National security concerns grabbed headlines in Hong Kong this week. Here are the details of those stories and other highlights that led the City desk's coverage. 

In today’s edition:

• National security risks

   

• Taxi or Uber?

   

• When parents are jailed for life

National security risks

On Thursday, the government announced an operation by local police and Beijing’s national security office in the city, the first publicly known joint investigation by the two sides.

The investigation, coming shortly ahead of the fifth anniversary of the enactment of the Beijing-decreed national security law, centred on suspected collusion with foreign forces by six people and an organisation. 

It remains to be seen whether further arrests will be made or if Beijing takes over the case should it prove complicated, an extreme scenario that is covered by Article 55 of the law. 

On Tuesday, police also warned the public over a mobile phone game they said advocated the independence of Hong Kong and Taiwan. The game was removed from the local Apple Store a day later. Anyone downloading the game risked being found guilty of possessing a seditious publication, the force warned.

Taxi or Uber?

A remark by the city’s leader that the government would not buy back licences from taxi drivers renewed public discussion over how cabbies could move forward amid keen competition from ride-hailing platforms.

While taxi drivers lamented the days when a licence could fetch more than HK$7 million were gone, analysts said both types of services were needed and they could complement each other.

When parents are jailed for life

A couple were handed a life sentence on Wednesday for killing their son, who was found with bleeding under his skull, brain damage and multiple thigh and rib fractures.

While the parents, described by the judge as “completely disgraceful” faced the consequences for their horrific actions, concerns were raised over the future of the two remaining children in the family.

Looking ahead, the Observatory is tracking Severe Tropical Storm Wutip, or "butterfly" in Cantonese, with thunderstorms and a possible higher typhoon warning signal ahead. 

Visit SCMP.com for the latest on the storm and other stories. 

Enjoy the weekend! 

Politics

• Beijing national security authorities carry out operation with police in Hong Kong

   

• Exclusive | Hong Kong firms must consider national interests in commercial deals: John Lee

   

• Hong Kong tobacco tycoon Charles Ho dies at 75 after lung cancer diagnosis

   

• Overseas judges leaving top Hong Kong court ‘only natural’: ex-justice chief

   

• Hong Kong police chief vows vigilance against lingering national security threats

Society

• Hong Kong lawmakers back criminalising of subletting public rental flats

   

• What are Hong Kong’s best deals, discounts for this year’s July 1 celebrations?

   

• Hong Kong environment chief rejects relaxed quarantine rules for imported pets

   

• Hong Kong lawmakers call for TV stations to show more English-language content