Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that the Chief Executive has reappointed Ada Chung as the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data for five years from September 4.

 

Ms Chung was first appointed as the Privacy Commissioner in September 2020. 

 

The Government said that since her appointment, Ms Chung has fully demonstrated her extensive professional knowledge and leadership skills, as well as her unwavering dedication to the work of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD), leading the PCPD in addressing various increasingly complex challenges for privacy protection.

 

In the past five years, Ms Chung led the PCPD in fully supporting the Government in amending the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, and setting up a division responsible for criminal investigation and prosecution, so as to effectively combat “doxxing” acts intruding into personal data privacy.

 

To strive for a greater say on privacy protection issues in the international arena, Ms Chung also led the PCPD in strengthening connections with international and national data and privacy protection organisations, including serving as the co-chair of the Ethics & Data Protection in Artificial Intelligence Working Group and the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly.

 

The Government added that it is confident that under Ms Chung’s leadership, the PCPD will reach new heights in further promoting the protection and respect for personal data privacy in society, and proactively tackling challenges arising from the development of emerging technologies.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A girl who went missing in Sheung Shui has been located.

Chen Xin-yi, aged 14, went missing after she left her residence in Po Shek Wu Estate on August 3 night. Her family made a report to Police on August 7.

The girl was located on Pik Wan Road, Kwun Tong, this afternoon (August 14). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 5-year RMB institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 05GB3005001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (August 14).

A total of RMB1.25 billion 5-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB3.781 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 3.02. The average price accepted is 101.27, implying an annualised yield of 1.697 per cent.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results

Tender results of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Tender Date	:	August 14, 2025
Issue Number	:	05GB3005001 (Re-open)
Stock Code	:	85023 (HKGB1.97 3005-R)
Issue and Settlement Date	:	August 18, 2025
Tenor	:	5 years
Maturity Date	:	May 15, 2030
Coupon Rate	:	1.97 per cent
Amount Applied	:	RMB3.781 billion
Amount Allotted	:	RMB1.25 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio*	:	3.02
Average Price Accepted (Yield)	:	101.27 (1.697 per cent (Note))
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield)	:	101.13 (1.728 per cent (Note))
Pro-rata Ratio	:	About 75 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield)	:	100.86 (1.788 per cent (Note))

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields.  For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.690 per cent, 1.721 per cent, and 1.780 per cent respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) today issued (Aug 14) the following joint statement on recent market movements in relation to stablecoins.
 
The HKMA and the SFC have noted recent abrupt market movements linked to the stablecoin concept. These movements appear to follow corporate announcements, news reports, social media posts or speculations regarding plans to apply for stablecoin issuer licence, engage in related activities or explore the feasibility of such initiatives in Hong Kong. Some of these claims have also mentioned recent engagements with financial regulatory authorities in Hong Kong.
 
The HKMA reiterates that it adopts a robust and prudent approach, with a reasonably high bar, in considering applications for stablecoin issuer licence. The HKMA emphasises that an indication of interest or application for a stablecoin licence, and the HKMA’s communication with the interested entities are just part of the licensing process. The granting of licence will be determined by the fulfilment of the licensing criteria.
 
Given the significant uncertainties surrounding the outcomes of these preliminary plans or applications, the abrupt market movements noted above, often driven by excitement or speculation, highlight the need to stay vigilant in these frenetic situations. This heightened volatility in share prices can lead to irrational decisions, thereby exposing investors to undue risks.
 
In the light of this phenomenon, the HKMA and the SFC urge the public to exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and refrain from making irrational investment decisions based solely on market hype or price momentum. They should remember well-considered and informed decision-making is essential to mitigate risks in times of heightened volatility.
 
Market participants are reminded to exercise responsibility in public communications, and refrain from making statements that could mislead investors or create unrealistic expectations.
 
To safeguard market integrity and protect investors, the SFC’s dedicated market surveillance team, equipped with advanced and proven systems, will closely monitor trading activities in Hong Kong. It will take stringent actions against any manipulative or deceptive practices that could compromise the integrity of the market.
 
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The HKMA adopts a rigorous and prudent approach in assessing applications for stablecoin issuer licence. The approval thresholds set are high, and only a handful of licences will be granted initially. We have been in preliminary communication with dozens of parties regarding stablecoin licensing as part of our market engagement. Such communication, or the related indication of interest or application, is not an indicator of approval or endorsement of any entity’s prospects.”
 
