Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (July 26) strongly disappoved of and opposed untrue and biased remarks by the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom (UK) Mr David Lammy and the Home Secretary of the UK Ms Yvette Cooper on HKSAR’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons endangering national security absconding from Hong Kong.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “Endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security. The ‘Hong Kong Parliament’ aims to subvert state power; its objectives include promoting ‘self-determination’, promulgating the so-called ‘Hong Kong Constitution’, and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People’s Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China or overthrowing the body of the central power of People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, thereby suspected of having committed the offence of ‘Subversion’ contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). Thus, Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and put the persons on wanted list.”

“Extraterritorial effect for the offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police are duty bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security overseas. Those absconders hiding in the UK and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. More so, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. It is necessary for the Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate.

In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 14 pieces of laws in the UK safeguarding national security, the UK has displayed hypocrisy and exposed its double standards by pointing fingers at the HKSAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while entirely disregarding the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the relevant national security legislation on economic development and protection of human rights.

The spokesman said, “Any individuals who endanger national security should not believe that being outside Hong Kong will allow them to evade criminal responsibility and remain beyond the reach of justice. The HKSAR Government will exhaust all means to pursue and combat criminals absconding from Hong Kong and endangering national security, ensuring that violations of the law will be pursued regardless of the distance. The HKSAR Government urged those wanted persons to return to Hong Kong and surrender so as to rectify their mistakes.”

“Regarding the surrender of fugitive offenders, in accordance with the instruction of the Central People’s Government (CPG), the HKSAR Government has suspended the agreement between the HKSAR Government and the Government of the UK concerning surrender of fugitive offenders in July 2020. The relevant position remains unchanged. All along, with the authorisation and assistance of the CPG, the HKSAR Government has conducted law enforcement co-operation and mutual legal assistance with other jurisdictions in accordance with the law based on the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity. The HKSAR Government will, as always, handle relevant matters appropriately.”

The spokesman emphasised, “The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly demands the UK Government to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong matters which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An incoming male passenger was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment and fined $800 at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts today (July 26) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the 18-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (July 25) and seized 42 587 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $175,000 and a duty potential of about $141,000 from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested.

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, tobacco products 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 $1 million and imprisonment for two 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

In response to the recent surge in chikungunya fever cases reported in neighbouring regions and some overseas countries, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has stepped up mosquito prevention and control efforts through a multi-pronged approach. The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to strengthen anti-mosquito measures. The FEHD and the Department of Health will meet and collaborate with the stakeholders from the property management sector to enhance mosquito control work.
 
Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne disease. To safeguard public health, the FEHD is implementing the following measures:
 

• Convening meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts. Members of the task force include relevant departments and stakeholders. Targeted and sustained mosquito control actions will be carried out at locations with higher mosquito infestation risks, based on the latest Gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictusï¼›
• Collaborating with departments such as the Housing Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to strengthen inspections in public areas, public housing estates and parks. Upon detection of mosquito breeding grounds, immediate actions will be taken, including conducting fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes, removal of stagnant water and water-holding containers, application of larvicides (e.g. temephos sand granules), and installation of mosquito traps;
• Enhancing inspections at construction sites, works areas and private residences. Enforcement actions will be taken against violations involving mosquito breeding;
• Issuing letters and organising seminars for property management companies and organisations to disseminate the latest information on chikungunya fever and mosquito prevention. The FEHD also invites the Housing Department and property management companies to conduct mosquito control campaigns in housing estates and encourages resident participation;
• Working with the District Offices to assist in mosquito prevention and control at locations with infestation issues, such as “three-nil” buildings; and
• Strengthening public education and publicity through promotional videos, posters and leaflets to remind the public to adopt mosquito control measures. The FEHD will also enhance dissemination of the Area Gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictus to raise awareness in districts with higher readings.

Public participation is crucial in addition to the government and the trade’s efforts. Members of the public are urged to continue joining hands in taking mosquito prevention and control measures at home and other places promptly. The measures include:
 

• Keep the environment clean by disposing of rubbish properly. Refuse like empty cans and food containers where water can accumulate easily should be disposed of in covered litter containers;
• Clean the saucers under potted plants weekly and prevent water accumulation;
• Change the water in vases and scrub their internal surface every week;
• Keep water-storage containers, such as buckets and basins, tightly covered; and
• Check umbrella stands, umbrella tubes and air-conditioner drip trays to prevent any water accumulation.

