northern metropolis economic forecasts infrastructure construction budget speech

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