Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by Professor the Hon Michael Ngai and a reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (June 10):
Question:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) officially granted stablecoin issuer licences to two entities in April this year. Regarding the development and regulation of stablecoins, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it is learnt that regulated Hong Kong Dollar-referenced stablecoins will be launched progressively in mid to second half of this year, and given the keen market demand for regulated stablecoins, whether the authorities will actively co-ordinate with the licensed entities and major financial infrastructure institutions to enable the early launch of the relevant stablecoins onto the market; if so, of the specific measures and the earliest estimated time of launch; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether it knows HKMA’s progress in processing other applications for stablecoin issuer licences, as well as the long-term planning on the screening criteria and the timing for granting additional licences in the future; and
(3) how the Government will promote the interconnectivity and synergistic development among stablecoins, central bank digital currencies and tokenised assets, with a view to fully accelerating the digital transformation of Hong Kong’s financial industry?
Reply:
President,
The Stablecoins Ordinance (Cap. 656) came into effect in August 2025 to provide for a licensing regime for issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins in Hong Kong. Subsequently, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) received a total of 36 applications during the initial application period. Following a comprehensive review of these applications in accordance with the specific requirements set out in the Stablecoins Ordinance, the HKMA granted stablecoin issuer licences to two entities in April 2026.
Having consulted the HKMA and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), my reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
(1) Prior to the official business launch, the above two stablecoin issuers licensed by the HKMA (licensed issuers) must complete the testing of technology platforms and systems, implement risk management measures (including management and safekeeping of reserve assets, price stabilisation mechanisms, redemption arrangements, technology security, etc), arrange human resources, etc. The HKMA has maintained close contact with the licensed issuers to ensure that all pre-launch preparations are proceeding as planned.
Based on the current business plans as proposed by the two licensed issuers, we expect Hong Kong-regulated stablecoin to be launched as early as the middle of this year.
(2) The HKMA has already initiated further engagement with the remaining licence applicants. On the basis that these applicants fulfil the minimum criteria under the Stablecoins Ordinance, the HKMA will assess these applications against stringent standards in a consistent manner, primarily evaluating whether applicants are able to (1) propose practical and feasible use cases that contribute to the development of the overall industry ecosystem; (2) propose a robust and sustainable business operating model (including consideration of the risk management capabilities and experience of the applicants); and (3) comply with the laws and regulations in Hong Kong and other relevant jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, the HKMA has communicated to the relevant licence applicants that it has no definitive inclination regarding the future direction and timing of licensing at this stage. That will depend on various considerations, including whether the applications fulfil the licensing criteria, market demand for stablecoins, actual use cases and international development trends (including discussions on the regulatory aspect), as well as the operation and market reception of the licences just granted after their business launch.
Nevertheless, it should be emphasised that given the risk associated with issuance activities, the need for user protection, as well as the capacity and sustainable development of the market, the licensing threshold will remain high. Should additional licences be granted in future, the overall number of licences will remain very limited.
(3) The Government issued the Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong in June 2025, setting out our vision for a trusted and innovative digital asset ecosystem that prioritises risk management and investor protection, while delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets. Key focuses of the Policy Statement 2.0 include expanding the suite of tokenised products, as well as advancing use cases and cross-sector collaboration, including exploring the use of stablecoins as a payment tool.
Under the policy direction of the Policy Statement 2.0, and together with the implementation of the Stablecoins Ordinance, the Government and financial regulators are further driving the development and interaction of stablecoins, digital currencies and tokenised assets.
In particular, the use cases of the two licensed issuers include using regulated stablecoins to enable real-time on-chain tokenised asset transactions, unlocking opportunities for the tokenised asset market and enhancing market liquidity. In addition to issuing stablecoins, both licensed issuers have participated in the HKMA’s pilot projects on central bank digital currencies and tokenised deposits. With collaboration partners comprising local telecommunications, payments, and digital asset firms, they are well positioned to achieve greater synergy in exploring the potential of and complementing the strengths of different new payment tools, as well as enhancing interoperability between these payment tools and tokenised assets. The HKMA will continue to maintain close contact with the licensed issuers to ensure the implementation of the relevant use cases as planned, while encouraging them to further explore the application of regulated stablecoins in the digital finance ecosystem, with a view to creating value for real economic and financial activities.
