MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) strongly reprimands and resolutely refutes the baseless, slanderous remarks about Hong Kong in the Trafficking in Persons Report 2026 (Report) of the Department of State of the United States today (October 9).

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “We vehemently oppose and firmly reject the categorically false and groundless remarks in the so-called Report on Hong Kong’s efforts to tackle trafficking in persons (TIP). The rating of Hong Kong at Tier 3 is entirely unfounded and represents a blatant attempt to tarnish Hong Kong’s sterling reputation. TIP has never been a prevalent problem in Hong Kong, and there has never been any sign that Hong Kong is being actively used by syndicates as a destination or transit point for TIP.”

The spokesman stressed, “The HKSAR Government has all along been proactive in the fight against TIP, adopting a comprehensive multi-pronged strategy and devoting significant recurrent resources to combatting TIP and enhancing the protection for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong.

“In 2025, the HKSAR Government continued to spare no effort in conducting initial screenings for all persons vulnerable to TIP risks, including illegal immigrants, sex workers, illegal workers, FDHs, imported workers and other suspected victims, who had come to the attention of the departments concerned. The HKSAR Government conducted around 12 100 initial screenings in 2025 (a 7% increase compared with the year prior) and identified 15 TIP victims, all of whom were Hong Kong residents falling prey to employment fraud in Southeast Asian countries. Our efforts in returning those residents to Hong Kong safely, identifying them as TIP victims, thoroughly investigating the cases and rigorously prosecuting individuals implicated exemplify our commitment to tackling the scourge of TIP. The Report’s baseless attacks on Hong Kong’s victim screening efforts are deeply hypocritical and reflect of serious double standards, especially when studies and reports within the United States have highlighted systematic underreporting of human trafficking cases by domestic law enforcement in the United States.”

The spokesman further pointed out, “That the Report has, year after year, continued to fabricate criticisms about our efforts to tackle TIP and the quality of our screenings exposes its true nature as a politically-motivated, despicable smear campaign designed to mislead the international community.”

Protecting Foreign Domestic Helpers

The HKSAR Government recognises the significant contribution of FDHs to our society, and attaches great importance to protecting the some 380 000 FDHs in Hong Kong. The Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) (EO) provides the same comprehensive protection for the employment rights and benefits of FDHs as local workers. In addition to legal safeguards, FDHs are entitled to additional benefits that are usually not available to local workers through a Government-stipulated Standard Employment Contract. These additional benefits include free accommodation, free food (or food allowance in lieu), free medical treatment and free passage to/from their home countries.

Under the EO, an employment agency (EA) is only allowed to charge job seekers, including FDHs, a commission of not more than 10 per cent of their first month’s salary upon successful placement. Any EA contravening labour laws is liable to prosecution and licence revocation upon conviction. The Labour Department (LD) has also promulgated a Code of Practice for Employment Agencies (CoP) to stipulate additional standards for EAs beyond legal requirements, including prohibiting EAs from involving in the financial affairs of FDHs. Non-compliance with the CoP may result in revocation or non-renewal of an EA’s licence.

In 2025, the dedicated Foreign Domestic Helpers Division of the LD sustained its comprehensive support for FDHs through a one-stop portal available in 13 languages, a dedicated 24-hour hotline, a wide range of publications on their rights and benefits, as well as advice on employment matters and assistance in seeking help from relevant authorities. The LD also stepped up its collaboration with the Consulates General (CGs) of FDH source countries, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen outreach and publicity efforts, promote FDHs’ awareness of employment rights and financial literacy, and follow up on case referrals received from these partners to provide timely assistance and support. Meanwhile, the LD continued to join hands with the Police to advise FDHs against engaging in money laundering or other illicit activities.

The Immigration Department (ImmD)’s FDH Special Investigation Section also continues to scrutinise FDH visa applications to proactively identify potential TIP victims and cases of exploited FDHs. Where appropriate, the ImmD will render assistance to those FDHs who have been abused or exploited. To facilitate an FDH established to be a victim of a criminal case to stay in Hong Kong to assist in investigation or act as a witness in legal proceedings, ImmD will waive the fee for his/her extension of stay. Also, the ImmD takes into account records of past abuse and exploitation in considering future applications for employing FDHs from employers. If there is indeed evidence of such abuse or exploitation, the concerned employer’s future applications will normally not be approved.

