Hong Kong Summit Surrounded by Drama Before It Even Begins
- Top executives pull out after getting Covid; storm approaches
- Event aimed at showing city is back in business after pandemic
The three-day event comes as ties between the US and China worsen, with the world’s two largest economies sparring in recent months over trade, human rights and Beijing’s aggressive moves against Taiwan.
Photographer: Louise Delmotte/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
It hasn’t even officially started yet, but Hong Kong’s long-awaited summit for global bankers is already tinged with drama.
At least five top executives have pulled out, including Blackstone Inc. President Jonathan Gray and Citigroup Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jane Fraser, who both got Covid. The city’s financial secretary tested positive for the virus while on an overseas trip, creating doubt over whether he can join in person. The approach of a severe tropical storm raises the risk of the city grinding to a halt during the summit.