     The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, said, “Recent share price movements associated with the stablecoin concept underscore the importance for investors to be clear-minded about the risks involved and the potential financial losses from making relevant investments. In addition to conducting thorough research themselves, they should always be mindful of the misleading prospects of gains from short-term price volatility and be wary of unsubstantiated claims, particularly those appearing on social media. The SFC will continue to monitor market activities closely and will not hesitate in taking forceful and decisive actions to maintain market integrity and protect investors from undue risks.” 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks prime ministers of New Zealand and Australia for joint statement supporting peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Date：2025-08-11
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 11, 2025 
No.284 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met on August 9. In a joint statement following the meeting, they underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also expressed opposition to the threat or use of force or coercion, as well as to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo. 
 
This follows a similar declaration by the Australian and New Zealand prime ministers in August last year, demonstrating their consistent position in attaching great importance to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses his affirmation and gratitude for the new joint statement.
 
Meanwhile, the joint statement also called for the resolution of issues and disputes, including those involving the Taiwan Strait, through dialogue and other peaceful means. It also conveyed concern over dangerous, destabilizing, and provocative activities in the South China Sea and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions in accordance with international law.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the fact that like-minded countries continue to express concern at international events regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. Taiwan will continue to promote integrated diplomacy and work with like-minded partners to advance democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to August 11 collision between a Chinese PLA destroyer and a coast guard cutter while in pursuit of Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Suluan near Scarborough Shoal

August 14, 2025 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses grave concern over the recent incident in the South China Sea near the Scarborough Shoal, during which a People’s Liberation Army Navy destroyer and a China Coast Guard cutter conducted dangerous maneuvers while in pursuit of a Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel. This aggressive act seriously disrupted regional peace and stability and directly endangered the lives and safety of Philippine coast guard personnel.
 
MOFA is closely following ongoing disputes over islands in the South China Sea and urges all parties to exercise restraint. China, in particular, should not take any actions to escalate the current situation, jeopardize the lives and safety of seafarers, and undermine peace, stability, and the status quo in the South China Sea.
 
MOFA reiterates that South China Sea issues can only be peacefully resolved through appropriate multilateral dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms. Taiwan and other like-minded countries will continue to monitor developments in the South China Sea and work together to uphold regional security and stability.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and rejected the unfounded and biased content related to Hong Kong contained in the US Department of State’s so-called 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it strongly disapproves of and rejects the US’ repeated tactics through the so-called report in making slandering remarks against Hong Kong, where “one country, two systems” is successfully implemented.

It pointed out that the US is once again overriding the rule of law with politics and politicising human rights issues, adding that such attempts to interfere in Hong Kong’s law-based governance and undermine the city’s prosperity and stability are doomed to fail.

The statement noted that since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the human rights of Hong Kong residents have been firmly protected by the Constitution and the Basic Law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government resolutely, fully and faithfully implements the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst maintaining the common law system, adhering to the principle of the rule of law and upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against international law and the basic norms of international relations and interfering in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs.

On legislation safeguarding national security, the statement pointed out that the content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR contained in the so-called report by the US is completely absurd and untrue.

Since the implementation of the HKNSL in June 2020, the US has all along ignored the large-scale and incessant riots that occurred in 2019 which devastated society, the livelihood and economy of Hong Kong.

Instead, it built up false stories and fabricated narratives through various so-called reports to maliciously slander legislation safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, and blatantly attack the city in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law.

The statement added that the US has also deliberately neglected the fact that such laws have enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community as well as the business environment, to return to normalcy.

The Hong Kong SAR Government considered the US’ bullying conduct and hypocrisy laced with double standards as utterly despicable.

The statement also noted that the legal framework in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR is consistent with the relevant international human rights standards. The HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security.

The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to the Hong Kong SAR are to be protected in accordance with the law.

The statement emphasised that the offences endangering national security stipulated by the HKNSL and the SNSO target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity.

The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant has the actus reus and mens rea of an offence before the defendant may be convicted by the court.

Moreover, the relevant offences do not have retrospective effect, which is in line with Article 12 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that each and every sovereign state enacts laws safeguarding national security, adding that it is not only their inherent right, but also an international practice.

It also said the US has at least 21 pieces of law safeguarding national security and it is therefore in no position to point the finger at other countries and regions for legitimately legislating to safeguard national security.