Building on its earlier initiative of producing a briefing video available in English, Tagalog and Bahasa Indonesia to increase FDHs’ awareness, with a view to preventing them from falling victim to exploitation and to encouraging them to contact the authorities when in need, ImmD pursued new collaborations with the CGs of Indonesia and the Philippines in the past year, hosting themed seminars for newly-arrived FDHs in Hong Kong to enhance their understanding of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115) and raise their awareness of issues relating to TIP.

In response to the Report’s unsubstantiated criticism of the “two-week rule”, the spokesman said, “The ‘two-week rule’, under which an FDH shall leave Hong Kong upon completion of employment contract or within two weeks from the date of early contract termination, whichever is the earlier, aims to allow sufficient time for FDHs to prepare for their departure. Also, the rule allows sufficient flexibility to cater for exceptional circumstances and does not preclude FDHs from working in Hong Kong again after returning to their places of origin. Exploitation of FDHs is never tolerated in Hong Kong. Any FDHs who have been abused or exploited could apply for change of their employers in Hong Kong without first returning to their places of origin. FDHs abused or exploited should not feel inhibited from lodging complaints against their employers.”

“The Report’s unjustified critique of the ‘two-week rule’ is the exemplification of an absurd double standard. While ignoring the rule’s legitimate purpose as a means to maintain effective immigration control and calling for its abolition, the Report remained conspicuously silent on the United States’ visa regime, which likewise mandates the departure of migrant workers upon termination of employment under stipulated timelines.”

The spokesman added, “The ‘live-in requirement’ underpins the long-established government policy of ensuring employment priority for the local workforce. As in many other jurisdictions, importation of workers in Hong Kong is allowed only when there is proven manpower shortage in specific trades that cannot be met by local workers. The legality of the ‘live-in requirement’ was upheld by the Court of Appeal in a ruling handed down in 2020 in an appeal of a judicial review.”

Comprehensive Legal Framework, Robust Enforcement and Training

In response to the Report’s repeated insistence that Hong Kong should enact dedicated trafficking legislation, the spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government’s current legislative framework, which comprises over 50 legal provisions against various TIP conducts, provides a comprehensive package of safeguards comparable to dedicated TIP laws found in some jurisdictions. In fact, this legal framework has served Hong Kong well. The Court of Final Appeal has also affirmed in various rulings that the HKSAR Government had no positive obligation to enact and maintain a criminal offence specifically criminalising the relevant activities prohibited under Article 4 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights (BOR 4), and that it would have a wide margin of discretion in the manner of compliance with its obligations under BOR 4. Every jurisdiction should have its latitude to determine the best legal framework to tackle the issue and there is simply no one-size-fits-all solution. The Report’s arbitrary fixation on dedicated legislation as the universal gold standard blindly focuses on form rather than substance.”

Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Hong Kong have all along remained vigilant in investigation and enforcement, and pursued prosecution with full rigour. In 2025, LEAs continued to investigate job scam cases where victims were lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work and prosecute those involved in court. Further, they secured successful convictions against individuals implicated in trafficking cases, with prison terms handed down by the courts. The Police also continued to commit significant efforts to combating vice activities including prostitution in 2025. A total of 108 anti-vice operations were mounted, an increase of 6% as compared with 2024. A total of 203 persons were arrested for the offence of keeping a vice establishment or prostitution-related crimes under the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200).

As regards the protection of FDHs, the Police arrested 37 FDH employers in relation to physical or sexual abuse in 2025. Separately, 49 FDH employers were prosecuted for aiding and abetting their FDHs in breaching the latter’s conditions of stay, with 38 employers convicted. In parallel, the LD continued to take robust enforcement actions against EAs that contravened the EO, the Employment Agency Regulations (Cap. 57A) or the CoP. In 2025, the LD conducted over 1 700 inspections to EAs providing placement services for FDHs. In the same year, an EA providing placement services for FDHs was convicted for unlicensed operation, while another was denied licence renewal because a related person of the licensee had been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty within the preceding five years.

Educating frontline officers of our LEAs and the LD on TIP, including detection, investigation, prosecution and victim assistance continued to be a top priority. In 2025, around 2 400 officers from various government bureaux and departments attended TIP-related training, marking an 18% increase over that in 2024. The HKSAR Government also continued to deliver sharing sessions on combatting TIP for frontline staff working at the airport to enhance their awareness of TIP.

Safeguarding National Security

Regarding the Report’s unfounded remarks on the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the spokesman added, “Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication, and the freedoms of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applicable to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law. Laws safeguarding national security only target a very small number of organisations and individuals that endanger national security. Law-abiding persons will not unwittingly violate the law.”

