Premise: In recent months, Chinese corporations have taken stakes in Hong Kong Telecom, Dragon Air, and China Light & Power.

Hypothesis: Chinese corporations have taken stakes in nationalized industries recently.
Answer: yes

Premise: He said it is easier to change a field from within than from the outside.

Hypothesis: He knew from experience, having joined the field to enact the change he wanted to see.
Answer: it is not possible to tell

Premise: It is indeed mon ami Hastings!

Hypothesis: It is, Hastings!
Answer: yes

Premise: He must know that no one can be shocked when everyone's in on the joke, but he doesn't seem to want (or to be able) to step outside the camp aesthetic and play anything straight.

Hypothesis: No one knows what's going on.
Answer: no