The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management companies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the water accumulation. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergents at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
 
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s thematic webpage: www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html for more information on chikungunya fever.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 26) that the shark prevention nets at Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District, have been repaired, and the beaches are reopened.

     The beaches were temporarily closed earlier for shark prevention net maintenance work.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) today (July 26) supported the Jakarta International Dragon Boat Festival (JIDBF) 2025 held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, shared that both Jakarta and Hong Kong have strong passion for dragon boating, and the dragon boat festivals held in the two places have connected people from all over the world. She further highlighted Hong Kong’s robust tourism sector, noting that the city welcomed nearly 45 million visitors in 2024, representing a 31 per cent year-on-year increase, while the number of Indonesian tourists rose by 43 per cent compared to the previous year.

Miss Cheng also invited the participants to visit Hong Kong to experience its rich culture, savour its diverse culinary delights and take part in mega events and sporting activities, all within a Muslim-friendly environment.

The JIDBF 2025 brought together nine international teams comprising over 230 athletes and attracted some 1 000 spectators. The HKETO Jakarta invited two Hong Kong dragon boat teams to participate in the festival, aiming to strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia. Both teams delivered outstanding performance in the competition. 

Launched in 2017 with the support of the HKETO Jakarta, the JIDBF has grown into a signature local event and an important platform for international cultural exchange.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department today (July 27) reminded members of the public that the 58th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (July 28) to 11.59pm on July 31, and the ballot result will be announced on August 1.
 
     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 27) led his team of 21 Principal Officials to attend the 2025 Policy Address District Forum to listen to the views and suggestions of members of local communities on the fourth Policy Address of the current-term Government. The District Forum was held at Ma Tau Chung Government Primary School (Hung Hom Bay). About 120 people from different backgrounds attended the event.
 
     The two-hour District Forum consisted of two sessions. In the first session, the Chief Executive and the Principal Officials listened to the views of members of the public. The matters raised straddled many areas, including land and housing, transport, innovation and technology, financial services development, culture and sports, education, youth issues, poverty alleviation, healthcare services, social welfare and more. In the second session, participants were divided into four groups centred on the themes of “pursuing development and economic growth” and “improving people’s livelihood and building our future together” to engage in more extensive exchanges with the Chief Executive and Principal Officials. The Chief Executive also interacted and discussed with members of each group in turn and listened to their views.
 
     Mr Lee said, “There are issues that members of the public care deeply about, so I attach great importance to district consultations. This morning, my team and I attended the Policy Address District Forum, engaging in extensive exchanges with the public and learning about their concerns. These views will let me have a better grasp on formulating policies and allocation of resources when I prepare the Policy Address.”
 
     Principal Officials participating in the District Forum were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; and the Acting Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai.
 
     The Government launched the public consultation for the Policy Address on June 16. The Government will continue to widely gather input from organisations and individuals in different sectors over the coming month through activities including consultation sessions and district visits. Members of the public can also give their views through various channels, including the Policy Address website, social media platforms, hotlines, email, fax and post.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will begin her visit to Osaka, Japan, today (July 27). She will attend a thematic seminar on education and deliver a speech to share Hong Kong’s experiences in achieving quality and equity in education, and promote the advantages of Hong Kong as an international post-secondary education hub. Before the seminar, Dr Choi will meet with education representatives from different places to discuss new trends in global education.

The seminar will be held during the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and is part of the Expo’s “Theme Weeks” programme. It aims at bringing together experts and scholars to share insights on thematic education issues.

Dr Choi will conclude her visit and return to Hong Kong on July 29. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Department of Health (DH) today (July 28) said that with the Government’s promulgation and efforts over the past three decades, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Hong Kong has been significantly reduced and is moving progressively towards the goal of a “hepatitis B-free generation”.

World Hepatitis Day is designated on July 28 every year. This year, the DH has adopted the slogan “1 in 20: Test and Manage Hep B Early” to remind members of the public to undergo testing early if they are uncertain whether they are having chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Early identification and management can effectively lower the risk of serious liver diseases caused by CHB.

     “The prevalence of HBV infection in Hong Kong was over 10 per cent in the 1970s. Since the 1980s, the Government has implemented various effective and free preventive measures, including universal antenatal screening for hepatitis B, administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin for babies born to mothers with hepatitis B, universal neonatal hepatitis B vaccination since 1988, use of antivirals for pregnant women with CHB and high viral load, and post-vaccination serologic testing arranged for babies born to mothers with hepatitis B in recent years. Currently, the prevalence of HBV infection is less than 1 per cent among those under 35 years old. Hong Kong is moving towards the goal of a ‘hepatitis B-free generation'”, said the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Public Health Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Bonnie Wong.

