MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Government Computer Emergency Response Team Hong Kong under the Digital Policy Office (DPO) jointly organised the 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill today (July 7), with a view to further enhancing the defence and incident response capabilities of government departments and relevant organisations against cyber attacks, and addressing the challenges arising from artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
 
     Addressing the event, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ms Chung Wing-man, noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the drill, representing a significant milestone in regularising cybersecurity drills. She pointed out that incidents involving sensitive data leaks over the past year have drawn significant public attention. With the rapid development of AI, hackers could launch cyber attacks with such technology and relevant cybersecurity risks must not be ignored. AI elements were specifically integrated into the drill this year, not only for technical practice but also to ensure that various departments and professional organisations can co-ordinate rapid and effective response to address major cybersecurity incidents, working together to safeguard Hong Kong’s cybersecurity. As Hong Kong gears up to host several major international events and important activities, all departments and relevant organisations must remain vigilant, ensure their own cybersecurity measures are in place, and strengthen co-operation with different stakeholders.
 
     Addressing the event, the Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of the DPO, Ms Candy Chan, stated that the rapid development of AI applications brings new opportunities to improve efficiency and service quality. However, the widespread adoption of AI technology also makes the cybersecurity landscape more complex. Attackers can utilise AI to accelerate reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning, as well as to generate more deceptive phishing messages and malicious content, posing unprecedented challenges to defence work. She added that the Government will continue to adhere to a risk-based preventive strategy, while actively exploring the concept of “AI vs. AI”, making good use of AI technology in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of threat detection, analysis, and response.
 
     A total of about 350 representatives from 77 bureaux and departments, as well as 15 professional organisations, participated in the drill, which adopted a “blue teams versus red teams” approach. Participants formed “blue teams” to respond to simulated attacks in a virtual network environment, launched by “red teams” comprising cybersecurity experts. The drill scenario was based on a ransomware attack targeting information systems supporting large-scale events, and incorporated elements such as counter-cyberterrorism, autonomous AI and phishing attacks. This allowed participants to practise monitoring, analysis, reporting, handling and defence procedures in a realistic environment, thereby further enhancing collaborative defence and response capabilities, and strengthening the overall security and resilience of government information systems.
 
