A Hong Kong court delivered a stunning ruling on Monday morning, ordering the liquidation of China Evergrande Group, once the country's top property developer. The decision marks a new phase in Evergrande's long-running debt crisis and could send fresh shockwaves through China's struggling real estate sector and financial markets.

Evergrande has been embroiled in crisis since missing offshore debt payments in late 2021, revealing deeper issues plaguing China's real estate industry. With over US$300 billion in total liabilities, Evergrande became the highest-profile default of the crisis. Its struggles helped spark a wave of developer failures that have dragged on China's economic growth.

In her ruling, High Court Justice Linda Chan cited an "obvious lack of progress" from Evergrande in presenting a viable restructuring plan. The liquidation order stems from a June 2022 petition filed by Top Shine Global Limited, an investor in an Evergrande subsidiary, claiming the developer failed to honor a share repurchase agreement.

While the precise implications are unclear, given the order spans different legal jurisdictions, analysts warn it could seriously undermine recovery prospects. Mizuho's Ken Cheung notes markets will closely watch the potential impacts on China's property sector reforms and financial stability measures. Kenny Ng of Everbright Securities flags risks to real estate industry confidence and homebuyer sentiment, posing macroeconomic consequences.

Trading in Evergrande and its affiliated companies was immediately halted after the news. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index edged up slightly on the day. The ruling cements Evergrande as the symbol of China's real estate crisis, which has weighed heavily on consumer spending and growth.

Evergrande had worked with offshore creditors for over two years on a US$23 billion debt restructuring plan. However, efforts stalled last September when founder Hui Ka Yan reportedly faced an investigation. At least three other Chinese developers have faced similar Hong Kong court liquidation rulings since 2021 as the sector crisis intensified.

While the order may have limited immediate operational impact, its psychological effects could accelerate the property market slump. Offshore creditors may also seek to seize Evergrande's overseas assets, though recovering mainland China holdings faces legal barriers. Overall, the ruling adds a dramatic new chapter to Evergrande's prolonged turmoil - with consequences that may reverberate across China's economy for some time to come.

(Callan Williamson)

The Evergrande Group headquarters logo is seen in Shenzhen in southern China's Guangdong. (AP)

Breaking: China real estate giant Evergrande ordered into liquidation