Hepatitis B infection can be acute or chronic. Severe cases of hepatitis B infection can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis or liver cancer. As derived from the findings of the Population Health Survey (PHS) 2020-22 conducted by the DH, about 5.6 per cent (about 410 000 people) of the Hong Kong population have CHB. The survey found that the prevalence of HBV infection among participants aged 35 to 84 was significantly higher at 7.8 per cent, mainly because those born before 1988 had not benefited from the universal childhood hepatitis B immunisation programme. The survey also found that nearly 40 per cent of people with CHB were not aware of their conditions and about 70 per cent of people with CHB did not receive any medical follow-up. CHB is a lifelong infection that often shows no symptoms for decades. Without treatment, about 15 to 40 per cent of the patients with CHB may develop serious liver diseases like cirrhosis or liver cancer in the long run. Liver cancer is Hong Kong’s third leading cause of cancer deaths, which claimed around 1 400 lives every year. About 80 per cent of primary liver cancer patients have CHB.

The DH, in support of World Hepatitis Day, urges members of the public in Hong Kong to pay attention to CHB, which is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. People who are not sure whether they have CHB, especially those at higher risk of infection, such as those who have not received vaccination, or whose family members (including parents, siblings and offspring) or sexual partners have CHB, are advised to undergo early testing to review their health condition and take appropriate preventive measures, including receiving hepatitis B vaccination.

Apart from the traditional venous blood sampling, rapid test for hepatitis B using blood drop from a finger-prick is also available and the result will be available in 15 to 30 minutes. Hepatitis B testing is available at different healthcare organisations, and some even offer mobile testing services. Members of the public may consult their family doctors for details and the charges if they wish to have hepatitis B testing.

If you are diagnosed with CHB, in line with the principle of “test and manage early”, you should consult your doctor for advice and receive regular follow-ups and examinations. Current antiviral medications for hepatitis B can inhibit virus replication effectively and thereby greatly reduce the risk of complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Separately, the 2024 Policy Address announced a risk-based hepatitis B screening in the community for early identification of people with CHB in the community, and to provide subsequent management. The Primary Healthcare Commission is exploring the relevant arrangement and details will be announced in due course. In addition, the Government will announce the Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2025-2030 within this year, to promulgate measures to further alleviate the public health burden of viral hepatitis.

To raise the public and healthcare workers’ awareness of the risk of hepatitis, the DH and community partners have respectively launched a number of publicity campaigns to disseminate the messages to different population groups, including:

• promoting health information through multiple channels, such as newspaper columns, radio interviews and social media;
• organising online and physical health seminars in District Health Centres;
• organising roving exhibitions on health promotions in various districts across the territory; and
• organising community public education activities by non-governmental organisations (including Asiahep Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Hepatitis B Free Foundation, the Hong Kong Liver Foundation and the Hong Kong Liver Transplant Patients’ Association) to educate the public on the prevention of hepatitis B, and provide services such as rapid testing and risk assessment.

For more information on World Hepatitis Day 2025 and hepatitis B, please visit the thematic website and Viral Hepatitis Control Office’s website of the DH.

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 Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) successfully co-organised the Data Summit 2025 today (July 28). The Summit attracted around 800 senior executives and industry professionals from almost 100 public and private organisations, including government departments, banks, data specialists and partners of Commercial Data Interchange (CDI).
 
Themed “Empowering business and trade through advanced data infrastructure”, the Summit explored how data infrastructure can enhance trade finance processes and facilitate small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending, thereby fuelling trade and commerce growth. The keynote addresses and panel discussions of the Summit focused on four key areas, including Project CargoX on trade finance, open government data, SME credit insights and cross-boundary data validation. 15 CDI partner institutions also showcased cutting-edge commercial data innovations and use cases through interactive exhibition booths, fostering industry collaboration and experience sharing.
 
At the Summit, the HKMA presented the latest developments and future roadmap of CDI, with key highlights including:

     1. Project CargoX

• The Expert Panel has welcomed new members (see Annex) to further enhance the digital ecosystem for trade finance; and

 

• Six CargoX pilot banks (Note 1), participating in the Transport and Logistics Bureau’s new trial phase of the Port Community System, have preliminarily validated the effectiveness of using cargo data to verify trade authenticity. This, in turn, helps streamline trade finance process and strengthen risk management. More innovative use cases are underway.