The statement also outlined issues regarding the Hong Kong SAR’s enforcement actions, bail arrangement, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law and the conditions of correctional services facilities.

Regarding the false information regarding the deportation policy in the US’ so-called report, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it maintains a firm policy of not granting asylum and not determining or recognising the refugee status of any person.

A Unified Screening Mechanism (USM) has been put in place to screen non-refoulement claims on all applicable grounds in one go. The procedures of the USM meet the high standards of fairness as required by law and compare most favourably with those adopted in other common law jurisdictions. Each non-refoulement claimant is also provided with publicly-funded legal assistance.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the city steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of “one country, two systems”.

With strong support from the motherland, and as the only city where the global advantage and the China advantage converge under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong will continue to protect and promote human rights through security, development and co-operation as well as tell good stories of the Hong Kong SAR’s human rights situation in a reasoned and robust manner.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong was affected by the outer rainbands of Tropical Cyclone Podul and the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was issued this morning, with flooding occurring in multiple districts due to heavy rain.

The Government said relevant departments were fully engaged in response and recovery efforts, striving to minimise the impact of the adverse weather on the public, and provided appropriate support to citizens in need.

Its Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre began operating upon the issuance of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal this morning.

Directorate officers from relevant departments closely monitored the situation in real time across various districts, co-ordinating efforts to address flooding, landslides, fallen trees and road blockages.

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been maintaining close liaison with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) as it made preparations. The DSD activated the Emergency Control Centre at 6.35am and deployed 110 emergency response teams, involving about 410 personnel and several powerful pumping robots.

The teams handled requests for assistance from the public and flooding cases, conducted repeated inspections and carried out necessary clearance at about 240 locations prone to flooding due to blockages.

As of 5pm, six flooding cases were confirmed and all of them were resolved within one to two hours. The affected roads have resumed normal operation.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office’s (GEO) Emergency Control Centre was activated soon after the HKO issued a landslip warning. As of 6pm, a total of three reports of landslides were received in Ap Lei Chau, Tsuen Wan and Lantau. Inspections were arranged.

Flooding and fallen trees were found at roads near the West New Territories Landfill and Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun during the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has arranged workers to carry out clearance of the blocked storm water drains and remove fallen trees promptly.

The EPD’s North Lantau Transfer Station at Sham Shui Kok was also affected by the rainstorm and part of it experienced flooding. A temporary arrangement was made to allow single-lane and two-way traffic at its weighbridge. The department carried out inspections on the drainage channels and deployed additional pumps, which have facilitated the station to resume normal operation promptly.

The Fire Services Department, by 2pm today, handled a total of 13 reports of people trapped in lifts, 36 reports from automatic fire alarm systems, six reports of fallen trees, one report of landslides, and four reports of flooding incidents.

The Highways Department’s Urban & New Territories Emergency Control Centres were promptly activated after the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force this morning to co-ordinate the handling of road emergencies, including collaborating with the GEO to clear debris at a landslide location in Southern District.

The department also collaborated with the DSD to quickly clear roadside gullies blocked by muddy water and debris in various districts where flooding occurred, with affected road sections reopened immediately afterwards.

The Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Coordination Centre (ETCC) escalated its operational level when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force to closely monitor the traffic and transport conditions of important routes, including trunk roads, tunnels and bridges across the city.

The ETCC expedited assessment of the impact of the rainstorm on traffic and maintains close liaison with relevant departments and public transport operators to steer and co-ordinate public transport services.

During the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, frontline police officers remained steadfast in carrying out their duties, including cordoning off high-risk areas and evacuating stranded citizens. They also closely monitored traffic conditions, handled vehicles trapped by flooding and cleared blocked drains to ensure a smooth traffic flow.

The Home Affairs Department opened a total of 11 temporary shelters for people in need. Its Emergency Co-ordination Centre began operation promptly to co-ordinate work and information dissemination in 18 districts as well as promptly follow-up on various incident reports.

District offices immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to provide support. They have also mobilised District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas.

The Housing Department’s (HD) Communication Centre was activated during the rainstorm period. As of 4pm, it received 13 enquiries from residents, which were given assistance swiftly.

During the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the HD received five reports of rainwater surging from slopes or channels near its construction sites. The project teams responded swiftly and, under safe conditions, arranged for workers to assist in draining the water into nearby manholes to prevent overflow onto the roads.