In addition, with the support of the SFC as well as the financial and technology sectors, the HKMA has established the Ensemble Architecture Community. Together, they are actively taking forward work on promoting and implementing the local standards to support interoperability among central bank digital currencies, tokenised money and tokenised assets, thereby promoting the seamless movement of money and assets within the ecosystem, as well as providing the industry with clearer direction for future development. Building upon the successful outcomes of the Ensemble Sandbox, the HKMA launched EnsembleTX in November last year, enabling real-value transactions involving tokenised deposits and digital assets within a controlled pilot environment. The initial focus is on empowering market participants to utilise tokenised deposits in tokenised money market fund transactions, and to manage liquidity and treasury needs in real time.
At the same time, the SFC has been steadily implementing the ASPIRe roadmap. This includes developing detailed and practical regulatory guidance to facilitate the application of tokenisation in assets and financial products subject to regulatory clarity and controllable risks, thereby promoting the integration of traditional finance and Web3.
Looking ahead, the Government and financial regulators will continue to build a clear and risk-based regulatory framework as guided by the principle of “same activity, same risks, same regulation”, with a view to promoting the healthy, responsible and sustainable innovation and development of the digital asset ecosystem in Hong Kong, thereby further strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by Professor the Hon Alex Fan and a written reply by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, in the Legislative Council today (June 10):
Question:
On March 26, 2025, the Hainan Provincial People’s Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government signed the Hainan Provincial People’s Government and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), under which both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in five areas, namely trade and investment, finance, safe and orderly flow of data, tourism and talent exchanges. According to Article 12 of the MoC and its Annex, “List of recognised Hong Kong professional qualifications”, Hainan Province recognises the professional qualifications of Hong Kong solicitors (limited to representatives in the representative offices set up by the HKSAR law firms in Hainan), solicitors seconded by the Hong Kong side of the partnership association and Hong Kong solicitors employed by such partnership association, as well as Hong Kong solicitors and barristers working as consultants in Mainland law firms in Hainan. The MoC allows them to provide relevant professional services to enterprises and residents in Hainan Free Trade Port based on their Hong Kong professional qualifications, subject to the requirement that they “shall not undertake any Mainland legal matters”. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of (i) representative offices set up by Hong Kong law firms in Hainan, (ii) solicitors seconded by the Hong Kong side of the partnership association, and the respective numbers of (iii) Hong Kong solicitors and barristers employed as legal consultants in Mainland law firms in Hainan since the signing of the MoC; whether the Government has compiled statistics on the business areas in which Hong Kong legal professionals provide their legal services in Hainan and the revenue involved;
(2) given that the MoC allows Hong Kong solicitors to provide services based on their Hong Kong professional qualifications but they “shall not undertake any Mainland legal matters”, how the relevant restriction is specifically enforced; whether the HKSAR Government and the Department of Justice of Hainan Province have formulated clear practice directions or frequently asked questions in this regard; if the contract in question adopts any law other than the Mainland law (e.g. Hong Kong law) as the applicable law, whether Hong Kong solicitors providing services in Hainan based on their Hong Kong professional qualifications can take part in the drafting and review of such contracts, and whether Hong Kong solicitors can provide legal services relating to the design of the organisational structure of cross-boundary investment in Hainan; and
(3) given that Article 5 of the Several Provisions on the Development of International Commercial Arbitration in Hainan Free Trade Port and Article 86 of the newly revised Arbitration Law of the People’s Republic of China expressly allow foreign arbitration institutions to establish representative offices in Hainan Free Trade Port, whether the Government is aware if any Hong Kong arbitration institutions have applied or are applying to establish representative offices in Hainan to date; whether the Government is aware of any specific obstacles involved (such as the actual operational threshold of the registration process, restrictions on business areas, taxation arrangements and reputation requirements, etc); whether the Government will take the initiative to ascertain the willingness of Hong Kong arbitration institutions and law firms to establish a presence in Hainan and the difficulties encountered, and liaise with the Department of Justice of Hainan Province and relevant departments to assist Hong Kong arbitration institutions and law firms in implementing the specific arrangements for establishing a presence in Hainan; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In response to the questions raised by Professor the Hon Alex Fan, the reply is as follows:
(1) Currently, one Hong Kong law firm has established a representative office in Hainan before the Hainan Provincial People’s Government and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed. Hong Kong law firms have also established three partnership associations with Mainland law firms in Hainan, where five Hong Kong solicitors have been seconded by the Hong Kong law firms. Besides, 16 Hong Kong solicitors are employed as legal consultants by Mainland law firms in Hainan. The Government does not have statistics on the business scope and relevant income in respect of Hong Kong legal professionals’ provision of legal services in Hainan.
(2) Under the framework of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), Hong Kong solicitors and barristers can provide legal services on the Mainland, while the scope of legal matters that can be handled by them is subject to restrictions under the relevant laws and regulations of the Mainland. These restrictions are reflected in the references to Hong Kong solicitors and barristers providing legal services based on their Hong Kong professional qualifications in the Hainan Free Trade Port under items 44 and 45 of the Recognised Hong Kong Professional Qualifications List annexed to the MoC.