     The Government will continue to strengthen cybersecurity defence through various measures, assisting departments and relevant organisations in enhancing their capabilities to counter emerging cyber threats, and safeguarding Hong Kong’s information systems and cybersecurity.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets delegation from US National Endowment for Democracy and its core partners
On the morning of July 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the United States-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its core partners. In remarks, President Lai thanked NED President Wilson for taking actions in support of Taiwan over the years. The president said that in the face of expanding authoritarianism and all types of hybrid threats, Taiwan is steadily bolstering its self-defense capabilities and strengthening resilience in such domains as the economy, trade, technology, and energy. He stated that moving forward, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with various sectors in the US in such areas as democracy, security, trade, and the economy. He also stated that Taiwan will work to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and promote global peace, prosperity, and development.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I am delighted to meet with President Wilson again today. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my warmest welcome to our good friends from the NED and its core partners – the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the American Center for International Labor Solidarity. 
This is President Wilson’s fifth trip to Taiwan since he assumed office. When he first visited in 2022, he said that he had especially chosen Taiwan as the first stop on his tour of Asia. This was done intentionally to underscore the NED’s commitment to standing with Taiwan, helping safeguard Taiwan’s democracy, and working with Taiwan to safeguard democracy worldwide. His words were deeply meaningful to us and reflected a goal shared by Taiwan and its democratic partners. I want to express special appreciation to President Wilson for continuing to take actions in support of Taiwan over the years. And I thank all our esteemed guests here today for standing with Taiwan.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. Although Taiwan and the US are on opposite ends of the Pacific Ocean, we are closely united by our pursuit of freedom and democracy as well as our shared values and beliefs. And we are jointly addressing a variety of global challenges.
In recent years, China has been conducting a wide range of military activities and gray-zone incursions against neighboring countries in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, seriously impacting regional peace and stability. Moreover, China’s extensive transnational repression and surveillance activities, including the use of domestic legislation to advance authoritarian expansion, have alarmed the international community, becoming an issue of common concern. Faced with these hybrid threats, Taiwan is steadily bolstering its self-defense capabilities and strengthening resilience in such domains as the economy, trade, technology, and energy. We are also actively enhancing cooperation with the US and other democratic partners. For instance, last month Taiwan co-organized an international workshop on transnational repression under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework along with its GCTF partners.
We hope to engage in experience sharing with the distinguished guests visiting today so that we can fortify democratic resilience and thereby better respond to the challenges of expanding authoritarianism. I am confident that this will lay an even more solid foundation for our cooperation.
Over the years, the NED and its core partners have established close ties with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and other civil society organizations in Taiwan, helping strengthen Taiwan’s links with the world. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with various sectors in the US in such areas as democracy, security, trade, and the economy. Together, we will work to uphold the rules-based international order and promote global peace, prosperity, and development. I wish you all a pleasant and productive trip. 
NED President Wilson then delivered remarks, first saying that it is an honor to be back in Taiwan and a privilege to meet with President Lai. He mentioned that this is his fifth visit to Taiwan in five years as president of the NED and that he has visited no country more often than Taiwan. He pointed out that he returns because Taiwan reminds the world that freedom can endure even under extraordinary pressure, adding that it matters not only to Taiwan’s 23 million people, but to the broader cause of freedom.
NED President Wilson noted that just days ago, Americans celebrated the 250th anniversary of their nation’s founding. The Declaration of Independence, he highlighted, affirms that liberty belongs to the people and that free citizens have both the right and the responsibility to shape their own future, adding that the belief continues to inspire the endowment’s work as they stand with people pursuing those same aspirations in their own countries and on their own terms. He emphasized that their partnership with Taiwan, and especially with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, is among the most important in that mission.
NED President Wilson pointed to Taiwan as one of the world’s great democratic success stories. Under sustained external pressure, he elaborated, Taiwan’s people have built a vibrant democracy, competitive elections, a dynamic civil society, and a citizenry that understands freedom is not simply inherited but earned and safeguarded every day by ordinary people who refuse to be bystanders in the defense of their democracy.
For Americans, NED President Wilson said, Taiwan’s success matters because resilient democracies contribute to a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous world. He said that Taiwan is also an indispensable economic and technological partner that contributes to strengthening secure supply chains, innovation, and shared prosperity. He also voiced their belief that Taiwan has an extraordinary opportunity, as Taiwan’s security will rest not only on military deterrence and diplomacy, but also on deepening its place in the global community of democracies; not only on asking the world to stand with Taiwan, but also on continuing to show that Taiwan stands with those around the world who are advancing freedom.
NED President Wilson said that vision guides the NED’s partnership with Taiwan. Together, he added, we are working to strengthen Taiwan’s role as a global hub for democratic resilience, a builder of democratic networks, and a co-investor in democratic resilience, sharing Taiwan’s experience with democracy advocates around the world and strengthening partnerships that advance freedom.
NED President Wilson said that is why they are proud to welcome delegates from over 70 countries to Taiwan this week. He emphasized that by helping strengthen the democratic community, Taiwan also strengthens its own security and partnerships that will endure for generations. He noted that the NED family is proud to deepen their partnership with the people of Taiwan, with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and with partners across Taiwan. He then expressed hope of continuing to work together in the common cause of freedom. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today launched a one-month public consultation on proposals to improve the laws on sexual offences in Hong Kong, aiming to fortify safeguards for victims while ensuring the laws keep pace with changing times.

The Government stated that it attaches great importance to the well-being of the general public, particularly children and persons with mental impairment (PMIs), and to shielding them against sexual exploitation and abuse.

Currently, numerous sexual offences in Hong Kong are based on similar provisions instituted in English laws back in 1956.

The Government said that as social perceptions related to sexual offences evolve over time, the existing provisions show inadequacies. It therefore considers it necessary to address shortcomings in these provisions.

Over several years, the Law Reform Commission (LRC) undertook a review of sexual offences and published four consultation papers on specific aspects. These were followed by two reports containing a total of 72 final recommendations.

The Government subsequently crafted a range of legislative amendment proposals based on the LRC’s recommendations and with reference to the development of relevant laws in other major common law jurisdictions.

These proposals cover non-consensual sexual offences involving children, sexual offences involving PMIs, miscellaneous sexual offences, and other related amendments, to strengthen protections for victims of sexual offences.

Members of the public are invited to submit their views by August 5 via email, fax to 2524 3762, or mail to Security Bureau A Division, 8th Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar.

Click here for the consultation paper.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong today launched, on a trial basis, a gold central clearing and settlement system, along with targeted initiatives to build a modern, full-chain trading ecosystem.

Launching the measures, the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau said they include rolling out the initial phase of “Delivery Connect with the Shanghai Gold Exchange”, and a new HAU price ticker designed to furnish a specific reference rate tailored for Hong Kong.

There are plans to expand storage capacity and refining capabilities, diversify gold investment products, explore tax incentives, co-ordinate insurance arrangements, bolster the flexibility of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) investments in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and institute an industry-led trade association.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan underscored that the National 15th Five-Year Plan incorporates explicit support for Hong Kong in establishing a commodity trading ecosystem.

