Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

For centuries, national identity in Ethiopia was intimately tied to the Orthodox Christian

Church. But since the 1990s, Ethiopians have been free to choose their religion and an increasing

number of them have turned to Pentecostalism, so many that it's changing the country's politics.

And the Pharaoh Islands off of Scotland don't have a lot in the way of tourist attractions.

What they do have is a cute little species of seabird called the Puffin. Problem is, Puffin

numbers are dwindling fast, just as tourism on the islands is taking flight.

Weakest of demonstrations in Hong Kong have rattled the nerves of businesses operating there.

mainland China used to be fairly hands-off with the thriving territories businesses.

That's now changed, and an aggressive new approach has bruised a big player.

The airline Cathay Pacific felt the wrath of Beijing when China banned any cabin crew

who had participated in the demonstrations from flying over the mainland.

When she was asked about the ban, Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam insisted that the status quo was good for business.

I cannot comment as a chief executive on the commercial decisions of individual companies.

I hope you understand that. But I remain convinced that Hong Kong has her unique advantages

in attracting overseas companies to come to Hong Kong.

One of the most important strains is the rule of law. That's why we have been doing so much to ensure that the rule of law is being upheld and respected in Hong Kong.

The fallout for Cathay is being watched carefully by the many multinational companies based in Hong Kong.

For them, the territory remains a crucial gateway to China's massive market.

China's actions against Cathay Pacific have had far-reaching and potentially very damaging consequences for Hong Kong's flag carrier.

Stephanie Studer is our China business correspondent.

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