According to the Measures for the Management of Hong Kong Legal Practitioners and Macao Practising Lawyers Employed by Mainland Law Firms as Legal Consultants (Measures for the Management of Legal Consultants) and the Measures for the Management of Representative Offices set up by Law Firms of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions on the Mainland (Measures for the Management of Representative Offices) promulgated by the Ministry of Justice, Hong Kong legal practitioners employed as legal consultants in Hainan, as well as representative offices of Hong Kong law firms in Hainan and their representatives, are not allowed to handle Mainland legal matters. Further, according to the Trial Measures on Hong Kong Law Firms and Macao Law Firms Operating in the Form of Partnership Association with Hainan Law Firms (Hainan Trial Measures on Partnership Association) promulgated by the Department of Justice of the Hainan Province, Hong Kong solicitors seconded to or hired by partnership associations in Hainan are not allowed to handle Mainland legal matters either. Whether Hong Kong law firms and legal practitioners can take part in the drafting and reviewing of contracts as well as provide cross-boundary investment framework planning services in Hainan as mentioned in the question would depend on the actual circumstances; provided that the above-mentioned restrictions under the laws and regulations of the Mainland are complied with, Hong Kong law firms and legal practitioners would be able to provide the relevant services.
As to the actual enforcement of the above restrictions, Hong Kong law firms and legal practitioners are subject to management and supervision or annual review by the judicial administrative authorities of the Mainland in accordance with the provisions of the Measures for the Management of Legal Consultants, the Measures for the Management of Representative Offices and/or the Hainan Trial Measures on Partnership Association. In case Hong Kong law firms and legal practitioners handle Mainland legal matters in violation of the requirements under the said laws and regulations, they may be subject to sanctions by the relevant authorities of the Mainland.
With a view to facilitating the legal sector’s and the public’s understanding of the initiatives under CEPA which concern legal services, relevant information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the DoJ’s website. For details, please visit www.doj.gov.hk/en/mainland_and_macao/cepa.html.
(3) Arbitral institutions in Hong Kong operate independently, and may develop their business of their own accord, without government intervention. If a Hong Kong arbitration institution plans to establish offices in Hainan or other regions, it is not required to report to the Government. Therefore, the Government currently has no information as to whether any Hong Kong arbitral institution has already applied, or is in the process of applying to establish offices in Hainan, or whether there are any specific obstacles in this regard.
The Government has always supported and encouraged Hong Kong arbitral institutions to establish branches or offices on the Mainland to provide professional arbitration services to the country, while deepening Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. For example, when the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre established representative offices in Shanghai in 2015 and Beijing in 2024 respectively, the then- and current Secretary for Justice respectively attended the opening ceremonies and delivered speeches in Shanghai and Beijing in person.
The Government has maintained close co-operation and regular communication with the Hong Kong legal and dispute resolution sector (including law firms and arbitral institutions). Should it be learnt that a Hong Kong arbitration institution or law firm encounters difficulties in establishing offices in Hainan, the Government will render suitable assistance, such as liaising with the Department of Justice of the Hainan Province and relevant authorities.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ8: Promoting national defence education Question:
The country revised, adopted and implemented in September 2024 the National Defence Education Law of the People’s Republic of China, which stipulates that national defence education is the foundation for building and consolidating national defence and an important way to enhance national cohesion and improve the overall quality of the citizens. There are views that national defence education, being a core component of patriotic education and national security education, is crucial for strengthening the sense of national identity, the sense of national pride and the awareness of national defence among Hong Kong people, particularly young people. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of local youth national defence and military experience activities funded or co-organised by the SAR Government, as well as the respective number of participants, their age distribution and the amount of government funding allocated, in each year from 2023 to 2025;
(2) whether the Working Group on Patriotic Education (Working Group) has established more indicative strategies for promoting national defence education in local primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions under its work plans for 2026 and 2027; whether the Working Group has future plans to collaborate with the Hong Kong Garrison and/or Mainland institutions to increase the number of places for local or Mainland military experience camps, so as to meet the demands of more schools and youth groups; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) whether the SAR Government has future plans to step up communication and collaboration with the Hong Kong Garrison or relevant Mainland authorities to secure the visit to Hong Kong of more advanced national military equipment for exhibition or public viewing on major festive occasions such as the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Day or National Defence Education Day, so as to enhance Hong Kong people’s understanding and awareness of national defence; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) of the exchange programmes participated by tertiary institutions and primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong to the Mainland for thematic studies on national defence, military affairs or aerospace technologies under the Education Bureau’s programme of Mainland study tours of the Citizenship and Social Development Subject or other government-funded projects, as well as the numbers of participants therein, in the past three years; how the Government assesses the actual educational effectiveness of these study tours; and
(5) in the era of big data and digitalisation, whether the Government has plans to increase resource investment in frontier technology (such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and metaverse technology), as well as to collaborate with scientific research institutes to develop simulation systems suitable for classroom national defence education, with a view to enhancing young people’s interest in national defence technology and the effectiveness of national defence education through immersive and interactive methods; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply: The Government has been making relentless efforts to build mainstream values characterised by patriotism with affection for our country and Hong Kong and in conformity with the principle of “one country, two systems”. It has also been actively organising a diverse range of public and school education activities to promote patriotic education and national security education, with a view to enhancing citizens’ and students’ sense of national identity, national pride, and awareness of safeguarding national security. Among these, national defence education constitutes an important component of patriotic education and national security education.