The HKSAR Government has been steadfastly combating TIP in an all-out and highly proactive manner. A high-level steering committee, established in March 2018, provides policy steer on actions against TIP and protection of FDHs. An Action Plan to Tackle TIP and to Enhance Protection of FDHs in Hong Kong has been promulgated by the steering committee, with multi-faceted, comprehensive, strategic and targeted measures all firmly put in place by the end of 2019 to cover victim identification, investigation, enforcement, prosecution, victim protection and support, prevention, and partnership with different stakeholders.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Returning Officers for the various subsectors of the 2026 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections received a total of 160 nomination forms for candidates and four nomination forms from designated bodies today (October 8). This brings to 465 the total number of nomination forms for candidates and six the total number of nomination forms from designated bodies received since nominations opened yesterday (October 7). The nomination period will end on October 20.
  
     The breakdown of candidate nomination forms received by each subsector is set out below:
 

First Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Catering	0	0
Commercial (first)	2	2
Commercial (second)	0	1
Commercial (third)	14	21
Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong	3	6
Finance	4	8
Financial services	5	12
Hotel	10	11
Import and export	0	7
Industrial (first)	3	8
Industrial (second)	0	0
Insurance	4	8
Real estate and construction	1	1
Small and medium enterprises	0	0
Textiles and garment	0	0
Tourism	2	19
Transport	2	3
Wholesale and retail	0	0
Second Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Accountancy	4	9
Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape	1	2
Chinese medicine	9	15
Education	0	14
Engineering	0	4
Legal	1	2
Medical and health services	2	4
Social welfare	1	1
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication	0	13
Technology and innovation	1	1
Third Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Agriculture and fisheries	21	67
Associations of Chinese fellow townsmen	15	38
Grassroots associations	21	31
Labour	0	60
Fourth Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Heung Yee Kuk	0	28
Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of Hong Kong and Kowloon	21	41
Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of the New Territories	12	12
Fifth Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organisations	1	16
Total:	160	465

​Besides, a total of four nomination forms were received from designated bodies by each subsector:
 

Accountancy
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
Association of Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Limited	0	0
Chinese medicine
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
WFCMS (Hong Kong) Council Members Association Limited	0	0
Legal
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
China Law Society’s HK Council Members Association	1 (9 nominees in total)	1 (9 nominees in total)
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China	0	0
China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association Limited	0	0
Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited	0	0
Technology and innovation
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians	0	0
Religious
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong	0	0
Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association	0	0
Hong Kong Christian Council	0	0
The Hong Kong Taoist Association	0	0
The Confucian Academy	0	0
The Hong Kong Buddhist Association	0	0
Representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
Mainland China (Shenzhen) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions	0	0
Mainland China (Guangzhou) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions	0	0
Mainland China (Dongguan) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions	0	0
Mainland China (Zhongshan) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions	0	0
Mainland China (Huizhou) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions	0	0
Mainland China (Fujian, Xiamen) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Tianjin	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Shanghai	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Zhejiang	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangdong	0	1 (1 nominee in total)
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Fujian	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangxi	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Sichuan	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Wuhan	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Liaoning	0	0
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Shandong	0	0
Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association	0	0
Shanghai Hong Kong Association	1 (1 nominee in total)	1 (1 nominee in total)
Guangzhou Tianhe Hong Kong and Macau Youth Association	0	0
Hong Kong Association of China Business	0	1 (1 nominee in total)
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Qianhai, Shenzhen	0	0
Hong Kong and Macau Entrepreneurs Branch, Chongqing Overseas Association	0	0
Fujian Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs	0	0
Hong Kong and Macao Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Federation in Zhongkai Huizhou	1 (1 nominee in total)	1 (1 nominee in total)
The Hong Kong Fellowship in Huadu Guangzhou	1 (1 nominee in total)	1 (1 nominee in total)
The Hong Kong Fellowship in Chancheng Foshan	0	0
Total:	4 (12 nominees in total)	6 (14 nominees in total)

Particulars of the nominations received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (October 8) announced that the seven-day National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (October 1 to 7) concluded smoothly yesterday (October 7). A total of around 1.6 million inbound visitors were recorded. Among them, Mainland visitors accounted for more than 1.41 million, which exceeds the number of Mainland visitors recorded at the eight-day National Day Golden Week of the Mainland last year. The arrangements for the reception of visitors proceeded in an orderly manner, with bustling crowds creating a lively atmosphere in the city that boosted business across various industries.

