Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Annual Dinner today (April 17):
Alice (President of the HKIE, Ms Alice Chow), Eric (Immediate Past President of the HKIE, Mr Eric Ma),(Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Ye Shuiqiu), engineers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (April 17) chaired the second meeting of the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, to summarise with the Task Force members the achievements of the Study in Hong Kong Week and discuss the work in promoting the internationalisation of basic education.
To further consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international education hub, and promote Hong Kong’s higher education and the “Study in Hong Kong” brand globally, the Government has designated from February 23 to March 1 this year as Study in Hong Kong Week. As a flagship event of Study in Hong Kong Week, the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education 2026 Conference and Exhibition showcased Hong Kong’s unique strengths as an international post-secondary education hub with the largest scale and highest number of participants since the association’s establishment in 2004. Moreover, the first International Symposium of the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) has been successfully held. Serving as an important platform for scholars from around the world, the Symposium explored how the UAS can foster cross-sector collaboration in driving innovation and nurturing talent, and highlighted Hong Kong’s strengths in vocational and professional education and training.
Dr Choi said, “Establishing Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent has long been the target of the Education Bureau (EDB). We are committed to strengthening the supporting role of education in science, technology and talent development. While consolidating Hong Kong’s ‘golden reputation’ of education, we are also actively participating in the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, continuously promoting the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand, facilitating the expansion and quality enhancement of educational institutions, and driving the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s education sector.”
Dr Choi continued, “We would like to express our gratitude to the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, for his recent message to Hong Kong’s higher education institutions, in which he urged them to fully leverage the strengths of Hong Kong’s education brand advantages and its international characteristics. The Government will proactively algin with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to continuously invest in education, and support the development of the post-secondary education sector in Hong Kong in a holistic manner. Accordingly, the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, through its extensive global network, will help institutions further strengthen collaboration and synergistic elements to attract more outstanding students and scholars to study or conduct research in Hong Kong, thereby contributing to the innovation and optimisation of the higher education sector and the development of world-class disciplines.”
Building on the robust development of internationalisation in post-secondary education in Hong Kong, the Government is further expanding basic education to advance the development of Hong Kong as an international education hub, extending the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to primary and secondary schools. The meeting reviewed the Study in Hong Kong: Southeast Asia Education Tour in March, which was the first tour organised by the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Schools Council, and noted the work of the delegation in promoting the strengths of Hong Kong’s basic education and the unique characteristics of Hong Kong’s Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools to international audiences through holding seminars and meetings with education officials overseas.
Moreover, the members of the Task Force introduced their workplan for 2026 at the meeting and exchanged views on the workplan and ways to enhance the promotion of the unique strengths of Hong Kong’s post-secondary and basic education.
This meeting was conducted online. Dr Choi thanked all the Task Force members, including various overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices and Mainland Offices, for proactively promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” and “Study Tour in Hong Kong” brands as well as the Belt and Road Scholarship on different occasions such as thematic exhibitions, education forums and Lunar New Year celebratory events to guests worldwide during the Study in Hong Kong Week. The EDB will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Task Force members and will invite other stakeholders, such as representatives from post-secondary institutions, to participate in the Task Force meeting as needed with a view to formulating strategies for building Hong Kong as an international education hub.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases second batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April
District
District Among the second batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering one survey area and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering seven survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for Sheung Shui in North District.
For Sheung Shui in North District, which recorded an index exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Sheung Shui showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools, public housing estates and village houses. The FEHD inspected the survey area today and found mosquitoes breeding in a public housing estate, and filed charges against the relevant property management company. The FEHD and the relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the area to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work. 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 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 20:55
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
AFCD investigates suspected illegal trawling by local vessel (with photo) Marine Police officers found a local vessel suspected of conducting illegal trawling activities in the waters off Shek Kwu Chau at about 10.30pm yesterday (April 16). After being notified, AFCD officers conducted investigations and seized some apparatus for use in trawling on the vessel.
The AFCD is proceeding with evidence collection and investigation into the alleged use of prohibited fishing gear in contravention of the Fisheries Protection Regulations (Cap. 171A).