In response to the question raised by the Hon Wu Ying-peng, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), the Security Bureau and the Education Bureau (EDB) provide a consolidated reply as follows:
(1) to (5)
Collaboration with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison
In celebration of Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison organises barracks open days around July 1, with a view to further enhancing communication and exchanges with different sectors of the local community. In 2021, the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center was set up at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks. An exhibition themed “Dreams of the East” is staged in its three thematic exhibition halls, namely “the Chinese Dream”, “the Dream of a Strong Military” and “the PRC HK Garrison”, along with a weaponry and equipment area displaying historical photos, antiques and models of the PLA’s military equipment. Through the visits, members of the public can deepen their understanding of the remarkable achievements of the country, the nation’s military history and the work of the Hong Kong Garrison.
As one of the highlight events of the Youth Festival, the HYAB has organised visits to the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center for local youth (including leaders and members of youth uniformed groups/non-governmental organisations, youth hostel tenants and Youth Link members) since 2023. This initiative, benefiting over 700 participants in total, aims to enhance young people’s understanding of our country’s military history and the work of the Hong Kong Garrison, strengthening affection for and sense of belonging to the country. The visits are organised by the HYAB mainly through its existing resources, thus the expenditure involved cannot be singled out. Over the past three years, the District Offices (DOs) under the Home Affairs Department have organised a total of four visits to the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center, drawing nearly 200 participants, the majority of whom were young people aged 12 to 35. These visits were arranged by the respective DOs using their existing resources and manpower, and no additional funding was involved.
The EDB has also issued circular memorandums to primary and secondary schools, encouraging schools to arrange visits to the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center so as to enhance primary and secondary students’ sense of national identity, national pride and national defence awareness, and to enable them to deeply appreciate the importance of safeguarding national security. At the same time, the EDB jointly organises the “Military Summer Camp for Hong Kong Youth” with the Hong Kong Garrison and the Concerted Efforts Resource Centre for secondary students each year. The numbers of students joining the “Military Summer Camp for Hong Kong Youth” from the 2023/24 to 2025/26 school years are set out as follows:
School year In addition, there have also been warship visits to Hong Kong in recent years. For example, the Shandong Naval Taskforce, and the 83rd taskforce of the PLA’s Navy visited Hong Kong for exchanges in July and October 2025 respectively. These activities enabled the Hong Kong community to gain a better understanding of the achievements of our country’s military development and construction, and have enhanced Hong Kong citizens’ sense of identity and their pride in the country. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will provide the necessary assistance as needed to facilitate the PLA’s preparation for related activities, and will also assist in arranging members of the public to participate in these activities, so that the public could personally experience the country’s remarkable accomplishments in national defence and military development. The HKSAR Government will continue to communicate with the PLA and support the discharge of their work.
Organising diversified activities
The Government also makes good use of significant dates to promote relevant education. For example, 2025 marked the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Government organised a series of commemorative activities. Among them, the EDB launched various learning activities to enable students to remember history and cherish peace. The EDB also issued a circular memorandum encouraging schools to arrange for students to watch the military parade on September 3 last year – the Victory Day of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression – so that students could learn the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation in its War of Resistance and understand the latest development of national defence.
The Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence (MWRCD) under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) was converted from the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence on September 3, 2024. Focusing on the history of the War of Resistance, as well as the coastal defence and military development of Hong Kong, the MWRCD highlights the core theme of safeguarding the homeland through “War of Resistance” and “Coastal Defence”. The MWRCD also organises various types of public and school programmes to enhance the public and students’ national confidence and patriotism, while deepening their understanding of the significant role played by Hong Kong in the history of national defence.
