Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, attended the closing ceremony of the Youth Internship Programme at Hunan on Media Industry (the Programme) under the HYAB (Home and Youth Affairs Bureau) Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland in Hunan today (July 23). She encouraged the Hong Kong youth interns to gain an in-depth understanding of the Mainland’s media landscape, industry operations and development trends through the Programme.
 
Miss Mak arrived in Hunan yesterday (July 22) and immediately commenced her visit programme by calling on Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Hunan Provincial People’s Government Ms Guo Xiangli. Miss Mak introduced the latest work and future plans of the HYAB, covering areas including youth development, district governance and women’s affairs, and exchanged work experience with Ms Guo.
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     This morning, Miss Mak visited the headquarters of the audio-visual platform under Hunan Broadcasting System and toured its facilities with the Hong Kong youth participating in the Programme. To promote Hong Kong young people’s understanding of the country and support their integration into and service for the overall national development, the HYAB collaborates with relevant Mainland institutions to provide diverse, distinctive and in-depth thematic internship opportunities every year under the HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland. The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that a new media thematic internship programme on the Mainland, the Youth Internship Programme at Hunan on Media Industry, will be launched as part of the Young Talent Training Programme. Co-organised by the HYAB and Hunan Satellite TV, the Programme provides post-secondary students studying communication-related disciplines with internship opportunities at a large-scale Mainland media organisation.
 
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Miss Mak said that the Programme provides opportunities for Hong Kong youth to work alongside professional programme production teams and gain hands-on experience in various areas such as programme planning, scriptwriting and post-production. Through this experience, they can gain an in-depth understanding of the Mainland’s media landscape, industry operations and development trends, equipping them to become important bridges for connecting society, transmitting values, and telling good stories in the future. Miss Mak was pleased to learn that the 16 student interns had worked hard and given their full effort in the challenging internship environment. She encouraged them to apply the knowledge they have learnt upon returning to Hong Kong and to share their experiences and insights with people around them.
 
Miss Mak added that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is drawing up Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. The HKSAR Government has always attached great importance to youth development. In line with the 15th Five-Year Plan and on the basis of the Youth Development Blueprint, the HYAB will continue to promote youth development work, enabling young people to unleash their strengths and proactively integrate into and serve the overall development of the country.
 
Miss Mak concluded her visit and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supported two film festivals in Spain in July 2026, namely the Asian Summer Film Festival, held in Vic from July 14 to 19 (Vic time), and the Cines del Sur International Film Festival, held in Granada from July 17 to 25 (Granada time).
 
A long-standing partner festival attracting more than 14 000 visitors each year, the Asian Summer Film Festival screened six Hong Kong films supported by Brussels ETO, showcasing a mix of new releases and classic Hong Kong cinema: Jill Wong’s “Pass and Goal”, Dickson Leung’s “Good Game”, Albert Mak’s “Hit N Fun”, Albert Njo’s “Road to Vendetta”, Kwok Ka-hei and Jack Lee’s “Unidentified Murder” and Chang Cheh’s “The Five Venoms”.
 
The Hong Kong Day, held on July 17 (Vic time), was a highlight of the festival, featuring the screenings of five Hong Kong films, a breakfast meeting introducing the Hong Kong film selection to media and industry professionals, and a Hong Kong Night where guests enjoyed a special tribute to Hong Kong’s action and marital art cinema, the screening of “Good Game”, as well as Hong Kong style street food.
 
Speaking at the breakfast meeting on July 17 (Vic time), the Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO, Mr Kasper Ng, said that “The Hong Kong programme this year featured a wide range of genres highlighting the diversity, creativity and energy of Hong Kong cinema today. We hope the Hong Kong films will inspire you to know more about Hong Kong and visit us, including attending our annual FILMART, Asia’s largest film and entertainment content marketplace, and visiting our iconic cultural landmarks such as the West Kowloon Cultural District.”
 
During the “Hong Kong Night”, Mr Kasper Ng presented the festival honorary award to Lo Mang in recognition of his outstanding career. The award was accepted on his behalf by actor and action director Ken Law of “Good Game”, who attended the festival.
 
This year also marked Brussels ETO’ first collaboration with the Cines del Sur International Film Festival, which screened Oliver Siu Kuen Chan’s “Montages of a Modern Motherhood” on July 18 (Granada time) in Granada.
 
Addressing the audience before the screening, Mr Kasper Ng said that “Hong Kong may be best known internationally for its action and martial arts classics, but today’s filmmakers are also telling intimate, contemporary stories that reflect the changing aspirations and diversity of our society. We are delighted to share this side of Hong Kong cinema with audiences in Spain.”
 
Attracting around 13 000 spectators each year, the Cines del Sur International Film Festival showcases cinema from Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

      A 54-year-old Mainland female resident, charged with two counts of conspiracy to transfer a forged identity card and one count of conspiracy to make a false instrument, was convicted and sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment by the District Court today (July 23).

      During a follow-up investigation into cases involving multiple Mainland residents suspected of using forged Hong Kong identity cards for illegal employment in Hong Kong by the Immigration Department (ImmD), it was suspected that the defendant, acting as a middleman, arranged illegal employment and provided forged Hong Kong identity cards. Through comprehensive investigation and intelligence analysis, investigators arrested the defendant and photos of forged Hong Kong identity cards were found in the defendant’s mobile phone. The defendant admitted under caution that she had used social media platforms to solicit multiple Mainland residents to take up illegal employment in Hong Kong since 2024, and provided one-stop service that included providing forged Hong Kong identity cards and arranging accommodation for them in Hong Kong. The defendant charged each Mainland resident an intermediary fee ranging from several thousand Renminbi (RMB) to RMB10,000.

