MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
 
     Legislative Council (LegCo) Members met with Shatin District Council (DC) and Southern DC members at the LegCo Complex today (March 28). They held in-depth discussions and exchanged views on issues related to community development and people’s concern.
 
     During the meeting with Shatin DC, LegCo Members discussed and exchanged views with DC members on various issues, including minimization of feral pigeon nuisance to Shatin residents, such as the environmental hygiene problems caused by pigeon droppings; revitalization works of Tai Wai Nullah, its flood discharge capacity, water quality, hygiene and greening; as well as enhancement and modification works of Shatin Park and surrounding facilities, for example studying the feasibility of providing pedal-driven boat facilities, so as to tie in with the concept of “tourism is everywhere” in Hong Kong.
 
     The meeting was convened by Ms Elizabeth Quat. A total of 23 Members attended the meeting including Mr Tommy Cheung, Dr Starry Lee, Mr Chan Hak-kan, Mr Steven Ho, Mr Martin Liao, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Holden Chow, Ms Yung Hoi-yan, Mr Luk Chung-hung, Ms Doreen Kong Yuk-foon, Mr Stanley Li, Mr Dominic Lee, Mr Lee Chun-keung, Ms Lam So-wai, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Mr Chan Siu-hung, Ms Chan Hoi-yan, Mr Benson Luk, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, Ms Carmen Kan and Professor Chan Wing-kwong.
 
     During the meeting with Southern DC, LegCo Members discussed and exchanged views with DC members on various issues, including expediting the commencement of South Island Line (West) construction project; the progress of public housing developments in Pok Fu Lam South and the redevelopment of Wah Fu Estate, including the relevant timetables and rehousing arrangements for tenants; as well as the progress of various projects to improve the environment of the Southern District, the latest development of the Round-the-Island Trail, as well as the planning of the expansion of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter under the Invigorating Island South initiative.
 
     The meeting was convened by Mr Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung. A total of 20 Members attended the meeting including Dr Starry Lee, Mr Chan Kin-por, Mrs Regina Ip, Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Jimmy Ng, Mr Shiu Ka-fai, Dr Hoey Simon Lee, Mr Lee Chun-keung, Mr Lam Chun-sing, Ms Nixie Lam, Mr Yiu Pak-leung, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Ms Judy Chan, Mr Chan Hok-fung, Mr Benson Luk Hon-man, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, Mr Kenneth Fok Kai-kong and Professor William Wong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Learning Workshop of the Finance Career Trainee Program today (March 28):
 
Ms Rose Kay (Chief Operating Officer, Hong Kong and Head of Chief Executive Officer Office, Hong Kong and Greater China and North Asia, Standard Chartered Bank), Ms Florence Wong (Head of Human Resources , Hong Kong, Taiwan and Co-head of Human Resources, GBA, Standard Chartered Bank), Ms Brenda Hou (Senior Head, Asia Pacific, Global Partnership & Client Solutions, CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute), Mr Ben Yi (Director and Vice President, GBA Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foundation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     It is my great pleasure to join you today at the GBA Learning Workshop of the Finance Career Trainee Program co-organised by Standard Chartered Bank, CFA Institute, and KPMG China. Let me begin by commending the organisers for their unwavering dedication to nurturing our next generation of financial leaders.
 
     It is very exciting to learn that nearly 2 500 students from 400 universities worldwide have applied to this programme since its inception in September 2023, reflecting its global reach and credibility. It has not only created valuable learning opportunities for students but also bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
 
     Even more importantly, this finance career trainee programme rightly dedicates its focus to the Greater Bay Area. Indeed, the GBA represents an extraordinary opportunity for ambitious young professionals like those here today. As one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving economic regions, the GBA serves as a hub of innovation, presenting endless possibilities in financial services, technology, and cross-border collaboration.
 
     In recent years, financial co-operation in the GBA has grown significantly. For example, the Cross-Boundary Wealth Management Connect allows eligible residents in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau to invest in wealth management products through a closed-loop capital channel established between banks and brokers. Meanwhile, the Government and the financial industry have actively strengthened financial infrastructure, with cross-border mobile payments becoming increasingly common across the GBA. Another noteworthy development is the successful pilot for cross-boundary credit referencing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, which has helped address the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in obtaining cross-border financing.
 
These examples underscore how financial collaboration in the GBA is creating exciting new opportunities – not only for the financial industry but also for young professionals. For our youngsters here today, I encourage you to embrace these opportunities, contribute to these collaborative efforts, and play an active role in shaping the future of finance in this dynamic region.
 
