Asiatimes is owned by a Thai businessman, and was originally a newspaper based out of Thailand.
Loads of companies set up operations in HK, so what?
The fact that you're trying so hard to come up with sources, but can only find Indian media and Asiatimes (these two sources pop up all over this website)... shows you exactly what the situation is.
If it is true, then you will have no problem finding a report in any major international news source, or at the very least... the actual statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.