Founded in Japanese-occupied China in 1943, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club’s first base was in Chongqing, a city controlled by Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek. As the Chinese civil war intensified, the club moved with the action, first to Nanjing, then to Shanghai. It moved to Hong Kong in 1949.
When war broke out in Vietnam in 1963, Hong Kong became an important base for media covering the conflict, with the FCC serving as a home away from home for correspondents from around the world. At this time, it was the most famous press club in the world. The FCC had several homes in Hong Kong before Governor Sir Murray Maclehose granted the use of the current premises, a historic icehouse, in 1982. The Club moved into the building in 1983.
Over the ensuing decades, our members have been eyewitnesses to history across Asia, a tradition which continues, complemented by dining, speakers’ events, and one of the best club bars in the world. Members from all walks of life enjoy food, camaraderie, and interesting conversation in a warm, welcoming, and intellectually stimulating environment.
The FCC promotes and facilitates journalism of the highest standard, and defends press freedom in Hong Kong and across the region.
We will speak out on behalf of our fellow journalists and correspondents, work to ensure they can operate freely and without interference and strive to provide the best resources and information we can to the community.
The FCC is a private members club that is open to all views.
(Resolved at the Board of Governors Meeting on 16 July 2022)
