Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government announced today (July 7) the launch of a one-month public consultation on proposals to improve the laws on sexual offences in Hong Kong.
A Government spokesman said, “The Government attaches great importance to the well-being of the general public, in particular children and persons with mental impairment (PMIs), and is committed to protecting them from sexual exploitation and abuse. This is the Government’s original intent in enacting the laws on sexual offences.”
The spokesman further said, “At present, many of the sexual offences in Hong Kong are based on similar provisions in the laws of England enacted in 1956. Social perceptions related to sexual offences have been evolving over the years. Meanwhile, there are inadequacies in the existing sexual offence provisions. For instance, some provisions lack clarity and certainty with outdated terminologies; some offences lack consistency on treatments across genders, or carry distinctions based on sexual orientation; the provisions and penalties of some sexual offences are not fully commensurate with the gravity of the relevant acts, etc. The Government considers it necessary to review and improve the laws on sexual offences in Hong Kong to address the inadequacies of the current provisions and respond to changes in social perceptions related to sexual offences.”
The Law Reform Commission (LRC) had conducted a comprehensive review on sexual offences and related matters, and published a total of four consultation papers on specific areas. The LRC published two reports subsequently, making a total of 72 final recommendations. On the basis of the LRC’s recommendations and with reference to the development of relevant laws in other major common law jurisdictions, the Government has formulated a range of legislative amendment proposals, mainly covering the following areas:
1. non-consensual sexual offences;
2. sexual offences involving children;
3. sexual offences involving PMIs;
4. miscellaneous sexual offences; and
5. other related amendments to strengthen protection for victims of sexual offences.
“We hope to improve the laws on sexual offences in Hong Kong, the earlier the better, to strengthen protection for victims of sexual offences while ensuring that the laws on sexual offences can keep pace with the times,” the Government spokesman added.
The consultation paper has been uploaded onto the website of the Security Bureau (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/pub/consultation/loso.html). Members of the public are invited to submit their views by mail (Security Bureau A Division, 8th Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong), by fax (2524 3762) or by email (sexualoffences@sb.gov.hk) on or before August 5.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A six-member delegation led by the Director of Audit, Professor Nelson Lam, began a five-day duty visit to Qinghai on June 22. During the trip, the delegation met and exchanged views with officials of the Qinghai Provincial Government and the Audit Office of Qinghai Province, and visited local new energy-related facilities and organisations.
The delegation was first received by leaders of the Qinghai Provincial Government, including the Executive Vice Governor of Qinghai Province, Mr Zhang Jingang, who welcomed the Hong Kong delegation and introduced the green energy projects in Qinghai, highlighting the collaboration projects between Qinghai and Guangdong Provinces under the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Professor Lam expressed his gratitude for the full support and invitation from the Auditor General of the National Audit Office of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Hou Kai, and for the co-ordination and thoughtful arrangements of the Qinghai Provincial Government and the Audit Office of Qinghai Province for this trip, which afforded the delegation the chance to visit Qinghai – the source of the nation’s three great rivers and the core hub of the national base of important new energy industries. He said he looks forward to further sharing the gains of this trip with peers in Hong Kong in the future. He also stated that in this year that marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the Audit Commission hopes to leverage the opportunity to closely interact with provinces and cities in various ways to assimilate the visions, advanced techniques and good practices in audit on the Mainland. This would put the Commission in a position to continuously hone its work and better integrate into and serve overall national development.
In a subsequent seminar, the Director of the Audit Office of Qinghai Province, Mr Chen Zhaochao, gave a briefing on the work of the Audit Office and had an intensive exchange with the delegation on work issues such as audit examinations and the workflow of rectification supervision, and especially on audit topics related to the development of ecological civilisation. Both sides stated their commitment to aligning with the aim and spirit of the Central Auditing Commission under the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee in building an audit supervision system and delivering the responsibilities of public auditors, with a people-centred mindset.
