Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

     Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo Non-official Members) today (December 15) issued the following statement:

The Court of First Instance of the High Court convicted Lai Chee-ying of conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security and conspiracy to publish seditious publications, and ExCo Non-official Members welcome the verdict.

ExCo Non-official Members stated that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law, consistently adhering to the principles that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable. The court’s conviction demonstrates the justice of the law and upholds the core values of Hong Kong.

ExCo Non-official Members condemn any acts of collusion with foreign or external forces to endanger national security. Those who break the law must bear legal consequences for their unlawful actions, and convicted individuals got what they deserved.

ExCo Non-official Members will continue to support the Special Administrative Region Government in steadfastly fulfilling its responsibility to safeguard national security and making every effort to prevent, stop, and punish acts and activities that threaten national security.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Two incoming passengers were sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment and fined $300, and six weeks’ imprisonment and fined $500, respectively by the courts today (December 15) for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
 
     Customs officers intercepted a 21-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (December 14). Around 10 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $48,600 and a duty potential of about $35,700, were seized from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment and fined $500 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today.

     In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday and seized 5 800 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $23,000 and a duty potential of about $19,000 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment and fined $300 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today.
 
     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.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (December 15) alerted members of the public to a fraudulent WSD website address (wsdgov[.]com), which asks recipients to pay water bills via a hyperlink provided.
 
The WSD stresses that the fraudulent website has no connection with the WSD and has reported the case to the Police. The spokesman said that members of the public who have registered for the WSD’s electronic services account and e-billing service must complete verification on the WSD website (www.wsd.gov.hk) before they can view their e-bills and obtain the Faster Payment System QR code on the bill for making payments.
 
Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any unidentified emails or messages, and not visit any suspicious websites and disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned or other suspcious websites should contact the Police. For enquiries, please call the WSD’s customer services hotline at 2824 5000.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the remarks made by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session on the Lai Chee-ying case this afternoon (December 15):

Reporter: Firstly, regarding the verdict of this case, does this mean the cases surrounding Apple Daily have officially concluded and there will be no more prosecution in this regard? Secondly, regarding this case attracting heavy international media and political attention, are you worried that this verdict will draw further international sanctions towards Hong Kong, particularly from US President Donald Trump? Thank you.

Secretary for Security: First of all, I do not comment on individual suspects or organisations. For whatever criminal cases, including those relating to national security, if we have evidence, we will arrest (those suspects). If we have sufficient evidence, we will prosecute (suspects). No one is above the law. Regarding the international concerns of this case, I think a lot of foreign consulate staff attending the trial throughout are the witnesses of how open and fair this trial is.

I think this illustrates these kinds of activities, happening in any country, if someone uses the media to try to overturn a regime, I think this is not bearable by every government. I think this case illustrates how safe Hong Kong is and how we are able to interdict all the national security concerns and all the attempts to affect the national security. I think this is a good showcase to show that Hong Kong is safe and it is safe to do investments in Hong Kong.

Reporter: How do you make sure today’s verdict does not affect freedom of the press in Hong Kong?

Secretary for Security: First of all, the verdict states very clearly that this is nothing to do with the freedom of press in this case. It is solely because of Lai Chee-ying’s utilising of Apple Daily as a platform to advocate his hatred against the Government and his plot to try to overturn our CPG’s (Central People’s Government) regime.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

With the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) concluding today, Chief Executive John Lee commended Hong Kong, China athletes for their outstanding performance in the games.

The Hong Kong, China Delegation participating in the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG was the largest ever. Mr Lee noted that the athletes fully demonstrated personal perseverance and team spirit, achieving historic and encouraging results with a total of 140 medals, including 51 gold, 49 silver, and 40 bronze medals.

“They strove hard, overcame obstacles, and surpassed their personal bests, showcasing Hong Kong’s indefatigable and indomitable spirit.”

Noting that this year’s games were jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau for the first time with Hong Kong hosting four competition events and one mass participation event, Mr Lee thanked the central government for its trust, and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) for their support.

The Chief Executive also thanked all sectors of society for their support for the games, saying that their efforts and contributions have assisted Hong Kong athletes in showcasing their talent and enabled the smooth running of events in the Hong Kong competition region, promoting harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals and enhancing society’s support for disability sports.

Mr Lee stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to promoting the development of disability sports, noting that the Government’s actual expenditure on sports development for people with disabilities exceeded $140 million in the year of 2024-25, with over 80% of the expenditure supporting athletes with disabilities.

In addition, the Government has designated over $1 billion for the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) in the year 2025-26 to support its training for elite athletes, including those for elite disability sports.

The Government will encourage more people with disabilities to pursue careers as athletes and showcase their talent through continuously increasing resources and enhancing the athlete training ladder, with a view to raising the public’s awareness of and support for disability sports.

With the successful conclusion of the 15th National Games, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Mr Lee said it demonstrated the capabilities of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in organising large-scale sports events.