     Mr Chan said, “This year’s National Day Golden Week of the Mainland offered a variety of vibrant activities. The National Day fireworks display, the National Day Raceday and other events held on October 1 were well received by members of the public and visitors. At the same time, the Government and different sectors of the community launched a rich array of special offers and activities, covering public transport; culture, arts and leisure; as well as dining and consumption, to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with the public. These activities effectively attracted crowds and stimulated consumption, with retail sector indicating that consumer spending in various retail categories saw single-digit to double-digit growth year-on-year, while the catering sector also indicated that businesses in tourist areas increased by about 10 per cent. The Government will continue to work hand in hand with the industry to promote diversified tourism products and projects, creating an all-round and in-depth tourism experience for visitors and continuously injecting momentum into the local economy.”

Visitor flow, situation at control points, and traffic and public transport arrangements
　　
     During the seven-day National Day Golden Week of the Mainland, the daily average number of Mainland visitors was around 202 000. The arrival of Mainland visitors peaked on October 1, with around 277 000 visitors. During the Golden Week, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point received the highest number of Mainland visitors, followed by the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point. 

     To cope with the increased passenger flows during the Golden Week, relevant departments deployed additional manpower. The Immigration Department opened additional counters, temporary counters and vehicle clearance kiosks in advance at land boundary control points (BCPs) to facilitate passenger and vehicular flows. The Security Bureau activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre during the holidays to closely monitor and co-ordinate public order across various districts, including various BCPs. The overall operation of the control points and traffic were smooth and orderly.

     The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department (TD) operated round the clock at an escalated tier to holistically monitor traffic and public transport conditions across the city and at BCPs, major stations and various tourist hotspots. The TD steered local and cross-boundary public transport operators (PTOs) to step up their carrying capacity, including enhancing MTR train services to and from Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau Stations, strengthening Express Rail Link train services to and from Futian, Shenzhenbei and Beijingxi Stations, enhancing cross-boundary coach services, increasing the frequency of bus services connecting land BCPs and increasing the capacity of inner-harbour ferry services for the convenience of residents and visitors. PTOs also deployed additional staff to maintain order and reserved sufficient vehicles and manpower to further enhance services when necessary. Overall traffic conditions were generally smooth during the Golden Week.

Mega events and major tourist attractions

     The National Day Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour on October 1 attracted over 378 000 spectators. The event concluded with effective crowd control arrangements and was well-received by locals and tourists. The National Day Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse attracted nearly 30 000 attendees, including over 9 300 tourists. The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 and International Lantern Spectacular held at Victoria Park saw an enthusiastic response. The event period was extended twice, drawing a total of around 730 000 visitors.

     Visitors to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week were spread across different tourist attractions in the city, including theme parks, the Peak, Ngong Ping, Avenue of Stars, etc. Overall visitor flow was high and crowd management work was smooth and effective.

     At East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung, various departments took measures to control traffic, increase the frequency of minibuses, publish visitor flow information, and strengthen cleaning services as needed according to the plan formulated before the Golden Week. As regards the public transport service, upon the TD’s advanced deployment and co-ordination, the operator of Green Minibus route No. 9A enhanced services plying the route between Pak Tam Chung and East Dam of High Island Reservoir in response to passenger demand and traffic conditions during the Golden Week. Overall services were generally smooth. Moreover, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) piloted a reservation system for the Po Pin Chau section and deployed additional staff at the viewing platform, as well as using drones for patrols and public announcements. Visitors complied with on-site staff instructions, and the pedestrian flow was smooth and orderly.

     As for the campsites at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan, the AFCD and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) conducted joint operations to keep the campsites and the Ham Tin Public Toilet clean, and deployed staff to conduct day-and-night patrols, with stationed personnel reminding campers of camping etiquette and regulations. The usage, hygiene and orderliness of the various campsites were generally good. The AFCD also strengthened publicity and education along Sections 1 and 2 of the MacLehose Trail and at designated campsites nearby.  

     At Sharp Island and the Shui Hau sandflat on Lantau Island, the AFCD and other departments strengthened patrols, using drones to assist in monitoring coastal areas. They also conducted public education activities jointly with WWF-Hong Kong and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation respectively, to promote marine conservation messages to visitors. To strengthen coral conservation at Sharp Island, the AFCD deployed additional staff to remind visitors not to damage, disturb, feed or collect marine life. Snorkelling and kayaking guides were also deployed to patrol nearshore areas and remind snorkellers to enter and exit the water via coral-friendly routes to avoid accidentally stepping on corals.

Inbound tour groups and hotel occupancy rates

     In terms of Mainland inbound tour groups, around 1 140 Mainland inbound tour groups brought over 41 000 visitors to Hong Kong during the seven-day National Day Golden Week, with around 60 per cent engaged in overnight itineraries. The general order was good, and the overall hotel occupancy rate reached 90 per cent.

     Mr Chan was pleased to note that the series of festive events and special offers in celebration of the National Day were well received. He expressed gratitude to relevant government departments, organisations, and industry partners for their collaborative efforts and close co-ordination in receiving visitors, providing citizens and visitors with a joyful National Day holiday.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) joins hands with the Film Development Fund and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) to support the screening of Hong Kong films at the ninth Spain Moving Images Festival (SMIFest), which is currently taking place in Madrid, Spain, from September 3 to October 18 (Madrid time).

     SMIFest features a special programme on Hong Kong’s “Neon Years”, showcasing 10 classic Hong Kong films from 1980 to 1999. The selected films are “A Better Tomorrow”, “Boat People”, “City on Fire”, “Comrades: Almost a Love Story”, “Fallen Angels”, “Made in Hong Kong”, “My Heart is That Eternal Rose”, “The Killer”, “Throw Down” and “Twin Dragons”.

     The Brussels ETO hosted a networking reception on October 7 (Madrid time), which brought together members of the international film and cultural communities. Speaking at the reception, Assistant Representative of the Brussels ETO Mr Paul Leung praised the remarkable achievements of Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as its lasting legacy and influence on the global film landscape.

     Mr Leung also highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s continuous efforts to promote the film industry and the new initiatives to support its development just announced in the 2026 Policy Address by the Chief Executive, such as the “Film + Tourism” promotion. In addition, the Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions of CCIDA will provide one-stop services for overseas film crews filming in Hong Kong. He concluded by inviting the audience to stay tuned for more Hong Kong movies inspired by the city’s unique culture in the coming years.

     SMIFest is Madrid’s premier festival dedicated to Asian audiovisual experimentation, art-house cinema and video art. It promotes emerging filmmakers and artists from China, Japan, South Korea, India and Southeast Asia, alongside retrospectives of pioneering and classic works. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements today announced that Hong Kong welcomed around 1.6 million visitors during for the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week from October 1 to 7, with Mainland visitors accounting for more than 1.41 million – a figure that surpassed last year’s record.

During the seven-day period, the daily average number of Mainland visitors stood at around 202,000, peaking on October 1, with approximately 277,000 arrivals. The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point recorded the highest volume of Mainland visitors, followed by the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, who led the interdepartmental working group, noted that this year’s National Day Golden Week featured a variety of vibrant activities. He added that the National Day fireworks display, the National Day Raceday and other events held on October 1 were well received by the public and visitors.

The Government and various sectors of the community also launched a rich array of special offers and activities covering public transport, culture, arts and leisure, dining and consumption to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with the public, Mr Chan added.

“These activities effectively attracted crowds and stimulated consumption, with the retail sector indicating that consumer spending in various retail categories saw single-digit to double-digit growth year-on-year, while the catering sector also indicated that businesses in tourist areas increased by about 10 per cent.”

Mr Chan emphasised that the Government will continue to work hand in hand with the industry to promote diversified tourism products and projects, creating an all-round and in-depth tourism experience for visitors while continuously injecting momentum into the local economy.

The National Day Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour on October 1 attracted over 378,000 spectators, while the National Day Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse attracted nearly 30,000 spectators, including 9,300 tourists. Meanwhile, the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 and International Lantern Spectacular at Victoria Park received an enthusiastic response; its duration was extended twice, drawing a total of around 730,000 visitors.