     As you prepare to step into the exciting and ever-changing financial industry, I would like to offer three more pieces of advice:
 
     First, think beyond borders: The GBA’s strength lies in its cross-boundary collaboration. By working across different cities, you can develop a global perspective, gain insights into diverse markets, and leverage the collective strengths of the region.
 
     Second, stay curious and adaptable: The financial industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes. Staying curious, adaptable and eager to learn will be key to thriving in this dynamic environment.
 
     Last but not least, be purpose-driven: As the next generation of leaders, please strive to make a meaningful impact. Financial services are not only about driving profitability but also about contributing to society, promoting sustainability, and improving lives.
 
     I am confident that through this programme, you will gain the skills, insights, and networks necessary to excel in the financial industry while contributing to the continued growth of the GBA as a global financial powerhouse.
 
     In closing, I would like to once again express my gratitude to Standard Chartered Bank, CFA Institute, and KPMG China for their remarkable vision and dedication to empowering young talent.
 
Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and inspiring workshop ahead.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 27) detected a case involving a local company that conducted multiple transactions of precious stones and diamond jewelleries, with each transaction valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. A director of the company was arrested.
 
The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.
 
According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), the Regime came into effect on April 1, 2023. Any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones in Hong Kong and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
 
Hong Kong Customs reminds all dealers that the transitional period for registration under the Regime has ended. Any dealers in precious metals and stones must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.
 
For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Hong Kong Customs’ webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).
 
Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration 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: Republic of China Taiwan