The HYAB subsidises youth uniformed groups for organising family-related activities each year to promote family values. The funded activities include visits to military facilities for members of the uniformed groups and their families to foster harmonious family relationships and deepen their understanding of our country. One such visit was organised in 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively. The numbers of participants, age range of participants and the funding provided by the Government are set out below:
YearAged over 18: 84Aged over 18: 44Aged over 18: 57 Organising Mainland study tours and exchange activities
Since 2009, the Hong Kong Space Museum under the LCSD has been organising the “Young Astronaut Training Camp”. This annual programme selects 30 local secondary school students to travel to Beijing, Jiuquan, Xi’an and other locations during the summer holidays to participate in astronaut training programmes and learn about the country’s development and achievements in aerospace technology. According to the survey results of the programme, the training camp has enhanced students’ interest in aerospace technology and astronomy, enabled them to experience the country’s scientific achievements first-hand, and successfully inspired some students to pursue university studies in aerospace engineering, astronomy and physics, thereby nurturing future talent for the scientific research sector.
In the past three years, the HYAB also organised young people to participate in activities themed on visiting barracks and the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, etc in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and sponsored Mainland exchange projects with the themes of national defense, military affairs or aerospace technology through the “HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland”. The total beneficiaries were over 4 300. Upon completion of the exchange projects, the HYAB would gauge the views of participants on the project through evaluation questionnaires or other means, so as to monitor the effectiveness and quality of the projects.
The EDB has been organising diversified Mainland exchange programmes (MEPs) and subsidising schools to organise such programmes for primary and secondary students. The itineraries cover visits relating to national defence, military affairs, aviation and aerospace technology, such as visits to the Guangzhou National Defence Education Centre, Zhuhai National Defence Mobilisation (Civil Air Defence) Education Centre, Wenchang Aerospace Supercomputing Centre and the Zhuhai Aerospace Land, as well as the National Defence Education Experience Camp held at the National Defence Education Base in Zhongshan, with a view to enhancing students’ understanding of the importance of national defence security, the strength of national military technology, and our country’s development and achievements in aerospace technology. The numbers of students joining the MEPs related to national defence, military affairs, or aviation and aerospace technology from the 2023/24 to 2025/26 school years are set out as follows:
School year(rounded down to the nearest hundred) The EDB launched the Mainland study tours for the senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development (CS) in April 2023, and has long attached great importance to the integration of themes related to national defence, military affairs, and aviation and aerospace technology into study tour activities. These include visits to the Zhuhai Aerospace Land, Shandong Eastern Aerospace Port Command and Control Centre, and the National Big Data Exhibition Centre in Guizhou, as well as relevant training at learning sites such as the Guangzhou Activity Base and the Northwestern Polytechnical University. From the 2023/24 to 2025/26 school years, about half of the CS Mainland study tour itineraries involved national defence, military affairs, or aviation and aerospace technology, with the numbers being 13, 14 and 15 respectively and over 67 800 students participating. The numbers of CS Mainland study tour itineraries involving national defence, military affairs, or aviation and aerospace technology and the number of participating students from the 2023/24 to 2025/26 school years are set out as follows:
School year(rounded down to the nearest hundred) The EDB has all along been using various channels, including school visits, inspections, collection of student work (such as photos, video clips and student reflections), and interviews with teachers and students to understand and review the learning effectiveness of MEPs for students and CS Mainland study tours. The EDB also collects participants’ feedback through deployment of staff for on-site participation, questionnaire surveys, post-trip sharing sessions, etc, to continuously optimise the design and arrangements of the learning activities. According to the results of questionnaire surveys, feedback from teachers and students has been very positive. They generally agree that the Mainland exchanges and study tours help deepen their understanding of our country’s development in national defence, military affairs, aviation and aerospace technology etc, extend classroom learning, and enhance their sense of national identity and national pride, as well as awareness of safeguarding national security.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ16: Regulating non-food products in snack-like packaging Question:
A primary school student was recently admitted to hospital after accidentally ingesting a bath preparation in candy-like packaging. It is learnt that the packaging of the product concerned lacked Chinese labelling. The incident highlights the risk of accidental consumption posed to children by some non-food products on the market with packaging that closely resembles snacks. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it knows the number of cases received annually over the past three years by the Hospital Authority involving hospital admissions due to accidental consumption of non-food products (particularly daily necessities or toys with packaging closely resembling food); and in which of the number of cases involving children aged 12 or under;
(2) as pursuant to the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, manufacturers, importers and suppliers are required to ensure that the consumer goods they supply comply with the general safety requirements, and the Consumer Goods Safety Regulation also stipulates that warnings on consumer goods shall be presented in both the English and Chinese languages, whether the Customs and Excise Department has, over the past three years, proactively conducted inspections of products packaged to resemble snacks or consumer goods with misleading packaging on the market; if so, of the respective numbers of non-compliance cases, prosecutions and convictions, as well as the value and quantity of confiscated items;
(3) in addition to the aforementioned Ordinance and Regulation, whether there are any other laws regulating non-food products packaged to resemble snacks (e.g. bath preparations, laundry pods, etc.); if so, of the details; and
(4) whether the Education Bureau and other relevant government departments will step up publicity and education targeting schools and parents to prevent children from accidentally consuming non-food products in snack-like packaging?
