Funny that you mentioned that, a couple years ago, passing through HKG-US, due to the "enhanced security" all water bottles/ liquids were empty out right before the gate. I think that might have changed because I was able to bring my Starbucks drink (gate 215 just in case anyone wondering
) straight up onto the plane and water bottles in my backpack. This was on 03/02/19 so maybe we don't need to throw away liquid anymore.