An AFCD spokesman reminded the public that the ban on trawling has come into force since December 31, 2012. Under the Regulations, any person using prohibited fishing gear for fishing upon conviction is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The spokesman added that trawling is a non-selective fishing operation that damages the seabed and harms marine ecosystems. The ban on trawling brings this harmful depletion to an immediate halt, enabling marine ecosystems to be gradually rehabilitated to a sustainable level and be better conserved in the long run.
The spokesman said, “The Government is committed to cracking down on illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will maintain close contact with relevant law enforcement departments and step up patrols and stringently enforce the law.” Issued at HKT 19:46
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the English translation of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on labour, manpower development and retirement protection policy areas at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 17):
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government tonight said it strongly disapproves of and refutes untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the Hong Kong SAR contained in the US’ “2026 Hong Kong Policy Act Report”.
In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government demanded that the US immediately stop acting against international law and the basic norms of international relations by interfering in Hong Kong matters, which it said are purely China’s internal affairs.
It iterated that the Hong Kong SAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, and that as a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the principle of “one country, two systems”, it comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Central People’s Government.
The statement said the US report repeated fallacies about Hong Kong with a political purpose – that of maintaining US hegemony – and confounded right and wrong, but that such attempts by the US to undermine the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong exposed its slyness and will not succeed.
With regard to safeguarding rights and freedoms, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have been robustly guaranteed by both the Constitution and the Basic Law.
It added that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant, while the media environment in the US is becoming increasingly severe.
It highlighted that, according to statistics, US law enforcement authorities arrested more than 30 journalists in 2025 alone, while there were more than 170 cases of violence against journalists, including instances of them being forcibly pinned to the ground, beaten them with batons, and even shot, with 90% of such incidents involving law enforcement officers. It is commonplace, the Hong Kong SAR Government said, for US officials to ban certain media outlets from attending press conferences or verbally abuse reporters who ask questions, while they have even threatened to prosecute media outlets for treason. US fabrication of facts about freedom of speech in Hong Kong is therefore utterly shameless, it added.
The Hong Kong SAR Government remarked that it strongly opposes absurd and false claims regarding its efforts to safeguard national security. It said the US Government had vilified the Hong Kong SAR’s legislative work, as well as the city’s law enforcement agencies, and its prosecutorial and judicial authorities, in claiming that fulfilment of their duties constituted a systemic “degradation” or “impediment” of rights and freedoms.
It said that the US routinely ignores the non-interference principle under international law, wantonly and arbitrarily interfering with other countries’ internal affairs, grooming agents, instigating “colour revolutions”, and even creating social unrest and humanitarian disasters through acts of economic and military coercion, thereby causing suffering to innocent civilians in many countries.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said it must perform its constitutional duty to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. It emphasised that the report entirely disregards this constitutional duty and the practical needs of the Hong Kong SAR to enact legislation, and overlooks the circumstances stipulated for the exercise of relevant powers as laid out in the Safeguarding National Security (Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Regulation. It said the US deliberately turns a blind eye to the positive effects brought by the implementation of relevant laws on economic development and the protection of human rights, demonstrating hypocrisy and a “my-way-or-the-highway” hegemonic logic.
In relation to November’s fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it firmly rejected the report’s malicious attacks on the city’s law enforcement actions and attempts to sow discord. It condemned any attempts to use the disaster to stir up chaos in society and disregard the rescue operations and support work enacted by the Hong Kong SAR Government and all sectors of the community. Regarding those arrested over alleged seditious speech, it added that criminal acts exploiting the fire cannot be tolerated and must be handled in accordance with the law.
In respect of a case that involved the offence of “dealing with funds or financial assets or economic resources belonging to, or owned or controlled by, a relevant absconder”, the statement stressed that the court in question made clear that the defendant’s conviction and sentencing followed a fair trial in which he was found to have dealt with funds belonging to an absconder in contravention of the SNSO. It said this was totally unrelated to whether the defendant was a relative of the absconder, and highlighted that the defendant has withdrawn an appeal.
