Hong Kong’s government has reportedly announced a list of international youth exchange projects it plans to subsidize. But for the first time since the program began, none are with Japan.
Local newspaper Ming Pao says funds have been awarded to 95 exchange projects with 45 nations this fiscal year. They include the United States and South Korea.
The Hong Kong government launched the program in 2017. Schools and companies that wish to take part must apply, but it is unclear if any proposals included exchanges with Japan this time.
Authorities in Hong Kong have recently been aligning more closely with China, which is at odds with Japan over comments about Taiwan last year by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae.
Hong Kong has canceled some school trips to Japan, and some exchange programs.