      The defendant was subsequently charged with two counts of conspiracy to transfer a forged identity card and one count of conspiracy to make a false instrument. After trial, the defendant was convicted and sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment today.

      Using the same tactic, the defendant provided a forged Hong Kong identity card and arranged another Mainland resident for illegal employment in Hong Kong earlier. In November 2024, the defendant was convicted of offences including transferring a forged identity card and sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment by the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts.

      Three illegal workers in the case were previously convicted of offences including breach of condition of stay, possession of false instruments, and possession of forged identity cards, and sentenced to 12 to 14 months’ imprisonment. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

      The ImmD spokesman said, “under the laws of Hong Kong, anyone who uses or possesses a forged identity card commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment. Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse transfers to another person an identity card commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment. Furthermore, it is an offence to make, possess or use false instruments. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.”

      The spokesman warned, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”

      The spokesman stressed, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment.

      The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines stating that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

      According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In this connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.

      Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation, with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

      For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting (DMM) and other Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu today (July 23). Under this year’s theme “Digital and AI Technologies for Empowerment of the Asia-Pacific Community”, Professor Sun called for APEC’s concerted efforts to advance digital and AI technologies and their sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific community, and build a human-centric and inclusive digital society.

     In his speech at the thematic session “Enhancing Digital and AI Technologies for Development”, Professor Sun said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has identified AI as a core industry and is advancing the “AI+” initiative to support the high-quality development for both the nation and Hong Kong. Hong Kong has developed an innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem anchored by three major I&T parks and five key research and development (R&D) institutions. Through the InnoHK research clusters, Hong Kong stands ready to work with global partners to build a global innovation powerhouse. Hong Kong has also put in place substantial policy and financial support measures, including three $10 billion funding schemes and the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, to accelerate R&D commercialisation and new industrialisation, and while enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to upgrade and transform.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department today approved the expansion of an autonomous vehicle (AV) trial in North Lantau, with fully driverless tests on Airport Island being given the green light.

In February, the department approved AV trial routes on Airport Island, with monitoring to be conducted at a remote control centre and by backup drivers inside the vehicles.

Commissioner for Transport Winnie Tse told at a media session this morning that these trials have so far met requirements regarding safety, stability, accuracy and smoothness of operation.

Having examined the test reports and conducted multiple site inspections, she said, the department is satisfied with the AVs’ safety performance to date.

During the trials, clear labels must be displayed on all pilot AVs for identification by other road users. Additional labels on a vehicle’s body will indicate that a fully driverless test is in progress.

The department said interested organisations or enterprises are welcome to submit applications for an AV pilot licence.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to EU FAC report expressing concern over Taiwan Strait security and China’s attempts to reshape global order

Date：2026-07-18
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

July 18, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and affirms the report Common Understanding—The Threats and Challenges We Face: Assessment of the EU’s Strategic Environment, adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union on July 13. 

The document points out that China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the South and East China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait could have a growing impact on European and Indo-Pacific security, stability, and prosperity. It also highlights that change of status quo around the Taiwan Strait would have a profound impact on global security, and underlines that the security of the Indo-Pacific and of Europe are more interlinked than ever.

The report identifies China as a key enabler of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. It notes that at the center of the transformation of the international order lies the determination of some powers, led by Russia and China, to establish regional dominance and reshape the global order in line with their interests. The document adds that China’s asymmetric advantages over the EU makes it a critical long-term strategic challenge.

China has recently intensified its military and other coercive measures across the Taiwan Strait and in the East and South China Seas and other regions. It has also expanded its economic influence through nonmarket means and continued to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These actions have raised serious concerns throughout the international community, impacted regional security, and challenged the rules-based international order. 

As a responsible member of the international community Taiwan will continue to work with the EU and other like-minded partners to jointly defend such universal values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law and make greater contributions to global security, stability, and prosperity.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Thailand

Date：2026-07-21
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

July 21, 2026  
No. 336  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns the false claims made in a joint statement issued on July 20 between the governments of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Kingdom of Thailand. 

The document, released following a meeting on July 18 between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in China, contained absurd statements, including that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China. Thailand also expressed that it firmly supported China’s peaceful reunification and “one country, two systems” policy and that it would not support any call for the independence of Taiwan. 

MOFA strongly protests the Chinese government’s repeated dissemination of erroneous narratives denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA also expresses disappointment and regret over the Thai government’s disregard for facts and deference to China’s attempts to undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status. 

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither it nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. Taiwan will not tolerate China’s repeated attempts to use bilateral statements to spread false narratives that seek to unilaterally change the cross-strait status quo through cognitive warfare. 

As Taiwan and Thailand enjoy close commercial and trade ties, as well as robust people-to-people exchanges, Taiwan urges Thailand to cherish the long-standing friendship between the two countries and refrain from constantly aligning with China’s efforts to suppress Taiwan. Otherwise, Thailand and other countries may face negative consequences as a result of China’s campaign to undermine regional peace and stability. (E)