Shares in Hong Kong have slumped to the lowest level. The benchmark Hang Seng index fell by more than 3% to its lowest level since May 2009, before regaining some ground.
Investors are also concerned about the threat of a global economic slowdown as central banks around the world raise interest rates to tackle rising prices.
One financial expert told the BBC that the "panic selling is ridiculous".
In his first policy address that Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee...