HK, Mainland hospitals sign pacts

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau witnessed the signing of strategic collaboration agreements by The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) with the Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (SZTCMH) and the Hebei Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (HBHCM) respectively yesterday and today at CMHHK.

The agreements laid a foundation and set the direction for collaboration on various fronts between CMHHK and the two Chinese medicine (CM) hospitals in Shenzhen Municipality and Hebei Province.

Prof Lo and member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Shenzhen Municipal Committee and the Party Leadership Group of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government Chen Qing witnessed the signing of the Strategic Collaboration Agreement between SZTCMH and CMHHK by Chairperson of the Board of Directors of CMHHK Operator Wong Kwai-huen and President of SZTCMH Prof Zhu Meiling yesterday.

Prof Lo also witnessed the signing of the Strategic Collaboration Agreement between HBHCM and CMHHK by Mr Wong and Director of HBHCM Prof Zhi Zheng today. The signing marked the official commencement of collaboration between CMHHK and the two CM hospitals.

The health chief said that the establishment of strategic partnerships with the CM hospitals in Shenzhen Municipality and Hebei Province also responds to the national goals, as set out in the 15th Five-Year Plan, of better integrating into the overall national development and fostering the inheritance and innovation of CM.

“’Hong Kong will continue to leverage the institutional strengths of ‘one country, two systems’ to promote collaborations between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland in the healthcare sector. At the same time, Hong Kong will strive to serve as a bridgehead for CM to go global by leveraging its role as an important window for exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Western cultures,” he added.

The two strategic collaboration agreements cover numerous areas, including exchange of CM talent, cross-boundary distance discussions of cases, establishment of a sharing platform for drug interaction alert notifications, organisation of CM academic conferences, development of a scientific research network, as well as other related projects on education, scientific research and healthcare services that are conducive to CM development in Hong Kong-Shenzhen and Hong Kong-Hebei.

Apart from these two agreements, CMHHK has already signed strategic collaboration agreements with key hospitals in several provincial-level administrative regions, namely Guangdong Province, Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Shandong Province, Sichuan Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region, as well as with TCM-Klinik Bad Kötzting in Germany and Western Sydney University in Australia.

Thundery Showers On Most Afternoons For The Rest Of April 2026

Source: Government of Singapore

16 April 2026 – Inter-monsoon conditions are expected to continue for the rest of April 2026. Prevailing winds will be mostly light and variable in direction, and blow from the southeast or southwest on some days.

 2.          In the second fortnight of April 2026, short-duration thundery showers are expected over parts of the island in the afternoon on most days. On some occasions, the showers may extend into the evening. On one or two days, Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds during the pre-dawn and morning hours. There may be a few days with little rainfall. Overall, the total rainfall for the second fortnight of April 2026 is forecast to be near average over most parts of the island.

3.          The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days, with highs of around 35 degrees Celsius on a few days.

4.          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 15 April 2026)

5.          In the first fortnight of April 2026, inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore, with prevailing winds generally light and variable in direction. On some days, the low-level winds shifted to blow from the south or southwest.

6.          During the first fortnight of April 2026, Singapore experienced more rainfall compared to the second half of March 2026. Most thundery showers occurred in the afternoons, driven by daytime heating. On 7 April 2026, a Sumatra squall brought widespread showers to many parts of Singapore in the morning. The highest daily rainfall of the fortnight, at 60.8 mm, was recorded at the area around Punggol on 7 April.

7.          In the first fortnight of April 2026, maximum temperatures exceeded 34 degrees Celsius on 12 days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.4 degrees Celsius was recorded at Paya Lebar on 5 April 2026.

8.          Most parts of Singapore recorded below average rainfall in the first half of April 2026. The area around Bedok North registered rainfall of 91 per cent below average, and the area around Seletar registered rainfall of 5 per cent above average.

 

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

  Long-term Statistics for April
  (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature: 32.4      °C
Average daily minimum temperature: 25.3 °C
Average monthly temperature: 28.2 °C
     
Average rainfall: 164.3 mm
Average number of rain days: 15  
Historical Extremes for April
  (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 33.9  °C (1983)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 23.1  °C (1934)
     
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:  454.9  mm (1900)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 16.6  mm (1977)

—————||————–

 

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

16 Apr 2026

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Land to be acquired for rail link

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Lands Department today posted a notice regarding the acquisition of two parcels of land, with a combined area of about 1,726 sq m, for the construction of the Northern Link (NOL) Main Line, in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Possessory Title) Ordinance.

The land in question will be vested in the Government on July 17.

The Government signed the Part 1 Project Agreement for the NOL Project with the MTR Corporation (MTRC) in July of last year in order to expedite time-critical NOL Main Line works. It also stipulated that the MTRC should carry out detailed planning and design work, and carry out relevant statutory procedures, for the NOL Spur Line.

The NOL Main Line will provide a public transportation backbone for multiple new development areas in the Northern Metropolis and connect the existing Tuen Ma Line and East Rail Line. 

The NOL Spur Line, as a cross-boundary bifurcation, will connect the metro networks of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, offering both local commuting functions within Hong Kong and cross-boundary rail services.

2026 Selection for Taiwan Literature Base Writers-in-Residence

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To foster literary and cultural exchange while promoting creative works in literature and culture, the National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) is launching this year’s short-term Writers-in-Residence program at the Taiwan Literature Base (TLB).

Organizer: National Museum of Taiwan Literature
Qualified applicants shall
A. be a natural person 18 years old or over;
B. be able to communicate in one of Taiwan’s nationally spoken
languages or in English;
C. not have been accepted for an NMTL residency in the last two years; and
D. be a writer engaged in creative works across literary genres,
including fiction, essay, poetry, drama, screenplays, literary
translation, non-fiction, or cross-disciplinary literary works.
Residency accommodations
A. Location: NMTL Taiwan Literature Base (No. 2, Lane 53, Qidong
Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City)
B. Description: Selected writers may stay free of charge in the Muse
Garden at the Taiwan Literature Base (TLB), which is a single
Japanese-style dormitory house equipped with a reception room, study,
bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Residency Time Frame: The current residency year runs from August
13th, 2026 to July 31st, 2027. In their residency proposals,
applicants may request a period of residency of between 7 and 30 days.
Application Submissions: Applications may be submitted between
April 10th and May 11th, 2026 only (UTC+8).
All applications must include: 1) A portfolio statement describing
the applicant’s creative practice and experience; 2) a residency
proposal; and 3) at least one published (commercial or non-commercial)
work.
Only online applications will be processed. After you complete the
Writers-in-Residence application form on the official online
registration platform
(https://event.culture.tw/mocweb/reg/NMTL/Index.init.ctr), please
submit copies of requested ID documents, a properly formatted digital
copy of your residency proposal, and all other supporting materials to
the same website before the deadline.
More details on website:
https://artres.moc.gov.tw/en/calls/content/ff8081819cd603ad019d8596f6b90075?pageLang=en

2026 Selection Guidelines for Taiwan Literature Base
 

Speech by DSJ at National Security Legal Forum (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following are the closing remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the National Security Legal Forum today (April 15):
 
Professor Wang (Vice President of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and Professor of the School of Law of Tsinghua University, Professor Wang Zhenmin), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. Having heard our eminent speakers share views on the practice of Hong Kong’s national security laws and on how Hong Kong continues to thrive in an orderly and stable environment, today’s Legal Forum has successfully come to an end. I would like to take this opportunity to summarise and share with you the key takeaways of this forum.
 
     First, this year is the inaugural year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, a pivotal year that Hong Kong is poised for leapfrog development in both its economy and society. At this juncture, the white paper released in February this year has significant guiding value as an authoritative pronouncement for Hong Kong. It stated outright in its preface that the highest principle of fully, faithfully and resolutely implementing the policy of “one country, two systems” is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. It comprehensively outlined five important areas, namely (i) the unrelenting fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, (ii) the Central Government’s fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning Hong Kong, (iii) Hong Kong’s achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security, (iv) Hong Kong’s transformation from disorder to stability and prosperity, and (v) creating high-standard security for the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. Last but not least, the white paper reminded us once again that Hong Kong has the constitutional responsibility of effectively safeguarding national security, and that we, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of the community, should proactively implement the requirement. In this regard, we are honoured to have had Professor Wang deliver a keynote speech earlier this afternoon, which reaffirmed our dedication and solidified our commitment to the essence and principles set out in the white paper.
 
     Second, the Hong Kong National Security Law was enacted to address prominent issues related to national security in the implementation of “one country, two systems” and to prevent national security risks. Its ultimate purpose is to uphold the “one country, two systems” principle, maintain prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, and serve the best interests of Hong Kong and its residents. Together, the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Basic Law constitute a legal foundation for Hong Kong to safeguard national security. In Panel Session 1, we were most delighted to have in our company, Mr Jonathan Chang, SC, the honourable Carmen Kan, Professor Cross, SC, and our Anthony Chau to review the developments of Hong Kong’s national security laws, including how Hong Kong continues to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security. Most importantly, without compromise to the practical need to address security risks, they highlighted the significant features of the improvement exercises that we have been undergoing while strictly adhering to the rule of law principle, with reference to recent major national security cases and comparable overseas legislation. I am sure we all find their sharing to be insightful, informative, and leave us on a high note.
 
     Third, in every community, security is a prerequisite for development, and development provides a guarantee for security. Without national security, we cannot offer better development and a better life for residents, and we cannot provide better protection for the legitimate rights and interests of investors. We know from experience that the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance have been jointly serving as a shield for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, and the society continues to remain stable and prosperous. Last year, Hong Kong was the world’s freest economy. We were also number one in global IPO market rankings, and number one as Asia’s largest hedge fund hub and cross-border wealth management centre. Having said that, we must not overlook the importance of national security education as an essential tool for encouraging a proactive and continuing commitment from the community at large in safeguarding national security. On this front, I am indebted to our Panel Session 2 guest speakers Ms Melissa Pang, Dr William Wong, SC, Mr PC Yu and Ms Joyce Chan for their sharing from the holistic perspective, and from standpoints of the court room, board room and classroom. Their contribution sparked our exploration of how Hong Kong could achieve a dynamic balance between development and safeguarding national security.
 
     Safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all members of society; everyone is a stakeholder and beneficiary, and no one can be a mere spectator. The fruitful discussion by our distinguished guests this afternoon provides an excellent starting point for us to understand the essential requirements of the white paper. It is my hope that the insights shared by our guests this afternoon could further enhance public awareness of safeguarding national security, and enrich our understanding of the importance of the white paper.
 
     As the white paper affirms, we should all share a common aspiration: stability and peace, not riot and turbulence; vitality and prosperity, not decline and decay; unity and solidarity, not opposition and division; civility and rule of law, not lawlessness and disorder. We must bear that in mind and cherish the safe and stable environment today. Thank you.

National Security Legal Forum brings together legal experts and leaders from different sectors

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Today (April 15) marks the National Security Education Day. The Department of Justice (DoJ) held the National Security Legal Forum on the theme of White Paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”, inviting renowned legal experts, academics, and representatives from different sectors to discuss Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security as well as the experience and insights gained in the process. The goal is to deepen the awareness and correct understanding of all sectors of the community on the city’s role in safeguarding national security, actively fulfil the practical requirements of the white paper and to achieve high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy under the auspices of high-standard security.
 
Delivering his opening remarks, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that the white paper not only reviews Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security and the experiences and insights gained in the process, it also sets out six fundamental principles in building high-standard security in order to support the high-quality development of Hong Kong.
 
In this regard, Mr Lam said that Hong Kong does not pursue “absolute security” or “generalised security” in safeguarding national security, but rather “relative security,” which is also the definition of national security in the country’s national security laws. The white paper states that Hong Kong should follow a holistic approach to development and security, and achieve a dynamic balance between the two; safeguard security with greater openness; respect and ensure human rights; safeguard security under the rule of law, especially with the judicial authorities exercising adjudicative power independently and free from any interference in trying cases pertaining to national security in accordance with the law.
 
Mr Lam stated that national security, like air and sunshine, is something without which one cannot survive, yet too often, mistakenly, is taken for granted. To arouse the awareness and vigilance of people in this respect and provide them with a proper and sufficient understanding of the fundamental principles that Hong Kong follows in safeguarding national security, he urged various sectors of the community to study the white paper carefully.
 
This year’s forum invited Vice President of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and Professor of the School of Law of Tsinghua University Professor Wang Zhenmin to deliver a keynote speech to share his insights on the main content and principles of the white paper.
 
     Following were two panel discussions, beginning with the first titled “Clearing up confusion and misunderstandings – Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security”. Speakers from the legal sector reviewed the development of Hong Kong’s laws for safeguarding national security, discussed relevant judicial cases, and conducted a comparative study and analysis of the relevant national security cases and laws in other countries, demonstrating Hong Kong’s consistent adherence to the rule of law and respect for and protection of human rights in implementing national security laws.
 
The second panel discussion – featuring a member of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, an esteemed leader of the local business sector, and a Rule of Law Education (ROLE) ambassador under the ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme of the DoJ – explored how Hong Kong can achieve a dynamic balance between development and security, and how promoting national security education can build social consensus to safeguard the steady and long-term implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle with high-standard security.
 
The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, in his closing remarks said that the white paper has significant guiding value to Hong Kong. The white paper reminded people once again that Hong Kong has the constitutional responsibility of effectively safeguarding national security, and that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of the community should proactively implement the practical requirements of the white paper.
 
He noted that speakers of the two panel discussions conducted in-depth discussions from various perspectives on issues such as the development of Hong Kong’s laws for safeguarding national security, and how to achieve a dynamic balance between development and safeguarding national security. The discussions provided an excellent starting point for the participants to understand the essential requirements of the white paper, Dr Cheung added.
 
Citing the white paper, Dr Cheung said that safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all members of society. Everyone is a stakeholder and beneficiary, and no one can be a mere spectator. He expressed the hope that the forum today would further enhance public awareness of safeguarding national security and enrich public understanding of the importance of the white paper, and encouraged the community to cherish today’s safe and stable environment.

SB and its disciplined services fully promote National Security Education Day

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SB and its disciplined services fully promote National Security Education Day (with photos/video)      
     The SB and its disciplined services jointly held a flag-raising ceremony at the Hong Kong Police College this morning. The ceremony started with a music performance by the Hong Kong Police Band, followed by a march-in of the disciplined services ceremonial guard. The Police flag party then marched into the venue and conducted the flag-raising ceremony to the playing and singing of the national anthem. Officiating at the ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that the theme of this year’s National Security Education Day, “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan  Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”, aimed to remind Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the overall national development, and to contribute Hong Kong’s strengths and commitment to the journey of the country’s modernisation.
      
     Mr Chan said the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” published by the State Council Information Office in February this year has pointed out that safeguarding national security is Hong Kong’s constitutional responsibility, as well as the fundamental guarantee of the successful implementation of “one country, two systems”. The HKSAR Government will spare no effort to strengthen capability in law enforcement and co-ordination, deepen national security education, and adhere to the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, so as to prevent and neutralise security risks.
      
     After the flag-raising ceremony, Mr Chan officiated at the Safeguarding National Security Cup awards presentation ceremony to commend the contestants of the SB, disciplined services and auxiliary services for holding sports competitions, which showcased their flexibility and team spirit to inject impetus into the promotion of safeguarding national security.
      
     In the afternoon, the finals and award presentation ceremony of the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2025/26, jointly organised by the Department of Justice, the SB, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation, were held. The Challenge attracted more than 132 000 students from 651 primary and secondary schools, setting a record high number of participants. The content of the white paper was also incorporated into the Challenge, keeping national security education abreast of the times.
      
     In a video speech, Mr Chan expressed gratitude to principals and teachers for their support to help students learn more national security knowledge through the competitions. Teachers and students of the winning school teams were invited to join a study tour to the Mainland to know the country’s latest developments and experience stability and social advancement under the safeguard of national security. He also encouraged students, teachers and all sectors of society to proactively shoulder the duty of safeguarding national security and be the guardians of national security with a sense of responsibility and vision.
      
     Also officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), order in the community has been restored, and steady economic development has been ensured. To maintain the current hard-earned situation, citizens have to safeguard national security of their own accord. He said that the rule of law is a core value and the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success. The HKNSL also stipulated that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to and human rights and freedoms shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. He encouraged students to continue their efforts to contribute to safeguarding national security and the rule of law.
      
     Highlights of the finals and award presentation ceremony of the Challenge will be broadcast at 10.30pm tonight and 7.30pm on April 19 (Sunday) on HOY Infotainment.
      
     Apart from the abovementioned events, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today also attended other national security education activities, including the National Security Education Day Opening Ceremony and Seminar held by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the book launch ceremony of a national security children’s picture book organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations.
      
     To mark National Security Education Day, the disciplined services and auxiliary forces under the SB are holding open days/fun days on different weekends from late March to mid-April. These events feature a range of activities, including Chinese-style foot drills, rescue demonstrations, virtual reality training system demonstrations, flight simulator experiences, displays of firearms and equipment, working dogs’ demonstrations and game booths, deepening the public’s understanding of the services as well as their work and achievements in safeguarding national security.
Issued at HKT 18:40

NNNN

HKSAR organises activities for 2026 National Security Education Day

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:

     Held on April 15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the National Security Education Day Opening Ceremony was organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS). 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, delivered a speech via video at the opening ceremony. Officiating guests attending the ceremony were the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee; Director of LOCPG and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr Zhou Ji; Head of OSNS, Mr Dong Jingwei; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun; and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Navy Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin.  
     “As the head of the HKSAR and taking a leading role in the HKSAR’s governance, I will lead and co-ordinate the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR in effectively preventing, suppressing and punishing acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law. I will create high-standard security for the high-quality development and implement six important initiatives. First, upholding the unity of the Central Government’s fundamental responsibility and the HKSAR’s constitutional responsibility. Second, keeping the power to govern the HKSAR firmly in the hands of patriots. Third, respecting the rule of law and ensuring human rights. Fourth, following a holistic approach to development and security. Fifth, safeguarding security with greater openness. Sixth, improving the governance system for public security.

Nat’l security legal forum held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To mark National Security Education Day, the Department of Justice (DoJ) today held the National Security Legal Forum on the theme of the White Paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”.

The forum invited renowned legal experts, academics and representatives from different sectors to discuss Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security as well as the experience and insights gained in the process.

The goal is to deepen the awareness and correct understanding of all sectors of the community on the city’s role in safeguarding national security, actively fulfil the practical requirements of the white paper and to achieve high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy under the auspices of high-standard security.

      

Delivering his opening remarks, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that the white paper not only reviews Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security and the experiences and insights gained in the process, but also sets out six fundamental principles in building high-standard security in order to support the high-quality development of Hong Kong.

Mr Lam said that Hong Kong does not pursue “absolute security” or “generalised security” in safeguarding national security, but rather “relative security,” which is also the definition of national security in the country’s national security laws. 

He noted that the white paper states that Hong Kong should follow a holistic approach to development and security, and achieve a dynamic balance between the two; safeguard security with greater openness; respect and ensure human rights; safeguard security under the rule of law, especially with the judicial authorities exercising adjudicative power independently and free from any interference in trying cases pertaining to national security in accordance with the law.

      

Mr Lam stated that national security, like air and sunshine, is something without which one cannot survive, yet too often, mistakenly, is taken for granted. 

To arouse the awareness and vigilance of people in this respect and provide them with a proper and sufficient understanding of the fundamental principles that Hong Kong follows in safeguarding national security, he urged various sectors of the community to study the white paper carefully.

      

This year’s forum invited the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies Vice President and Professor of the Tsinghua University School of Law Prof Wang Zhenmin to deliver a keynote speech to share his insights on the main content and principles of the white paper.

Two panel discussions followed, beginning with the first titled “Clearing up confusion and misunderstandings – Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security”. 

Speakers from the legal sector reviewed the development of Hong Kong’s laws for safeguarding national security, discussed relevant judicial cases, and conducted a comparative study and analysis of the relevant national security cases and laws in other countries, demonstrating Hong Kong’s consistent adherence to the rule of law and respect for and protection of human rights in implementing national security laws.

      

The second panel discussion – featuring a member of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, an esteemed leader of the local business sector, and a Rule of Law Education (ROLE) ambassador under the DoJ’s ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme – explored how Hong Kong can achieve a dynamic balance between development and security, and how promoting national security education can build social consensus to safeguard the steady and long-term implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle with high-standard security.

      

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, in his closing remarks said that the white paper has significant guiding value to Hong Kong. He pointed out that the white paper reminded people once again that Hong Kong has the constitutional responsibility of effectively safeguarding national security, and that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of the community should proactively implement the practical requirements of the white paper.

He noted that speakers of the two panel discussions conducted in-depth discussions from various perspectives on issues such as the development of Hong Kong’s laws for safeguarding national security, and how to achieve a dynamic balance between development and safeguarding national security. 

The discussions provided an excellent starting point for the participants to understand the essential requirements of the white paper, Mr Cheung added.

Citing the white paper, Mr Cheung said that safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all members of society. Everyone is a stakeholder and beneficiary, and no one can be a mere spectator. He expressed hope that the forum today would further enhance public awareness of safeguarding national security and enrich public understanding of the importance of the white paper, and encouraged the community to cherish today’s safe and stable environment.

Nat’l security education promoted

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau (SB) and its disciplined services and auxiliary services held a flag-raising ceremony, a national security knowledge challenge and other activities to mark the National Security Education Day today.

The SB and its disciplined services jointly held a flag-raising ceremony at the Police College this morning.

Officiating at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the theme of this year’s National Security Education Day, “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”, aimed to remind Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the overall national development, and to contribute Hong Kong’s strengths and commitment to the journey of the country’s modernisation.

He noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will spare no effort to strengthen its capability in law enforcement and co-ordination, deepen national security education, and adhere to the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, so as to prevent and neutralise security risks.

Mr Chan then officiated at the Safeguarding National Security Cup awards presentation ceremony to commend the contestants of the SB, disciplined services and auxiliary services for holding sports competitions, which showcased their flexibility and team spirit to inject impetus into the promotion of safeguarding national security.

In the afternoon, the Department of Justice, the SB, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation jointly organised the finals and award presentation ceremony of the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2025/26.

The challenge attracted a record number of more than 132,000 students from 651 primary and secondary schools. The content of the “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” white paper was also incorporated into the challenge, keeping national security education abreast of the times.

In a video speech, Mr Chan thanked the principals and teachers for their support to help students gain more national security knowledge through the competitions. He noted that teachers and students of the winning school teams were invited to join a study tour to the Mainland to know the country’s latest developments and experience stability and social advancement under the safeguard of national security.

He also encouraged students, teachers and all sectors of society to proactively shoulder the duty of safeguarding national security and be the guardians of national security with a sense of responsibility and vision.

Also officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam supplemented that since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, order in the community has been restored, and steady economic development has been ensured. To maintain the current hard-earned situation, citizens have to safeguard national security of their own accord.

The highlights of the finals and the award presentation ceremony will be broadcast at 10.30 tonight and 7.30pm on April 19 on HOY Infotainment.

Apart from the above-mentioned activities, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung also attended the National Security Education Day Opening Ceremony & Seminar held by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region at the Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Mr Tang’s other related engagement was the book launch ceremony of a national security children’s picture book, organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations.