A large wager on Hong Kong and China real estate is backfiring on one of Singapore’s top banks, which is facing up to mounting troubles in the region’s deteriorating property markets.

These problems first took root as China prepared to assume control of Hong Kong from Britain, in 1997. Concerned that the transition would scare off foreign investors, Chinese leaders tried to woo real-estate tycoons and other business elites by giving them key roles overseeing the city’s future governance.

By Jessie Pang and James Pomfret HONG KONG, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's last major opposition party disbanded on Sunday after a vote by its members, the culmination of Chinese pressure on the city's remaining liberal voices in a years-long security crackdown.

But tight security at Hong Kong Coliseum, few attractions nearby and costly hotels proving to be drawbacks for others.