In addition, around 1,140 Mainland inbound tour groups brought over 41,000 visitors to the city during the seven-day Golden Week, with around 60% opting for overnight itineraries. The overall hotel occupancy rate reached 90%.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of October 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Michael Bennet. In remarks, President Lai stated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait bear on the stability and development of the first island chain and the Indo-Pacific region. The president said that Taiwan is determined to enhance its self-defense capabilities and to safeguard peace through strength, and will continue to increase its investment in national defense so as to achieve the goals of military-civilian cooperation and all-out defense. He expressed hope that Taiwan and the US will work together to build a non-red supply chain for drones and deepen cooperation in space and industry, and jointly build a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Senator Bennet and all our distinguished guests. I want to thank Senator Bennet in particular for his steadfast support for Taiwan over many years, and for the many actions he has taken to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities and to advance the Taiwan-US partnership.
In February this year, Senator Bennet joined senators and representatives from both parties in a letter supporting Taiwan’s increased investment in national defense. In March, he introduced the First Island Chain Deterrence Act, which addresses the delivery of US arms to Taiwan and to partners along the first island chain. And in July, he helped advance the Six Assurances to Taiwan Act, supporting the further codification of America’s key, longstanding commitments to Taiwan. For all of this, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I express my heartfelt gratitude.
These actions send a very important message: Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are not Taiwan’s concern alone, but bear on the stability and development of the entire first island chain and the Indo-Pacific region. By coming to Taiwan himself just before our National Day, Senator Bennet has demonstrated that support through concrete action. This reflects both his friendship toward Taiwan and his staunch support for us, and it does a great deal for the stability of Taiwanese society.
Taiwan is determined to enhance its self-defense capabilities and to safeguard peace through strength. Our overall defense budget has already surpassed 3 percent of GDP this year, reaching 3.2 percent. Next year’s defense budget will account for 3.9 percent of GDP and for more than 20 percent of total central government expenditure. We expect that figure to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030.
In increasing our investment in national defense, what matters is not simply a larger budget, but a change in the way Taiwan defends itself. Taiwan is actively bringing in artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles, space technology, and new communications and command systems, accelerating innovation in defense technology so as to build a smarter, more distributed, and more resilient defense system and to achieve our goal of asymmetric warfare capabilities. I also want to thank members of both parties in the US House of Representatives and Senate and the US government for their strong support as Taiwan builds up its defense capabilities. We look forward to Taiwan and the US working together to build a non-red supply chain for drones, and to more industrial exchange and cooperation.
In addition to strengthening our defense capabilities, Taiwan is also actively promoting whole-of-society defense resilience. We hold the Han Kuang exercises, our most important annual military exercises, together with the Urban Resilience Exercises, which form part of whole-of-society defense resilience. By conducting them at the same time and under the same conditions, we aim to achieve the goals of military-civilian cooperation and all-out defense.
Senator Bennet comes from Colorado, an important hub of US space technology. He places great importance on technological innovation, has long followed the development of the space industry, and continues to advance the Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act. Last year, FORMOSAT-8, Taiwan’s first indigenously developed optical remote-sensing satellite constellation, began formal deployment. Looking ahead, we hope to have Senator Bennet’s support in building a closer partnership in the space age through deeper Taiwan-US cooperation.
In closing, I want to thank Senator Bennet once again for visiting and exchanging views with us on a range of important Taiwan-US issues. Your visit just before our National Day is especially meaningful. Taiwan will continue to stand side by side with the US as we work together to build a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Senator Bennet then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his warm words and welcome. He said that the delegation had excellent meetings this week with security officials and legislative leaders, all of whom underscored their support for the Taiwan-US partnership. He said he looked forward to hearing the president’s ideas on what more the two sides can do together, and that the delegation would take those ideas back to Washington, where there is strong bipartisan support for Taiwan.
Senator Bennet said that Taiwan is one of the world’s strongest and most dynamic democracies, and that the resilience of the Taiwanese people and their determination to build a free and open society are a central pillar of a free and open Indo-Pacific. In his meetings during this visit, he said, he heard clarity about the threats Taiwan faces. He added that the shared commitment of Taiwan’s leaders to preserving and protecting democracy is more powerful than any political disagreements.
Senator Bennet commended the Legislative Yuan’s approval of the special budget for military procurement of more than US$24 billion, as well as the more-than US$7 billion approved for building unmanned systems in Taiwan. The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated the importance of these systems, he said, and producing them in Taiwan will effectively strengthen Taiwan’s deterrence.
Senator Bennet stated that there is strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, including through the sale of the defensive weapons necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability. He will continue to work with his colleagues in Congress, he said, to ensure the provision of the support they have authorized and appropriated. He emphasized that full implementation of and adherence to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances remains the foundation and framework for US policy toward Taiwan, and that it offers the surest path to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and across the entire Indo-Pacific.
Senator Bennet said he is pleased that his home state of Colorado and Taiwan are building ever closer cooperation in such sectors as space, quantum technology, photonics, agriculture, and semiconductors. He said he will continue his bipartisan work in the Senate to strengthen Taiwan-US space cooperation and to enhance deterrence across the Indo-Pacific.