Reply:
President, (1) Over the past three years, the number of cases received by the Hong Kong Poison Control Centre of the Hospital Authority involving patients seeking medical attention after accidentally ingesting non‑food items is tabulated as follows:
Year(2) and (3) Any person supplying relevant products or articles to consumers, regardless of the form, packaging and sales channel, is responsible for ensuring that their safety complies with the requirements of relevant ordinances.
The Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance requires manufacturers, importers and suppliers to ensure that the consumer goods they supply are reasonably safe. The Consumer Goods Safety Regulation requires that warnings or cautions on the packaging or labels of consumer goods shall be provided in both the Chinese and English languages in a legible and conspicuous manner.
The C&ED is the enforcement agency of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance. From 2023 to 2025, the C&ED conducted 5 546 surveillance visits, and investigated 151 cases. During the above period, the C&ED prosecuted one person and 10 companies involved in 13 cases related to various types of consumer goods (Note) in accordance with the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance and the Consumer Goods Safety Regulation. All the defendants were convicted and fined by the Court, with the amount ranging from $4,000 to $32,000.
(4) The EDB has all along been liaising with various government departments and non-governmental organisations to advise schools and enhance publicity on students’ health and safety matters. For instance, with the new regulatory requirements for konjac-containing jelly confectionery products taking effect on April 1, 2026, the EDB has promptly collaborated with the Centre for Food Safety to issue a letter to all schools in Hong Kong, drawing their attention to the requirements under the new regulation and advising them to promote food safety awareness among students, caregivers and staff by displaying educational materials such as posters and leaflets on safe eating habits and choking prevention.
In addition, the Department of Health (DH) promotes to the public messages on injury prevention with a view to safeguarding health of citizens. In respect of children’s safety at home, the DH published the Domestic Safety Handbook in 2019 to provide recommendations on the safe use of common household products, electrical appliances and furniture that may pose potential hazards. In addition, the Maternal and Child Health Centres and Student Health Service Centres of the DH provide health promotion and disease prevention services respectively for children from birth to five years old, as well as primary and secondary school students. These services include the promotion of relevant information during individual health counselling sessions to prevent accidents such as accidental ingestion of foreign bodies by children. Furthermore, the DH also disseminates messages on home safety and injury prevention to parents through various channels, such as public talks, health education resources, electronic publications, websites and social media platforms.
Note: The types of consumer goods involved include face masks, slippers, rechargeable flashlights, whitening creams, dishwashing detergents, drain cleaners, portable rechargeable fans, gardening supplies, laundry capsules and personal care products. Issued at HKT 12:48
On the afternoon of June 9 local time (noon of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao visited Belau National Hospital and Belau National Museum in the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao stated that public health is a very important job and life-and-death matter, and it is also an important area and a priority for President Lai Ching-te. She affirmed the achievements of the long-term medical cooperation between Taiwan and Palau, and thanked Taiwan’s medical teams for their continuous dedication to medical services in Palau. The vice president noted that the two sides have engaged in close exchanges and cooperation in areas such as public health, culture, education, and infrastructure, demonstrating a mutual commitment to advancing people’s well-being and deepening the Taiwan-Palau partnership.
The vice president first arrived at Belau National Hospital, where she received a briefing from Shin Kong Hospital on its medical programs. In her subsequent remarks , she thanked Palauan Vice President Raynold Oilouch for his hospitality. Noting that Vice President Oilouch also serves as health minister, she acknowledged his added responsibility of taking care of the public health of the people of Palau, describing it as a very important job and life-and-death matter. She expressed that Taiwan is honored to have the opportunity to partner with and contribute to the health and well-being of the people of Palau.
Vice President Hsiao expressed that the government is especially thankful to the professionals from Taiwanese hospitals and the private doctors who come to Palau every few months to contribute their medical expertise. She noted that Shin Kong Hospital, a very good private hospital in Taiwan, has taken the lead in partnering with Palau, adding that there are also other hospitals and medical professionals from Taiwan working with Palau in various ways.