Our heartfelt thanks to our good friends from the NSW Parliament, including one of today’s co-hosts, Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC, Hon. Mark Latham MLC, Hon. Scott Farlow MLC, Tim James MP, Jordan Lane MP, Geoff Provest MP, and Richie Williamson MP. We are also grateful to have Australia-Taiwan Business Council Chairman John Toigo, members of the Consular Corps, academia and media representatives, as well as Taiwanese community leaders with us. Thank you for making the launch event at the NSW Parliament a great success!
Hon. Jacqui Munro expressed her great honor in co-hosting this event at the Parliament, emphasizing that Taiwan’s deeply rooted and solid democratic system serves as a model for democratic countries. She also highlighted Taiwan as an important trade partner for both Australia and New South Wales, stressing that Taiwan’s participation in the CPTPP would be beneficial for both Taiwan and Australia.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu recalled the opportunity to meet Professor Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist of UTS, and discuss the idea of filming the CPTPP episode in Taiwan. He also expressed special gratitude to the New South Wales Parliament for passing motions condemning China’s distortion of UN Resolution 2758, opposing foreign interference, and supporting Taiwan’s international participation and democracy. He reiterated that Taiwan not only meets the high standards of the CPTPP but also demonstrates a strong determination to integrate into regional economic cooperation. With Taiwan’s participation, the CPTPP will be even stronger.
Ambassador Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu of Taiwan in Australia, who is graceful and poised, traveled from Canberra to Sydney to attend the event. He emphasized that Taiwan and Australia’s economic and industrial structures are highly complementary. Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP would establish it as a stable and open economic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, greatly benefiting Australia and regional economic growth.
Professor Tim Harcourt presented The Airport Economist program and shared insights into the process of creating this episode in Taiwan. He also analyzed Taiwan’s economic and trade development and its competitive strengths, emphasizing that Taiwan’s inclusion in the CPTPP would significantly enhance regional economic and trade integration. In a conversation with John Toigo, Chairman of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council, they discussed Taiwan-Australia economic and trade cooperation over the past decades and their outlook for future relations. Both affirmed that Taiwan meets the high standards required for CPTPP membership and expressed their intention to continue advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion to the Australian government.
Other attending state MPs also expressed their support, noting that despite ongoing legislative sessions in both houses, they were determined to be present. They emphasized that cooperation between countries with shared values is crucial and that, as a major player in technology and the economy, Taiwan should be included in the CPTPP to benefit all member countries.
As a major economy and a hub for digital technology innovation, Taiwan can make significant contributions to regional economic integration frameworks such as the CPTPP. We encourage Australia and the international community to recognize Taiwan’s trade commitments and support its inclusion.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai observes 2025 Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee field exercises
At noon on March 27, President Lai Ching-te observed 2025 Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee field exercises incorporating expanded emergency medical facilities at the Yuping Post Office in Tainan. In remarks, President Lai thanked all the participants and everyone who helped with the preparations. He expressed hope that we can contribute to future exercises through building on collaboration between the central and local governments, participation by reliable civilian forces, cross-regional integration of resources, and self-initiative of communities and private-sector entities. The president said that to ensure Taiwan’s security, we hope to rely not just on the armed forces, but also on the forces of defense resilience throughout our society, and that in that way we can achieve peace through strength.
After arriving at the venue, the president first listened to a report on “expanded emergency medical facilities.” He then observed the work done at various operational areas, including a medical command center, a district-level coordination center, a mobile police station, an emergency (including disease prevention) triage station, a moderate-to-severe trauma treatment area, a forward surgical operating area, and a disaster-related mental healthcare work area, for first-hand understanding of the field exercises. 
A translation of the president’s remarks follows:
I am very happy to be back in Tainan to take part in the first field exercises of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. These exercises had scenarios but no scripts. This was also our first time conducting exercises that incorporated expanded emergency medical facilities. Over 1,500 people from the central and local governments as well as private-sector entities took part in the exercises. Just moments ago, I observed all the various activities taking place and saw the well-trained participants fully applying their expertise in a sudden emergency.
The success of today’s exercises demonstrated the full commitment and professionalism of the participants, while also highlighting several important principles that can be promoted in the future. The first is coordination among authorities at the central and local levels. The Office of the President, the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, and the Tainan City Government team worked together closely, from planning and design to implementation of the exercises. The second is participation by reliable civilian forces, including the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, the Mustard Seed Mission, and SHOWBA Store.
The third is cross-regional integration of resources. The exercises in Tainan had participants from other counties and cities such as Chiayi and Kaohsiung. The fourth is where communities and private-sector entities take action on their own initiative. Examples include the involvement of the Huweiliao residents’ rescue team, Songan independent flood disaster prevention community, Xinan resilience community, Kainan Community, and Anping District. In the future, whether it is collaboration between the central and local governments, participation by reliable civilian forces, cross-regional integration of resources, or participation of communities and private-sector entities, all parties can act together in concert and conduct comprehensive exercises.
I want to thank Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) for leading his team and for coming here yesterday to personally inspect the preparations, Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Chi Lien-cheng (季連成) for their support in directing the exercises, and Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) for leading his Tainan City Government team. Everyone gave it their all to make sure the event went smoothly.
I also want to thank the civil society organizations and self-initiating community forces I mentioned earlier, as well as the Tainan City medical organizations that took part, including Chi Mei Medical Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan Medical Association, and other district hospitals and clinics. In addition, the participation of auxiliary police, auxiliary firefighters, auxiliary traffic police, and other community service workers was another wonderful aspect of today’s exercises.
I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Office of the President after taking office. Our committee conducted tabletop exercises last December. And today we have followed those exercises with these small-scale live exercises in Tainan. We are also preparing to conduct urban exercises this April, the objective being to build resilience in Taiwan’s society so it can properly respond when there are large numbers of injuries resulting from natural disasters or major accidents and be prepared in the event of geopolitical changes in the region. It is said that “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” and “do not count on the enemy not showing up; count on being ready should it strike.” We have made preparations so that, should a contingency occur, we can reduce the number of injuries. To ensure Taiwan’s security we hope to rely not just on the armed forces, but also on the forces of defense resilience throughout our society. In that way we can achieve peace through strength.
Also in attendance at the event were members of 13 foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan, including American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner, and Finland Trade Center Representative Lauri Matti Raunio.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

News & activities

News releases

2025-03-27

President Lai presides over third meeting of Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee

President Lai presides over third meeting of Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai presides over third meeting of Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee  President Lai presides over third meeting of Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee “>
On the afternoon of March 27, President Lai Ching-te presided over the third meeting of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee in Tainan. President Lai affirmed that through field exercises, we can evaluate preparedness in the committee’s five key areas and verify our capabilities regarding the deployment and response of civilian forces, neighboring county and city resource integration, and community disaster prevention coordination. From that process, he said, we can also identify problems and continue to conduct reviews and make improvements. The president indicated that the exercises are also connected to the upcoming 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises in that they allow central government ministries and agencies and local governments to readjust the pace of the exercises and use new thinking and strategic approaches to promote the exercises, thereby enhancing overall local resilience and response capabilities.
President Lai emphasized that defending democracy requires mustering every bit of strength and building whole-of-society defense resilience, which not only requires cooperation among the central and local governments, but also the vigilance and mobilization of every individual. The president expressed hope that the nation and all citizens will work together, unite, and cooperate to enhance Taiwan’s resilience.
A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows:
Today, the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee has moved to Tainan to convene its third committee meeting and conduct field exercises based on real-life scenarios. First, I would like to express gratitude to all the advisors and committee members for their participation, and also thank our fellow citizens and friends as we collectively put a focus on the progress of whole-of-society defense resilience efforts.
To address threats such as natural disasters, military intimidation by foreign hostile forces, gray-zone aggression, and cognitive manipulation, Taiwan must continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities while simultaneously strengthening whole-of-society defense resilience. Only then can we respond to the challenges of major disasters and expanding authoritarianism.   
At the second committee meeting last December, we conducted tabletop exercises, with central government ministries and agencies and localities using scenarios that reflect real life to verify the preparedness of various government units, from the central to the local level, to respond to extreme conditions.
This morning, the Ministry of the Interior and the Tainan City government expanded upon the tabletop exercises from the last committee meeting by holding field exercises. This allowed our advisors and committee members to participate in the verification process and provide various suggestions for improvements.
These exercises went above and beyond the previous scripted exercises, and involved conducting field mobilization exercises based on real-life scenarios to verify the ability of the government and private sector to cooperate and respond to disasters.
The exercise scenarios involved giving the public advance warning to evacuate before a tsunami arrives, an unidentified explosion occurring within critical infrastructure, the hospital system being hacked, and cognitive warfare and the disruption of public security.
Through field exercises, we can evaluate preparedness in the committee’s five key areas and verify our capabilities regarding the deployment and response of civilian forces, neighboring county and city resource integration, and community disaster prevention coordination. From that process, we can also identify problems and continue to conduct reviews and make improvements.
These exercises proceeded from points to lines, and then expanded to planes, a model that Taiwan will actively promote. We have therefore invited observers, so in addition to our advisors, committee members, central government ministries and agencies, and various local governments, we have also included members of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan and domestic and foreign media.
These demonstration exercises have another important objective connected to the upcoming 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises, in that they allow central government ministries and agencies and local governments to readjust the pace of the exercises and use new thinking and strategic approaches to promote the exercises, thereby enhancing overall local resilience and response capabilities while ensuring that society and people’s livelihoods can continue as normal under extreme conditions.
I want to emphasize that regardless of whether it is the central government or local governments, as long as we prepare in advance, execute pragmatically, review repeatedly, and strive to improve our methods, we can maximize the value of field exercises so that whole-of-society defense resilience efforts are steadier and more substantial.
Today’s field exercises were completed successfully, and I want to express my gratitude to the committee’s three deputy conveners – Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) – for directing the exercises. I also want to once again thank the administrative team, especially the Tainan City government team led by Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲), and all participating partners. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.
Strengthening whole-of-society defense resilience is currently a core policy for countries around the world to address crises and challenges. Whether it is natural disasters, public health, economic shocks, or even gray-zone aggression, enhancing resilience is the only way to ensure social harmony and stability, as well as continued national development.
In our efforts to enhance whole-of-society resilience, Taiwan will also actively cooperate and conduct exchanges with friends and allies. At the beginning of this month, a Global Cooperation and Training Framework workshop was held in Taiwan, taking whole-of-society resilience as a theme for the first time, and holding discussions with experts and scholars from 30 countries.
Going forward, Taiwan will continue to work together with democratic countries around the world to consolidate the resilience of global democracy and safeguard regional peace and stability. We will continue to share Taiwan’s innovations and valuable experiences with the international community so that countries around the world can better understand Taiwan’s efforts and determination.
I also want to emphasize that defending democracy requires mustering every bit of strength and building whole-of-society defense resilience. That not only requires cooperation among the central and local governments, but also the vigilance and mobilization of every individual. I hope that the nation and all citizens will work together, unite, and cooperate to enhance Taiwan’s resilience.
Today’s agenda will first have Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) report on the progress of items listed in the second committee meeting. National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Liu Te-chin (劉得金) will then follow with a report on the results of the field exercises held this morning. 
Afterward, I ask that our advisors and committee members please offer suggestions regarding the various components of this morning’s exercises, or areas where whole-of-society defense resilience could be further strengthened. Together, we are steadily moving toward our common goal.
Following his statement, President Lai heard the report on the progress of items listed in the second committee meeting by Minister Liu, who also serves as one of the committee’s executive secretaries, and the report on the results of the field exercises by Deputy Secretary-General Liu. Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.
 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025, proposing amendments to the Housing Ordinance with a view to combating tenancy abuse and ensuring prudent use of public housing resources, was today published in the Government Gazette.

The bill seeks to introduce new offences in relation to serious tenancy abuse in public rental housing flats, and empowers authorised officers to demand personal details from suspects.