Senator Bennet emphasized that freedom and democracy are not givens in this world, and that this is particularly true in the Indo-Pacific. The American people stand with Taiwan, he said, as do members of both parties in Congress, and they will continue to support Taiwan’s democracy, security, and prosperity. Taiwan does not stand alone, he said, and never will.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Acting Deputy Director Judy Kuo. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets US House Committee on the Budget Ranking Member Brendan Boyle
On the morning of October 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States House Committee on the Budget Ranking Member Brendan Boyle of the Democratic Party. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress for its enduring and steadfast support for Taiwan. He emphasized that Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, and not only possesses an unwavering resolve to defend peace across the Taiwan Strait, but also firmly believes that peace can only be secured through strength. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to increase its national defense budget and actively bolster its self-defense capabilities. He expressed hope to further deepen defense cooperation with the US, saying that together, we can make even greater contributions to Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I would like to express my gratitude to this delegation for visiting Taiwan at this very special time, two days ahead of our National Day. Your presence fully demonstrates the US Congress’s high regard and support for Taiwan. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US, as well as the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. Representative Boyle represents a district of Philadelphia – a city of great significance in the conception of the Declaration of Independence. The democratic journeys of both Taiwan and the US remind us that freedom and democracy do not arise merely by happenstance and cannot be taken for granted; they must be protected from generation to generation and attended to continuously if they are to strengthen and flourish.
In recent years, China has continued to engage in military activities, gray-zone aggression, long-arm jurisdiction, and transnational repression against nations around the South and East China Seas, the Taiwan Strait, and the Western Pacific. It is attempting to unilaterally alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and undermine regional peace and stability. Only by standing united and cooperating closely can democracies safeguard the values and way of life upon which their existence depends.
Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain. We not only possess an unwavering resolve to defend peace across the Taiwan Strait, but also firmly believe that peace can only be secured through strength. Therefore, in addition to continuing to increase our national defense budget and investing even more resources to promote self-sufficiency in national defense, we are actively pursuing external military procurement to bolster our self-defense capabilities. We are also advancing whole-of-society defense resilience to achieve the goal of military-civilian cooperation.
We look forward to further deepening defense cooperation with the US and moving progressively from military procurement to joint research and development and joint production. Such efforts will enhance the resilience and capacity of our respective defense industries. In particular, we hope for greater cooperation in building drone and counter-drone systems, employing AI to support military decision-making, and enhancing logistical and operational effectiveness. Together, we can make even greater contributions to Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
Over the past two years, Taiwan has also continued to strengthen whole-of-society defense resilience. In September, we hosted an international forum on building resilience across the maritime, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure domains. We also established the World Alliance for Disaster Management, inviting central and local disaster prevention authorities from countries worldwide to take part in assembling a comprehensive international disaster prevention system. New York’s Orange County and the state of Oregon are observers to the alliance.
In addition to security cooperation, we are also committed to elevating Taiwan-US economic and trade relations. Currently, the US is Taiwan’s largest trading partner, and Taiwan is the fourth largest trading partner of the US. We hope that Congress can swiftly complete legislative procedures for the avoidance of double taxation agreement between Taiwan and the US. This will further lower investment barriers, create an even more favorable environment for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and generate stronger momentum for growth.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Representative Boyle once again for leading this delegation, as well as to the US Congress for its enduring and steadfast support for Taiwan. We look forward to continuing to work hand in hand to deepen the Taiwan-US partnership. I wish you all a smooth and rewarding visit.
Representative Boyle then delivered remarks, saying that this is the first visit to Taiwan for both him and the two other representatives in the delegation, and that it is extra special to be here just a couple days before National Day. He noted that located in his congressional district in Philadelphia is Independence Hall, where 250 years ago, their forebears in the Second Continental Congress bravely and boldly voted on July 2, 1776 to become an independent nation, independent from Great Britain. In making this bold decision, he said, they decided they should explain, not just to the British king, but to the rest of the world, why they were voting to become independent. Therefore, he said, they appointed a committee of five that included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams to draft what would later become the Declaration of Independence.
Representative Boyle explained that this is perhaps the most successful committee in the history of Congress, because the document they drafted, and would adopt on July 4, 1776, would become known as the Declaration of Independence. He added that in that document, they declared not just the rights of one people, but the rights of all people. For the last 250 years, he said, the people of the US have strived to live up to the lofty ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence, and their nation’s democracy has indeed been a journey.
Representative Boyle remarked that the US and Taiwan, and likewise, the American people and the Taiwanese people, have a great deal in common, because Taiwan’s democracy also underwent a journey to reach this point. He stated that the American people and the Taiwanese people are deeply connected by shared values, including a commitment to freedom and human rights. Our democracies, he said, as imperfect as they may be, are a shining example to those around the world who are still struggling to be free, which he said is especially the case for some nations in Asia.
Representative Boyle stated that the delegation very much enjoys being in Taiwan, and that they look forward to their discussion and to reaffirming the importance of the US-Taiwan relationship. He closed his remarks by wishing all a happy National Day.
The delegation also included House of Representatives Members Andrea Salinas and Tim Kennedy.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will capture unattended dogs at high-risk locations where dog attacks on passers-by and stray dog congregations have occurred over the next four months. 