Vice President Hsiao pointed out that during this trip, she has witnessed many areas of cooperation, including infrastructure, agriculture, aquaculture, culture, and education. She said that she is thankful for the opportunity to see firsthand our cooperation in public health. She highlighted that Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀), who was present, is a doctor by profession and serves not only as Taiwan’s Palau expert, but also as a health expert for Taiwan. The vice president also noted that Deputy Minister Lin was her colleague in Taiwan’s legislature many years ago, and said that she has been very helpful in Taiwan-Palau exchanges and cooperation on finding the best pathway to support the broader bilateral relationship. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also always providing support, she said, offering assistance with all Palau-related affairs beyond just public health.
Vice President Hsiao emphasized that public health is indeed an important area and a priority for President Lai’s administration. As the first medical doctor-turned-president in Taiwan’s history, President Lai has placed great emphasis on public health since taking office. This is part of his professional expertise, she said, noting that he also chairs the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee.
Recalling the time when President Lai served as vice president, Vice President Hsiao mentioned that during his visits to countries such as Paraguay and Honduras, he always focused on public health projects, demonstrating that this is an administrative priority for him. In closing, Vice President Hsiao thanked Palau for this partnership, which gives Taiwan an opportunity to contribute as a force for good in the world and demonstrate our eagerness to contribute to public health and global health.
Following the hospital visit, the vice president and her delegation proceeded to Belau National Museum. Guided by Museum Director Olympia E. Morei-Remengesau, they toured a bai (men’s meeting house), an exhibition on the monumental earthworks of Babeldaob, a special exhibition on Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, and history galleries featuring artifacts from the Spanish, German, and Japanese colonial periods, as well as the United States trust territory era.
Vice President Hsiao also signed the guestbook at the special exhibition on Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, writing“Proud to share Austronesian cultures between Taiwan & Palau”in English, and in Chinese, expressing hope for everlasting friendship and mutual prosperity and development between the two nations.
Also in attendance at the activities were Palauan Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl and Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau.
On the afternoon of June 8 local time (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao visited a farm operated by the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao stated that the technical mission has long been dedicated to collaboration in agriculture, aquaculture, education, and information technology, helping to promote the development of Palau’s industries and deepen the two countries’ friendship. She said that by continuing to leverage professional technical cooperation, both sides can help to address development needs in Palau and work together to promote sustainable development.
Upon her arrival, the vice president first listened to a briefing on operations by Benjamin Tsai (蔡明哲), leader of the technical mission. In her remarks afterward, she noted that this visit was specifically arranged in order to learn more about the concrete achievements of the technical mission’s cooperative projects, while further deepening the cooperative relations and friendship between Taiwan and Palau across various fields. She also took the opportunity to extend her appreciation and encouragement to all team members working hard on the frontlines to contribute to Taiwan’s diplomacy. The vice president pointed out that Palau is geographically closest to Taiwan among the latter’s diplomatic allies and has always been highly supportive of Taiwan. In recent years, cooperation between the two sides has continued to expand, with further collaboration not only in agriculture, aquaculture, and education, but also in the field of information technology.
The vice president mentioned that earlier during her itinerary, Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. shared several future policy goals with Taiwan, including plans to expand the milkfish aquaculture industry. Suitable locations have already been identified, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau and the Taiwan Technical Mission will subsequently conduct professional assessments to support Palau with the project’s development.
The vice president noted that throughout various stops on her trip, she observed that Palau places great focus on the utilization of marine resources, as well as how to balance conservation with the economic needs of Palauan residents. She expressed her belief that the technologies introduced by the technical mission will bring immense benefits to the related issues being discussed in Palauan society and to the process of further development in the future.
The vice president said that she was highly impressed by the beautiful produce on display at the technical mission. Palau relies heavily on imports for many of its dietary and daily necessities, and imported products are not only more expensive, but also increase carbon emissions. She emphasized that the technical mission’s professional assistance is of great significance in promoting the further development of local industries across various fields. In closing, Vice President Hsiao once again thanked the members of the technical mission for their dedication and hard work.
Following her remarks, the vice president viewed some of the technical mission’s cultivated crops, including dragon fruit, guava, pineapple, and taro, learning about the relevant breeding and promotion efforts. She also commended the team members for their long-term dedication to technical cooperation in agriculture and their efforts assisting our diplomatic ally in its development.