In order to enhance deterrence, the bill also proposes the extension of time limitations for the prosecution of offences relating to false statements, refusal to furnish information, and unlawful alienations.

The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on April 2. If passed, the amendments are expected to come into effect by the end of March next year.

The current-term Government has implemented a series of measures to fight against tenancy abuse. Since July 2022, the Housing Authority has recovered around 7,000 flats on the grounds of abuse or breaches of tenancy terms.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Judiciary announced that the Courts (Remote Hearing) Ordinance took effect upon gazettal today, providing a clear legal basis for judges and judicial officers to order remote hearings for court proceedings at various levels of courts and tribunals with due regard to the ordinance’s requirements.

Noting that remote hearings are one of the key initiatives for enhancing the efficiency of court operations, the Judiciary said they save time for parties and participants such as witnesses to commute to law courts for attending court proceedings, thereby facilitating the listing of court proceedings.

The initiative also facilitates the courts in tackling unforeseen circumstances where physical presence by parties may not be possible, the Judiciary added.

Since 2020, over 2,100 remote hearings have been conducted at courts and tribunals, and the experience has been positive. The Judiciary will step up promotion for remote hearings and conduct them more often in suitable proceedings, particularly for short proceedings such as three-minute hearings and non-trial criminal proceedings.

All court users are reminded that the ordinance has introduced new offences to criminalise the unauthorised recording, publishing and broadcast of proceedings in physical and remote hearings, which are liable to a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $100,000.

The ordinance has also amended section 7 of the Summary Offences Ordinance to expand the coverage of the offence of taking photographs in courts to include making images or audio records of any court premises and any person on court premises. The maximum penalty is increased to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of $50,000.

While remote hearings are generally applicable to both civil proceedings and non-trial criminal proceedings, the Judiciary plans to start remote hearings for the latter in about six months’ time to allow time for stakeholders to prepare.

The Judiciary will issue directions by phases to specify the operational details of remote hearings, including the application procedures, guidelines and related issues.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has denounced the UK’s “Six-monthly report on Hong Kong: July to December 2024”, stating that it contains the slanders and smears about various aspects of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it condemned and rejected the UK’s misleading and irresponsible remarks, which it labelled “despicable political maneouvres” intended to interfere in Hong Kong’s law-based governance.

It added that the Sino-British Joint Declaration is about China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong, and that the UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong following the city’s return to the motherland.

It urged the UK to discern facts from fallacies, respect international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, stressing that these are purely China’s internal affairs.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said the report contained “absurd and false contents” with regard to the laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR. It outlined that the UK Government had vilified Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies, and its prosecutorial and judicial authorities, in claiming that fulfillment of their duties constituted an “erosion of rights and freedoms”.

It also emphasised that Hong Kong law enforcement agencies’ actions are evidence-based and are taken in strict accordance with the law in respect of acts committed by people or entities, having nothing to do with their political views, background or occupation. It added that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

The statement highlighted that absconders hiding in the UK and other western countries are wanted and subject to arrest warrants issued by Hong Kong courts not because they “exercised freedom of expression”, but because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. These activities include inciting secession and requesting that foreign countries engage in hostile activities against the Peoples Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR. The statement outlined that it is therefore necessary to take all lawful measures, including “specified measures” under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, to combat acts of abscondment.

Stressing that time was given for the absconders to return to Hong Kong to face law enforcement and legal proceedings before the measures were taken, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the absconders failed to do so.

It added that all “specified measures”, including the cancellation of Hong Kong SAR passports, align with human rights requirements, and that countries such as the UK would impose the same measures on wanted criminals.

It said that the UK had demonstrated hypocrisy and that its unwarranted and inappropriate comments on criminal proceedings which are ongoing in Hong Kong courts betrayed a complete disregard for the rule of law.

Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that non-referral of a prisoner who has committed an offence endangering national security to the Post-release Supervision Board is a preventive measure that does not of itself increase the prisoner’s sentence and should not be regarded as punishment.

It explained that in deciding whether an early release would be contrary to the interests of national security, the Commissioner of Correctional Services will carry out his duties in strict accordance with the law and deal with every case fairly and impartially.

The Hong Kong SAR Government underscored that the rule of law in Hong Kong is strong and robust and can stand the test of time, adding that the city’s common law system will not be changed because of the departure of individual overseas non-permanent judges.

It also stressed that the mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the city do not undermine independent judicial power, and that the city’s judicial system continues to be protected by the Basic Law. It said that when adjudicating cases concerning offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent, impartial and free from any interference in performing their judicial duties.