To address risks in high-density urban environments, the department noted today that unowned and uncontrolled canines may compromise public safety, as allowing them to roam unattended may cause harm to residents or other animals. Furthermore, dogs not vaccinated against rabies also threaten both public and animal health.

The department will adopt a risk-based strategy to launch for its special operations, prioritising high-risk locations.

It will also collaborate with the Police on special joint enforcement when necessary, requiring dog keepers to fulfil their responsibilities properly to safeguard community safety.

Following capture, the department will check for microchips and valid dog licences, contacting keepers via registration records and lost-and-found files. If there is sufficient evidence, the keepers will be prosecuted.

If the keepers cannot be traced, staff and veterinary officers at the department’s Animal Management Centres will assess the dogs. Those confirmed to be in good health and of a gentle temperament will be transferred to partner animal welfare organisations for sterilisation and public adoption.

To avoid posing public safety risks, the department emphasised that dogs without keepers will not be released back into the community.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The annual “Cheers!” Series, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will make a triumphant return from December this year to January next year. Acclaimed troupes from Korea, Brazil, Australia and Denmark will debut in Hong Kong together with three local art groups, crafting an enchanting world of theatrical wonders for families to accompany members of the public through the festive periods. Tickets will go for sale from October 14 (Wednesday).

     Winner at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Theatre Awards 2025, “Dream Space” is a non-verbal omnibus production by Creative Group SSAK from Korea. Through puppetry and physical theatre, the production tells the stories of a traditional Korean folk tale; two castaways stranded on an island, and a lonely young girl meeting a whale in the deep blue sea. Interwoven with fabulous stage imagery, it leads audiences of all ages into a magical theatrical world.

     “Bubble Show in Space” by Bubble Laboratory from Australia offers a space adventure with a flying bubble rocket soaring into the air, super-sized bubbles big enough to fit several people inside, and finishes with a spectacular “million bubble party”. This production was the winner of the Best in Fringe Kids Award at the Sydney Fringe 2024, and should not be missed.

     Led by four comedy masters from Brazil’s Parlapatões, the physical clown theatre production “The Mequetrefo” transforms the mundane routine of going to work into a riotous adventure. The whimsical plot, combined with humorous physical clowning, unleashes a wave of side-splitting comedic energy.

     Captivating clown theatre piece “Frida’s Incredible Journey” is a solo performance produced by Denmark’s Paolo Nani Teater. The protagonist, Frida, sets off on a whimsical adventure to find her best friend, packing along her hen, her cat, and a magical suitcase. The journey unfolds on a beautiful stage where a handmade aesthetic intertwines with vibrant visuals. 

     Extension activities such as workshops and meet-the-artist sessions will be held for the above-mentioned programmes. For details, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/f_entertainment/groups_2013.html.

     Local art groups will also present a rich line-up of programmes. These include the multimedia children’s theatre “ANTNETIC LOST” by Creman Concept; the puppet musical “Sweetyland IV The Fluffy Fungus Fight” by Make Friends with Puppet; and the “Hong Kong Oratorio Society 70th Anniversary Concert III: A Thankful Christmas”. 

     For programme dates, venues and ticket prices of the “Cheers!” Series, please see the Annex. Tickets will be available from October 14 (Wednesday) onwards at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk), and telephone bookings can be made by calling 3166 1288. Various discount schemes, such as package discounts and family package discounts, will be offered. For programme enquiries and discount schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit the above-mentioned website.