Professor Lam quoted President Xi Jinping as stressing that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” The country has been steering the full-scale transformation to a green economy and society, constructing a new energy system and emphasising green, low-carbon development as the foundation for enhancing people’s well-being and quality of life. To actively align with these national policies, Hong Kong is championing the development of new energy industries and forging a green, low-carbon living environment. On that note, Professor Lam highlighted that the public consultation for the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is under way, and that for Part 6 of the consultation document on “Integrated Development of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Green Living, and Other Areas”, a lot of inspiration could be drawn from Qinghai, which demonstrates a solid and effective integration of greening, technology, new energy, culture and tourism. With “greening” poised to be the next big area for exploration in the auditing industry, according to Professor Lam, and with the recent issuance of a plan by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration to establish a new energy system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the delegation was thankful for this timely visit to Qinghai – which has been entrusted with the important strategic mission of building a national hub for clean energy industries – and for visiting the sites of its various national key energy projects, including photovoltaic, clean energy and water resources facilities. Professor Lam described this trip as richly inspiring and informative for the delegation members, as it allowed them to gain first-hand appreciation of the nation’s accomplishments and work in areas such as green energy and ecological security, and gave them a vivid picture of the development planning and latest situation of new energy auditing.
Professor Lam looks forward to sharing the takeaways of the Qinghai trip with officers and showing them the success cases of the integration of strategic resources and facilitation of leapfrog development of energy industries in the country. He believes it would motivate them to utilise their strengths, deliver their duties and develop their potential, and, in turn, to fully play their part as professionals in meeting the country’s needs, unleashing Hong Kong’s prowess and responding to the people’s aspirations.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) announced today (July 7) the commencement of the trial operation of Hong Kong’s new central clearing and settlement system for gold, together with a suite of targeted initiatives aiming to build a modern and full-chain gold trading ecosystem. These initiatives include rolling out the initial phase of Delivery Connect with the Shanghai Gold Exchange, launching a new HAU price ticker, expanding storage capacity and refining capability, diversifying gold investment products, exploring tax incentives, co-ordinating insurance arrangements, enhancing flexibility of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) investments in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and establishing an industry-led trade association. These measures will collectively bolster Hong Kong’s role as a trusted international gold trading, clearing, and reserve hub.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan incorporates explicit support for Hong Kong in establishing a commodity trading ecosystem. The commencement of the trial operation of the gold central clearing and settlement system today marks a significant step forward in developing Hong Kong’s gold trading infrastructure. Along with a series of measures to promote physical delivery, develop investment and derivative products as well as risk management tools, provide tax concessions, and deepen connectivity with the Mainland gold market, we are committed to building a thriving gold trading ecosystem. This will further enhance the richness, depth, and breadth of our financial markets, create new investment opportunities for local and overseas investors, and inject new momentum into the development of the financial sector.” The Board of Directors of the HKPMCC comprises the Government, the Shanghai Gold Exchange, regulators, and 11 banks to fully incorporate market feedback. Meanwhile, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited has been appointed as the settlement institution and designated vault of the system, operating under the oversight of the HKPMCC.
In tandem with the commencement of the trial operation, the first batch of gold has been successfully deposited into the designated vault, and the first batch of trading and settlement activities has also been completed. The trial operation has received strong support from key market participants, including banks and financial institutions, mining companies, refiners, jewellers, and institutional participants. A list of key participants in the trial operation is set out in the Annex. The Government is in the process of assisting the industry to establish an industry-led trade association with a view to consolidating resources, strengthening international promotion efforts, and fostering closer ties with global stakeholders.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 7) that due to big waves and inclement weather, red flags have been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach in Islands District, and Tai Po Lung Mei Beach in Tai Po District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
PBOC, HKMA and SFC’s joint announcement on developing trading platform in Hong Kong In 2025, the SFC and the HKMA jointly announced Hong Kong’s Roadmap for the Development of FIC Markets (Roadmap). One of the key initiatives outlined in the Roadmap is to support the development of a next-generation electronic trading platform. The FIC trading platform will provide an open, fair, efficient, and robust platform for both local and international institutions, following the key principles below: Further details of the FIC trading platform, including the launch timeline, will be announced in due course. Issued at HKT 19:25
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo) Customs officers intercepted a 20-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (July 6) and seized about 77 800 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $350,100 and a duty potential of about $257,200, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:12