Also in attendance at the event was Palauan Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment Steven Victor.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SCST at 2026 Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum opening dinner (English only) 王海民主席 (Chairman of the China Tourism Group, Mr Wang Haimin), 張旭主席 (Chairman of the World Tourism Alliance, Mr Zhang Xu), 張維國主任 (Director-General of the China Center of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Zhang Weiguo), 林建岳博士 (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening! First and foremost, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the China Travel Service (CTS) Group for organising the 2026 Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum. This forum offers a valuable platform for tourism industry peers from around the world to exchange insights and come together in Hong Kong to explore new opportunities for the future of our sector.
Hong Kong’s tourism industry is on a steady rise. Last year, we welcomed nearly 50 million visitor arrivals – an increase of over 10 per cent over 2024. Both the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets delivered truly encouraging performance. Looking ahead, we project total visitor arrivals for the full year of 2026 to reach 53.8 million, representing an 8 per cent year-on-year increase. According to preliminary figures, in the first five months of this year alone, we welcomed approximately 23 million visitor arrivals – putting us firmly on track to meet our annual forecast.
These remarkable achievements are the result of the concerted efforts and continuous improvement of the entire tourism ecosystem – from frontline service personnel to behind-the-scenes management teams, and from hotels, dining, and attractions to transportation, retail, and culture, sports and mega events. The Hong Kong Tourism Board, the CTS Group, and all our sector friends have played an instrumental role. To every one of you, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your hard and excellent work.
Global travel trends are evolving rapidly. Travelers today are no longer satisfied with surface-level tourism, they seek more diverse and in-depth experiences. Cities around the world are rolling out innovative strategies to attract visitors. Hong Kong must keep pace with the times – and go further. We need to create more unique, “Only in Hong Kong” products and experiences that make visitors delighted to stay, reluctant to leave, and eager to return.
Earlier today, the Chief Executive announced the launch of the public consultation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau will actively listen to stakeholders’ views on the development of our tourism industry. This year’s Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum provides an excellent platform for exactly that exchange – enabling industry professionals from different sectors to discuss strategies and offer insightful recommendations for the future of tourism.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is a city full of energy, vibrancy and possibilities. We have a unique East-meets-West cultural heritage, world-class infrastructure and service standards, and a community of passionate, forward-looking professionals – including all of you here today. I firmly believe that as long as we continue to work hand in hand, Hong Kong’s tourism industry will reach new heights of success.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases first 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 April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further, but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
For survey areas which recorded indexes 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, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, the FEHD has initiated two prosecutions against the relevant estate management company and property management company following the discovery of mosquito breeding respectively at a public housing estate and a private housing estate in North District. In addition, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in two parks, seven public housing estates and five private housing estates in Kowloon City District, North District and Tai Po District, the FEHD has issued 14 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD also issued a Nuisance Notice to the relevant property management company following the discovery of refuse accumulation at a private housing estate in North District. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders 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. 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 19:30
MOFA response to commentary regarding Taiwan’s handling of Japan-Philippines negotiations on maritime boundaries
Date：2026-06-05
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
June 5, 2026 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again reiterates that future negotiations on the demarcation of maritime boundaries between Japan and the Philippines and any associated outcomes would have no effect on the sovereign rights enjoyed by Taiwan in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, and would not impact the implementation of fishing agreements between Taiwan and Japan or Taiwan and the Philippines. This has been publicly confirmed by the relevant countries and is substantiated by the fact that, based on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and international juridical precedent, the legal validity of bilateral treaties or agreements applies only to their signatories.To protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and sovereign rights in its surrounding waters, MOFA has instructed relevant overseas missions to pay close attention to matters pertaining to the negotiations and any associated developments. It has also conveyed Taiwan’s concerns through relevant channels. It is understood that at present, Japan and the Philippines have not set out a concrete timeline for negotiations.In commentary regarding MOFA’s actions, several media and political figures have cited media reports alleging that Japan turned down a proposal by Taiwan to take part in negotiations on the demarcation of boundaries. MOFA solemnly clarifies that Taiwan has not approached Japan or the Philippines with a request to join their bilateral negotiations on the demarcation of boundaries. The headlines and content of the relevant reports are clearly inconsistent with the facts.MOFA urges all parties to look at associated issues with a rational eye and refrain from causing misunderstandings because of one-sided information.In recent years, China has continued to employ multiple tactics—including legal, propaganda, and maritime law enforcement operations—in a bid to expand its maritime claims and undermine regional stability. The government of Taiwan firmly opposes this and will staunchly defend Taiwan’s national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.MOFA will pay close attention to the situation and to associated developments. In coordination with relevant ministries and agencies, it will maintain close communication with Japan and the Philippines through existing bilateral mechanisms and dialogue channels, taking concrete actions to preserve Taiwan’s maritime rights and interests and the security and operational rights and interests of Taiwan’s fishers.