The statement also highlighted that in handling cases concerning offences endangering national security the Hong Kong SAR Government applies the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Chief Executive, in conjunction with the National Security Committee, recently introduced the 2026 Implementation Rules for Amending the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The statement outlined that the 2026 implementation rules enhance measures that the Hong Kong SAR’s law enforcement authorities may take, while clarifying relevant legal procedures and technical arrangements, so as to strengthen the enforcement powers of law enforcement authorities, allowing them to prevent and investigate cases more effectively, thereby mitigating risks to national security.
The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that it steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and will resolutely, fully and faithfully continue to implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws so as to prevent, suppress and impose punishment against acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law. At the same time, it will safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
MOFA strongly condemns absurd claims by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office regarding President Lai’s upcoming visit to Eswatini
Date：2026-04-16
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning
April 16, 2026
No. 147
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. Foreign visits by Taiwan’s president are a common occurrence and align with international practices. China has no right to comment on such matters. President Lai Ching-te is the democratically elected head of state of the ROC (Taiwan), making it even more inappropriate for China to maliciously disparage his overseas travel.
Taiwan has the right to freely choose to engage and develop ties with other countries. It will not accept any interference or suppression from other countries for any reason, nor will it succumb to intimidation and impose limits on its own international engagement. Despite the expansionism and intensifying coercion of authoritarian governments, Taiwan will not cower. Instead, it will continue to confidently interact with the world.
China has fiercely and relentlessly tried to diplomatically isolate Taiwan and undermine Taiwan’s international legal personality. This has not only impeded the positive development of cross-strait relations but also undermined the interests of the people of Taiwan. MOFA urges Beijing to immediately cease engaging in such actions, causing trouble in the international community, and sabotaging cross-strait relations. (E)
MOFA solemnly refutes claims regarding Taiwan’s international participation made in meeting between KMT and CCP leaders
Date：2026-04-10
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning
April 10, 2026 No. 141 Chair of the Kuomintang (KMT) Cheng Li-wun met with General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Xi Jinping on April 10. Following the meeting, Chair Cheng stated that Taiwan had previously participated in several international organizations under the “1992 consensus.” She also said that after mutual political trust had been restored, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should take steps to facilitate Taiwan’s return to or participation in international organizations and regional economic integration mechanisms. She further added that General Secretary Xi had responded very positively to her remark.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. China has no right to comment on or obstruct Taiwan’s right to participate in such international organizations as the United Nations. Taiwan’s participation in international organizations is a legitimate and legal right grounded in its sovereignty, and should not be predicated on the prior consent of or political preconditions set by China.The Beijing authorities have long maliciously misrepresented United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 on the international stage, sought to entirely block Taiwan’s participation in international affairs, and frequently threatened Taiwan’s sovereignty, as well as the lives and rights of its people, with the use of military force. In addition, China has inappropriately obtained leadership positions in several international organizations through bribery and deception, thereby unjustly excluding Taiwan’s participation and changing the rules-based international order.MOFA strongly refutes the idea that the rights of the Taiwanese people are something to be granted or withheld by the Beijing authorities as they please. China aims to deceive Taiwan’s society into following its preconditions. It uses Taiwan’s international participation as leverage while gradually eroding Taiwan’s sovereignty and diplomatic space.Taiwan is a democratic nation, and MOFA respects the fact that domestic political parties engage in cross-strait exchanges in accordance with the law. However, such interactions should not be conducted at the expense of Taiwan’s sovereignty, security, and democracy. The people of Taiwan should remain aware of the malicious nature of Beijing’s long-standing obstruction of Taiwan’s participation in international affairs, as well as its veiled attempt to circumvent the government empowered by the people of Taiwan, harm Taiwan’s sovereignty, and undermine the people’s long-term interests. In line with the policy framework of integrated diplomacy, MOFA will continue to actively promote Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and multilateral mechanisms. MOFA also urges other countries to further support Taiwan’s participation in global endeavors based on shared values and common interests. Taiwan is dedicated to being a force for good in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the world. Taiwan will remain unwavering in upholding this commitment regardless of any pressure it may face. (E)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport A 31-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags, and the duty-not-paid cigarettes in his carry-on suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
After an investigation, the arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 17).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:35