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases seventh batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June
District With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in June increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. Overall, the trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
The FEHD has also carried out a series of actions, including: During the follow-up actions and following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers at a construction site, a park, a public housing estate and a private housing estate in Kwun Tong District and Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued four statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including: Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 19:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Government Computer Emergency Response Team Hong Kong under the Digital Policy Office (DPO) jointly organised the 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill today (July 7), with a view to further enhancing the defence and incident response capabilities of government departments and relevant organisations against cyber attacks, and addressing the challenges arising from artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
Addressing the event, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ms Chung Wing-man, noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the drill, representing a significant milestone in regularising cybersecurity drills. She pointed out that incidents involving sensitive data leaks over the past year have drawn significant public attention. With the rapid development of AI, hackers could launch cyber attacks with such technology and relevant cybersecurity risks must not be ignored. AI elements were specifically integrated into the drill this year, not only for technical practice but also to ensure that various departments and professional organisations can co-ordinate rapid and effective response to address major cybersecurity incidents, working together to safeguard Hong Kong’s cybersecurity. As Hong Kong gears up to host several major international events and important activities, all departments and relevant organisations must remain vigilant, ensure their own cybersecurity measures are in place, and strengthen co-operation with different stakeholders.
Addressing the event, the Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of the DPO, Ms Candy Chan, stated that the rapid development of AI applications brings new opportunities to improve efficiency and service quality. However, the widespread adoption of AI technology also makes the cybersecurity landscape more complex. Attackers can utilise AI to accelerate reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning, as well as to generate more deceptive phishing messages and malicious content, posing unprecedented challenges to defence work. She added that the Government will continue to adhere to a risk-based preventive strategy, while actively exploring the concept of “AI vs. AI”, making good use of AI technology in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of threat detection, analysis, and response.
A total of about 350 representatives from 77 bureaux and departments, as well as 15 professional organisations, participated in the drill, which adopted a “blue teams versus red teams” approach. Participants formed “blue teams” to respond to simulated attacks in a virtual network environment, launched by “red teams” comprising cybersecurity experts. The drill scenario was based on a ransomware attack targeting information systems supporting large-scale events, and incorporated elements such as counter-cyberterrorism, autonomous AI and phishing attacks. This allowed participants to practise monitoring, analysis, reporting, handling and defence procedures in a realistic environment, thereby further enhancing collaborative defence and response capabilities, and strengthening the overall security and resilience of government information systems.
The Government will continue to strengthen cybersecurity defence through various measures, assisting departments and relevant organisations in enhancing their capabilities to counter emerging cyber threats, and safeguarding Hong Kong’s information systems and cybersecurity.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Company director sentenced to suspended imprisonment for contravening Employment Ordinance The company wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay an employee wages and payment in lieu of notice within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and the termination of the employment contract, and also failing to pay the awarded sum of about $254,000 to that employee within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT). The director concerned was prosecuted and convicted for her consent, connivance or neglect in the above offences.
“The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers, directors and responsible officers of companies that they have to pay wages, termination payments and sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO,” a spokesman for the LD said.
“The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees’ statutory rights,” the spokesman added. Issued at HKT 17:25
President Lai meets delegation from US National Endowment for Democracy and its core partners
On the morning of July 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the United States-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its core partners. In remarks, President Lai thanked NED President Wilson for taking actions in support of Taiwan over the years. The president said that in the face of expanding authoritarianism and all types of hybrid threats, Taiwan is steadily bolstering its self-defense capabilities and strengthening resilience in such domains as the economy, trade, technology, and energy. He stated that moving forward, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with various sectors in the US in such areas as democracy, security, trade, and the economy. He also stated that Taiwan will work to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and promote global peace, prosperity, and development.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I am delighted to meet with President Wilson again today. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my warmest welcome to our good friends from the NED and its core partners – the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the American Center for International Labor Solidarity.
