The first hit on Google for "Rupert Hogg" gives a HK journalist claiming the story is a canard.
Jack Ma's and SCMP's neutrality is a bit up in the air at the moment, I feel. Last time I looked at that story it was just trying to sow doubt, without any evidence to the contrary. I'm sure you'd inform us in great detail if that had changed.
Jack Ma is a party member SCMP is a mainland propaganda organ.
I literally said "some say". Chill out. I totally agree the SCMP is biased.