 
     2. Open government data

• The HKMA, the Government’s Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) are collaborating closely on the planned connection with the CEDB’s Trade Single Window Phase 3, which is targeted for roll-out in phases in 2026, via the linkage between CDI and Consented Data Exchange Gateway. This will enable users to authorise the sharing of their import and export declaration data with participating banks, with a view to expediting loan approvals; and

 

• The DPO’s Digital Corporate Identity (CorpID) Platform is set to launch progressively from end-2026. The HKMA will explore and design the application of CorpID for electronic signing in CDI, with the aim of streamlining the corporate authorisation process.

 
     3. Credit insights

• The HKMA is advancing a proof-of-concept (PoC) project on Commercial Credit Reference Agency (CCRA) 2.0, enabling the CCRA operator to build a corporate credit scoring model. Initial findings from the nine pilot banks (Note 2) indicate that the new model can effectively streamline the loan application process and reduce borrowing costs for SMEs.

 
     4. Cross-boundary data validation

• CDI successfully linked with the Shenzhen-Hong Kong cross-boundary data validation platform (the platform) (Note 3) in April this year. Banks have successfully connected to the new arrangement for the purposes of processing personal and corporate loan applications. 

 
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The HKMA remains dedicated to advancing Hong Kong’s data infrastructure in partnership with heavyweight strategic stakeholders in the data ecosystem. By continuously fostering data interconnectivity and unlocking the potential of both traditional and alternative data, we empower financial institutions, data providers and SME traders to benefit from streamlined and efficient processes brought by data sharing. Looking ahead, our next-generation CDI data infrastructure will continue to optimise trade finance processes, spur trade and commerce innovation, as well as support SME growth, ultimately contributing to the development of the real economy.”
 
     The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, said, “The theme of this year’s Data Summit aptly aligns with the country’s strategic positioning of Hong Kong to consolidate its role as the three key centres of finance, trade, and shipping, using data as a key connector. The Transport and Logistics Bureau is developing the Port Community System in full steam to connect all stakeholders across the cargo shipment process and integrate sea, land, and air transport data to materialise full transparency of cargo status. We will continue to support the industry in leveraging the system to explore more use cases for financing, further facilitating cargo, trade and capital flows.”
 
     The Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Fred Lam, said, “Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the world’s number one cargo airport, a position we have held 14th times since 2010. To further enhance our competitiveness, we must continue to leverage the power of technology, and digitalisation of the air cargo supply chain is one of the key steps to achieve greater efficiency and enable value-added services. The Airport Authority’s HKIA Cargo Data Platform, anchored on advanced technologies such as blockchain and smart contract, provides a trusted, intelligent platform that facilitates secured, seamless and paperless information exchange, efficient cargo process and innovative business solutions. Leveraging our platform’s cargo data and in collaboration with the HKMA’s CDI, we are able to facilitate SMEs’ financing process and enhance credit risk management. We welcome continuous development in this area and anticipate further opportunities for collaboration with the HKMA and other business partners to develop Hong Kong into the region’s leading e-commence fulfillment centre.”
 
     The Chairperson of the HKAB, Ms Mary Huen, said, “As Hong Kong undergoes economic restructuring, the banking industry is committed to providing SMEs with flexible and convenient financing to support their upgrading and transformation so as to remain competitive. The HKAB encourages its member banks to actively participate in the latest CDI-related initiatives led by the HKMA, including the PoC studies of Project CargoX and CCRA 2.0 as well as cross-boundary data validation pilot. The initiatives will streamline loan approval processes and improve credit risk management by leveraging government and industry data. We look forward to collaborating further with the HKMA and the relevant government departments to enhance the digital ecosystem of trade finance, with the objective of jointly strengthening our support to SMEs and promoting Hong Kong’s economic development.”

Note 1: The six CargoX pilot banks are: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Bank of East Asia, Limited, Hang Seng Bank Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.

Note 2: The nine pilot banks participating in the PoC on CCRA 2.0 are: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Bank of East Asia, Limited, China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Hang Seng Bank Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.
 
Note3: The platform utilises blockchain technology and data coding (i.e. hash values), enabling document verification without involving any cross-boundary transfer or storage of the original documents. Its unique design provides banks with an innovative way to validate the data presented directly by customers. Since the platform was launched in May 2024, over 10 banks and credit reference agencies have already made use of its varied services to validate different types of personal and corporate data, including credit reports, tax reports, and Know-Your-Customer reports. To date, the platform has successfully facilitated SME loans in excess of HKD100 million.