China carves out ‘mini-Hong Kong’ to woo trans-Pacific allies and challenge global trade norms

China has drawn a new customs line around Hainan, turning the sun-soaked island into a testing ground for how far the country is willing to open its economy. The move is meant to remake the province into a Hong Kong–style business hub—and to strengthen Beijing’s case for joining one of the world’s biggest free-trade clubs. […]