This is President Wilson’s fifth trip to Taiwan since he assumed office. When he first visited in 2022, he said that he had especially chosen Taiwan as the first stop on his tour of Asia. This was done intentionally to underscore the NED’s commitment to standing with Taiwan, helping safeguard Taiwan’s democracy, and working with Taiwan to safeguard democracy worldwide. His words were deeply meaningful to us and reflected a goal shared by Taiwan and its democratic partners. I want to express special appreciation to President Wilson for continuing to take actions in support of Taiwan over the years. And I thank all our esteemed guests here today for standing with Taiwan.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. Although Taiwan and the US are on opposite ends of the Pacific Ocean, we are closely united by our pursuit of freedom and democracy as well as our shared values and beliefs. And we are jointly addressing a variety of global challenges.
In recent years, China has been conducting a wide range of military activities and gray-zone incursions against neighboring countries in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, seriously impacting regional peace and stability. Moreover, China’s extensive transnational repression and surveillance activities, including the use of domestic legislation to advance authoritarian expansion, have alarmed the international community, becoming an issue of common concern. Faced with these hybrid threats, Taiwan is steadily bolstering its self-defense capabilities and strengthening resilience in such domains as the economy, trade, technology, and energy. We are also actively enhancing cooperation with the US and other democratic partners. For instance, last month Taiwan co-organized an international workshop on transnational repression under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework along with its GCTF partners.
We hope to engage in experience sharing with the distinguished guests visiting today so that we can fortify democratic resilience and thereby better respond to the challenges of expanding authoritarianism. I am confident that this will lay an even more solid foundation for our cooperation.
Over the years, the NED and its core partners have established close ties with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and other civil society organizations in Taiwan, helping strengthen Taiwan’s links with the world. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with various sectors in the US in such areas as democracy, security, trade, and the economy. Together, we will work to uphold the rules-based international order and promote global peace, prosperity, and development. I wish you all a pleasant and productive trip.
NED President Wilson then delivered remarks, first saying that it is an honor to be back in Taiwan and a privilege to meet with President Lai. He mentioned that this is his fifth visit to Taiwan in five years as president of the NED and that he has visited no country more often than Taiwan. He pointed out that he returns because Taiwan reminds the world that freedom can endure even under extraordinary pressure, adding that it matters not only to Taiwan’s 23 million people, but to the broader cause of freedom.
NED President Wilson noted that just days ago, Americans celebrated the 250th anniversary of their nation’s founding. The Declaration of Independence, he highlighted, affirms that liberty belongs to the people and that free citizens have both the right and the responsibility to shape their own future, adding that the belief continues to inspire the endowment’s work as they stand with people pursuing those same aspirations in their own countries and on their own terms. He emphasized that their partnership with Taiwan, and especially with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, is among the most important in that mission.
NED President Wilson pointed to Taiwan as one of the world’s great democratic success stories. Under sustained external pressure, he elaborated, Taiwan’s people have built a vibrant democracy, competitive elections, a dynamic civil society, and a citizenry that understands freedom is not simply inherited but earned and safeguarded every day by ordinary people who refuse to be bystanders in the defense of their democracy.
For Americans, NED President Wilson said, Taiwan’s success matters because resilient democracies contribute to a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous world. He said that Taiwan is also an indispensable economic and technological partner that contributes to strengthening secure supply chains, innovation, and shared prosperity. He also voiced their belief that Taiwan has an extraordinary opportunity, as Taiwan’s security will rest not only on military deterrence and diplomacy, but also on deepening its place in the global community of democracies; not only on asking the world to stand with Taiwan, but also on continuing to show that Taiwan stands with those around the world who are advancing freedom.
NED President Wilson said that vision guides the NED’s partnership with Taiwan. Together, he added, we are working to strengthen Taiwan’s role as a global hub for democratic resilience, a builder of democratic networks, and a co-investor in democratic resilience, sharing Taiwan’s experience with democracy advocates around the world and strengthening partnerships that advance freedom.
NED President Wilson said that is why they are proud to welcome delegates from over 70 countries to Taiwan this week. He emphasized that by helping strengthen the democratic community, Taiwan also strengthens its own security and partnerships that will endure for generations. He noted that the NED family is proud to deepen their partnership with the people of Taiwan, with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and with partners across Taiwan. He then expressed hope of continuing to work together in the common cause of freedom.