“The commencement of the trial operation of the gold central clearing and settlement system today marks a significant step forward in developing Hong Kong’s gold trading infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Chan also highlighted that the Government is committed to building a thriving gold trading ecosystem. “This will further enhance the richness, depth, and breadth of our financial markets, create new investment opportunities for local and overseas investors, and inject new momentum into the development of the financial sector.”

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that the Government’s vision is to build a scalable and integrated platform with trusted capabilities in clearing, connectivity, price discovery, risk management, storage, and insurance for global participants.

Operating under the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company, a wholly government-owned entity, the system is geared towards delivering efficient and reliable clearing and settlement services for bilateral and over-the-counter gold transactions.

The operation is governed by a comprehensive Clearing Rulebook. A central ledger has been established to record settlement activities, gold transfers, and the balances of participating banks, and will interface seamlessly with designated vaults to facilitate and record physical gold deposits and withdrawals.

Meanwhile, gold balances within the system are managed and settled on an unallocated basis, with commingled holding enabling efficient settlement for gold meeting international standards.

Eligible gold for settlement comprises about 400 fine troy ounce bars conforming to international standards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Labour Department (LD) today (July 6) reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during and after rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible. These arrangements not only can ensure the safety of employees and smooth operation of organisations, but also are conducive to maintaining good labour relations.

Formulate work arrangements* arrangements in respect of early release from work; 
* arrangements in respect of work resumption (e.g. the number of hours within which employees should resume duty after the relevant warning signal is cancelled or when extreme conditions come to an end, and when safety and traffic conditions allow);
* arrangements in respect of remote work (if applicable);
*arrangements regarding wages and allowances (e.g. calculation of wages and allowances in respect of reporting for duty); and
* arrangements for staff required to report for duty in times of adverse weather or extreme conditions.    
     Employers have an obligation to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance. If employees are required to work in times of tropical cyclone warnings, rainstorm warnings or extreme conditions, employers should ensure that the risks at work are reduced as far as reasonably practicable. Moreover, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are liable to pay compensation for injuries or deaths incurred when employees are travelling by a direct route from their residence to their workplace, or from their workplace back to their residence after work, four hours before or after working hours on a day when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher, a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Mr Pan Gongsheng, today (July 6) to exchange views on economic and financial issues. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, also attended the meeting.
      
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Pan and his delegation to Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial centre, strengthening its functions as a global offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre, as well as building a commodity trading ecosystem. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is pressing ahead at full speed with the preparation of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan to proactively seize the major opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and promote its high-quality development as an international financial centre. The HKSAR Government will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of having strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, continue to promote a mutual market access regime between Hong Kong and Mainland financial markets, facilitate the two-way flow of capital between the two places, and further enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre.
 
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is one of the top three international financial centres in the world, and is also the world’s largest offshore RMB business hub and the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. With the country’s support, Hong Kong has steadily expanded its offshore RMB business and continuously enriched the RMB product ecosystem. Hong Kong will continue to deepen collaboration with the Mainland and spare no effort in facilitating more efficient circulation of RMB funds in the offshore market and serving the country’s prudent and solid advancement of RMB internationalisation.
 
Mr Lee said that the HKSAR Government is now striving to build an international gold trading market in Hong Kong, including the establishment of the Hong Kong gold central clearing system, to attract the storage, clearing and delivery of physical gold in Hong Kong, drive the development of related services such as trading, risk management, insurance, warehousing and logistics, and gradually build a comprehensive gold trading ecosystem. The HKSAR Government will continue to work with relevant Mainland authorities and the industry to take forward relevant work, improve the infrastructure of and support for Hong Kong’s gold market, inject new impetus into the diversified development of the financial market, and thereby contribute to the development of the country as a financial powerhouse.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

One incoming Mainland male passenger and two incoming local female passengers were sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 to ten months’ imprisonment and a fine of $500 by the Courts today (July 6) for importing or possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming Mainland male passenger, aged 33, at Hong Kong International Airport on May 15 and seized 136 200 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $681,000 and a duty potential of about $450,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment and fined $500 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today.

Customs officers intercepted an incoming 80-year-old local female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on June 29 and seized 381 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her backpack. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $1,900, and the duty potential was about $1,200. The female passenger was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with a fine of $1,200 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming 30-year-old local female passenger and her accompanying child at the same control point on June 30. Officers discovered that the female passenger had concealed 600 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $3,000 and a duty potential of about $1,980, in the backpack carried by her accompanying child. She was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes 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 $2 million and imprisonment for seven 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).