The Hong Kong SAR Government, the GASC, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and the Macau SAR Government have signed an agreement on strengthening of sports co-operation and promotion of integrated development to carry forward the spirit of unity under the strategic framework, with a view to deepening co-operation within the GBA and actively implementing integrated sports development in the area, he added.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law also congratulated the athletes for their remarkable achievements across various events.

“Our athletes demonstrated exceptional professionalism, achieved breakthroughs, and set multiple national records. I am deeply proud of their outstanding performances in different events which have brought glory to Hong Kong. I believe the extraordinary determination and perseverance of our athletes with disabilities in achieving such remarkable results will bring more positive energy to our society.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the Court of First Instance’s verdict today in the case of Lai Chee-ying and three companies relating to Apple Daily involving three charges of offences endangering national security.

The charges included “conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” and “conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications”.

The court convicted Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies on all charges.

It adjourned the case of Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies, as well as the related cases of eight people who previously pleaded guilty, to January 12, 2026, for mitigation, and the date for sentencing will be announced afterwards.

Chief Executive John Lee stated that the court found Lai Chee-ying and the three companies relating to Apple Daily guilty, confirming that Lai Chee-ying had indeed used Apple Daily to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security.

Mr Lee said: “Lai Chee-ying has long been using his media outlet, Apple Daily, to wantonly create social conflicts, incite social antagonism, incite hatred, glorify violence and openly beg for foreign sanctions against China and the Hong Kong SAR, attracting external interference.

“He has harmed the fundamental interests of the country and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong; his actions are shameful and his intentions malicious. His wanton crimes were committed in full view of the public, and the evidence is compelling.

“The court’s conviction demonstrates that righteousness is upheld by the law and the core values of Hong Kong are safeguarded. The law never allows anyone, regardless of profession or background, to harm their country and compatriots under the guise of human rights, democracy, and freedom.

“The Hong Kong SAR has a responsibility to safeguard national security and will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security. Hong Kong is underpinned by the rule of law, and the Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. We will do our utmost to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security to fulfil this perfectly justified responsibility.”

The Chief Executive emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government’s stance is unequivocal, and that the Judiciary acts confidently, undaunted by any threats.

“We will resolutely fulfil the responsibility of safeguarding national security,” he added.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that the court’s reasons for verdict in this case are 855 pages long, clearly pointing out that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs.

The court’s verdict of guilty is reasoned and well founded, and fully demonstrates that the court arrived at the verdict in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, free from any interference, and entirely devoid of political considerations.

The court clearly pointed out in its reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying had harboured his resentment and hatred of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for many years. His only intent, whether pre- or post-Hong Kong National Security Law, was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the PRC and the Hong Kong SAR.

The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that throughout the enforcement, prosecution and trial stages of Lai Chee-ying’s case, there were smears and attacks as well as interference and pressure from all sides.

However, any reasonable person who can distinguish between right and wrong, upon carefully examining the reasons for verdict handed down by the court today, would agree that the court adjudicated the case fairly and impartially, and the despicable attempt of external forces is futile and doomed to failure.

Besides, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the open hearing of the case revealed that Lai Chee-ying repeatedly colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions or blockade, or engage in hostile activities against the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government.

It added that Lai Chee-ying’s case has absolutely nothing to do with press freedom. The defendants have merely used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed the country and Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The court verdict on the case under the National Security Law involving Lai Chee-ying illustrated Hong Kong’s ability to interdict all the attempts to affect national security.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung made the remarks today while meeting the media following Lai Chee-ying’s conviction on three national security-related charges.

Welcoming the verdict, Mr Tang said: “For whatever criminal cases, including those relating to national security, if we have evidence, we will arrest. If we have sufficient evidence, we will prosecute. No one is above the law.

“Regarding international concerns about this case, I think a lot of foreign consular staff, they have been attending the trial throughout. And they are witness to how this trial is being openly and fairly (tried).

“I think this illustrates these kind of activities, if it happened in any country, if someone (was) using the media to try to overturn a regime, I think this is not bearable by every government.

“I think this case illustrates how safe Hong Kong is, and how we are able to interdict all the national security concerns, all the attempts to affect our national security.

“I think this is a good showcase to show that we are safe, and we are safe to do investment in Hong Kong.”

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of December 14, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Presidential Hackathon awards ceremony. In remarks, President Lai praised the winning teams for applying data, technology, and innovative thinking to address various public issues, their work a testament to the event’s impact. He also expressed hope that the achievements of today can become the actions of tomorrow, strengthening innovation and bringing it to every corner of society, and that by driving transformation through digital means and achieving net zero through collaborative efforts, all sectors can work together to build a smarter, more sustainable, and brighter future.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I want to welcome everyone to the Presidential Office as we witness and share the achievements and honors of the 2025 Presidential Hackathon. It is truly admirable to see teams from different backgrounds and diverse sectors applying data, technology, and innovative thinking to address various public issues, while upholding the spirit of open collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation. Now in its eighth year, the Presidential Hackathon has named 41 domestic and 14 international teams of excellence to date. Proposals have spanned a range of topics including healthcare optimization, public safety enhancement, environmental protection, and transportation improvements. Many outstanding proposals have already been translated into concrete policies and integrated into our everyday lives, contributing to Taiwan’s continued progress.
As we face the challenges of climate change and digital transformation, the domestic track of this year’s hackathon specifically adopted the theme “Dual Transformation for Green Growth,” inviting talented innovators from across the country to seek solutions for Taiwan’s sustainable future. This demonstrates Taiwan’s determination to advance digital transformation and net-zero initiatives. It also reflects our hope that, through these bold and groundbreaking innovations, Taiwan can move steadily forward on the path to green growth. I want to congratulate the five teams of excellence from the domestic track. ReSchool enhances planning efficiency and helps diversify how school campuses are used to support local development. AI-Powered Green Chemistry Diagnostic Advisor helps enterprises build a one-stop platform for chemical risk assessment and safer alternative solutions. Decarbon Strivers proposes a system to track and manage carbon footprints of construction projects at all stages, from design and operation to demolition. Zha Nan works to establish a sustainable management platform to recycle and reuse more than 120,000 metric tons of used coffee grounds per year. The Strivers integrate resources from blood donation centers and hospitals to create an emergency blood supply system, improving trauma survival rates in rural areas and strengthening healthcare resilience. Additionally, CivicWorks Guardian, who won the award for AI application, leverages AI to build an integrated management chain for construction site safety, progress, and quality. This is a significant step forward for more transparent and accountable governance in Taiwan.
The teams in this year’s international track, which followed the theme of “Digital Innovation for Resilience and Sustainability,” were equally impressive. I am pleased to see international teams using digital technologies to exchange ideas with global partners and work together to advance sustainable development. I would like to congratulate the two teams of excellence. CropNow from India helps farmers increase yields by monitoring crop health in real time. Beyond Hearing, a Taiwan-France collaboration, uses real-time sound analysis and positioning to provide greater spatial awareness to the hearing impaired.
Once again, I would like to thank all the teams for participating in the Presidential Hackathon and for their passion and creativity in using digital technologies to find innovative and sustainable solutions. Whether focused on digital governance, low-carbon cities, or green industries, the proposals are all full of creativity and give strong momentum to Taiwan’s digital and net-zero twin transition. Their work is a testament to the Hackathon’s impact. I hope the achievements of today can become the actions of tomorrow, strengthening innovation and bringing it to every corner of society. The award-winning teams have worked hard to develop their plans, and I promise that the government will give them careful consideration in formulating national policy. Together, let us drive transformation through digital means, achieve net zero through collaborative efforts, and work together to build a smarter, more sustainable, and brighter future.
President Lai then presented trophies and certificates to the winning teams in both the domestic and international tracks.
Also in attendance at the event were French Office in Taipei Director Franck Paris and India-Taipei Association Acting Director General Vishwanjali Murlidhar Gaikwad.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Further to the external merchandise trade statistics in value terms for October 2025 released earlier on, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (December 15) the volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade for that month.
 
     In October 2025, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 14.6% and 15.7% respectively over October 2024.
 
     Comparing the first ten months of 2025 with the same period in 2024, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 11.6% and 11.3% respectively.
 
     Comparing the three-month period ending October 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods and imports of goods decreased by 2.1% and 2.3% respectively.
 
     Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted.
 
     Comparing October 2025 with October 2024, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 2.4% and 2.3% respectively.
 
     As regards price changes in the first ten months of 2025 over the same period in 2024, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods both increased by 2.0%.
 
     Price changes in external merchandise trade are reflected by changes in unit value indices of external merchandise trade, which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data.
 
     The terms of trade index is derived from the ratio of price index of total exports of goods to that of imports of goods.  Compared with the same periods in 2024, the index increased by 0.2% in October 2025, whereas it remained virtually unchanged in the first ten months of 2025.
 
     Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1.
 
     Comparing October 2025 with October 2024, increases were recorded for the total export volume to all main destinations: Vietnam (52.6%), Taiwan (43.0%), the USA (39.1%), India (21.8%) and Chinese Mainland (the Mainland) (7.3%).
 
     Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to all main destinations increased: Taiwan (4.7%), India (3.7%), the Mainland (2.5%), Vietnam (1.3%) and the USA (0.8%).
 
     Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2.
 
     Comparing October 2025 with October 2024, increases were recorded for the import volume from all main suppliers: Vietnam (175.6%), the Mainland (18.2%), Singapore (13.9%), Japan (3.4%) and Taiwan (1.8%).
 
     Over the same period of comparison, the import prices from all main suppliers increased: Singapore (6.2%), Taiwan (5.6%), Vietnam (2.3%), Japan (1.3%) and the Mainland (0.4%).
 
Further information
 
     Details of the above statistics are published in the October 2025 issue of “Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers”.  Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020006&scode=230).
 
     Enquiries on merchandise trade indices may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4918).