MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Two incoming male passengers were sentenced to six weeks and 10 months’ imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts and the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts respectively today (October 21) for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO). One of them was also fined $1,000.

Customs officers intercepted a 62-year-old incoming male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on October 11 and seized 1 781 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $7,300 and a duty potential of about $5,900 from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today in contravention of the DCO.

Also, Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on August 25. About 33 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 140 000 alternative smoking products, with a total estimated market value of about $573,000 and a duty potential of about $111,000, were seized from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested. The man was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today in contravention of the DCO and IEO.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who 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.

Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong 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).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led industry members to participate in the 19th Hangzhou Cultural & Creative Industry Expo (HCIE) which started October 17 and concluded yesterday (October 20). A Hong Kong Pavilion themed “Hong Kong is So Chic” was set up, which showcased an array of exquisite design works and creative lifestyle representations. Through hosting a series of activities, it also enhanced the industry’s exposure on the Chinese Mainland, fostering opportunities for market expansion and collaboration. The Hong Kong Pavilion was well received by visitors, with over 50 000 attendees recorded during the four-day expo period, reflecting the appeal of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative forces.

     The design of the Hong Kong Pavilion focused on Hong Kong’s vibrant cityscape, charaterised by the organised chaos from the city’s narrow lanes and alleys, imparting an ambience of serenity. It showcased works from renowned Hong Kong brands and creators alongside creations from emerging designers and brands. Their designs represented the East-meets-West cultural fusion of Hong Kong, highlighting the diversity and unique charm of the city’s cultural contours.

The Hong Kong Pavilion comprised the Art Toy Zone, the Fashion and Apparel Zone, the Hong Kong Brands Zone, and the Film and Comics Zone, exhibiting films, comics, art toys, fashion, jewellery, and lifestyle products from 13 local designers and brands, with an aim of showcasing the latest achievements in Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries. The Hong Kong Pavilion also hosted a variety of engaging activities during the expo, including music and dance performances, demonstrations of filigree craft and Hong Kong-style tea pulling, sharing and autograph sessions, all showcasing the soft power of Hong Kong’s pop culture.

Following the enthusiastic response received by the Hong Kong Pavilion at the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in May this year, the HCIE once again provided a platform for Hong Kong’s cultural and creative power to shine. As pledged in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”, CCIDA proactively assists Hong Kong cultural and creative designers in producing more cultural and creative products with Chinese and Hong Kong cultural features, and will continue to strengthen support for local original works to enter the Mainland and international markets.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation at a newly built/inhabited housing estate at Tung Chung District codenamed “Contribute” for two consecutive days on October 20 and today (October 21) to combat the influx of illegal renovation workers.
 
     ImmD investigators recently noticed that some Mainland renovation companies were using online social media platforms to offer one-stop renovation services at a lower price. Meanwhile, some offenders might attempt to reduce their service costs and gain profit from hiring illegal workers to conduct renovation works in Hong Kong.
 
     ImmD immediately conducted an operation at a newly built/inhabited housing estate. Immigration officers raided over 150 target locations. A total of seven suspected illegal workers and three suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised seven men, aged 36 to 54. Two men and a woman, aged 43 to 54, suspected of employing the illegal workers, were also arrested. Investigations into the suspected employers are ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
     At the same time, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute “Don’t Employ Illegal Workers” leaflets and convey the message to occupants and property management staff in housing estates.
 
     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”

     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
 
     For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 21) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Calhoun County of the State of Iowa in the United States (US), the WÄ™gorzewo District of the WarmiÅ„sko-Mazurskie Region in Poland, Slagelse Municipality in Denmark and the Province of Alessandria of the Piemonte Region in Italy, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 24 650 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 1.61 million poultry eggs from the US; about 1 730 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland; about 210 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 150 000 poultry eggs from Denmark; and about 60 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 10 000 poultry eggs from Italy in the first six months of this year. 

     “The CFS has contacted the American, Polish, Danish and Italian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Civil Service College (CSC) launched the Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World. The fifth seminar in the series, on the topic of “Upholding Principles and Innovation in Chinese Arts and Culture and International Communication”, was delivered by Vice President of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Professor Gao Shiming, and chaired by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the China Institute of Fudan University, Mr Eric Li, at the CSC today (October 21).

     Addressing the seminar, the Head of the CSC, Mr Oscar Kwok, said that Hong Kong is rooted in profound traditional Chinese culture while also being deeply influenced by Western culture, developing a cultural perspective that blends the East and the West. It is especially evident in the realm of popular culture, such as film and music, where Hong Kong has made unique contributions and has served as an important window for the world to appreciate the diverse charms of both Hong Kong and Chinese culture. Hong Kong thus serves as a “cultural interpreter” in strengthening international cultural exchange. Hong Kong attracts outstanding talent from around the world, boasts world-class arts and cultural infrastructure, and stands as one of the world’s leading arts trading centres. As an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Hong Kong should fully leverage its advantages to promote innovative development in arts and culture while advancing mutual learning among civilisations.

     About 140 civil servants in directorate, senior, and middle ranks from 39 bureaux/departments attended the seminar in person or online today.

     The Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World invites renowned scholars and leaders from the Mainland and overseas as guest speakers to inspire civil servants to reflect on the influence of China, as a major player in a multipolar world, on the global community amid the rise of the Global South and profound changes in the international landscape, and to explore how Hong Kong, as a city where East meets West, should leverage its strengths in its unique role in connecting the country with the world. It covers subjects pertaining to the rise of the Global South and international order, upholding principles and innovation in arts and culture and international communication, and a holistic approach to national security and global initiatives, among others.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting tomorrow (October 22) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on reforming the mechanism for tackling water seepage problems. The motion, moved by Dr Chan Han-pan, is set out in Appendix 1.
 
     Mr Chan Hok-fung will move a motion on promoting rural tourism. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Kenneth Lau, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Mr Luk Chung-hung and Mr Yiu Pak-leung will move separate amendments to Mr Chan Hok-fung’s motion.
 
     In addition, the Chairman of the Panel on Manpower, Mr Lam Chun-sing; the Chairman of the Panel on Commerce, Industry, Innovation and Technology, Mr Jeffrey Lam; the Chairman of the Panel on Transport, Mr Chan Siu-hung; the Chairman of the Panel on Economic Development, Mrs Regina Ip; the Chairman of the Panel on Constitutional Affairs, Mr Lai Tung-kwok; the Chairman of the Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mr Ma Fung-kwok; the Chairman of the Panel on Development, Dr Lo Wai-kwok; the Chairman of the Panel on Financial Affairs, Mr Robert Lee; and the Chairman of the Panel on Security, Ms Carmen Kan, will present the reports of the related Panels and address the Council respectively.
 
     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
 
     The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau (EDB) held the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression – “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Book Giving Ceremony cum Thematic Talk today (October 21). The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, presented “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” to representatives of school councils and school heads’ associations to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression with enriched content. 

Addressing the event, Dr Choi said that during the period of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column steadfastly resisted Japanese aggression, and rescued trapped cultural figures and allied members, making significant contributions to the War of Resistance efforts in Hong Kong and across the country. “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” is a very precious historical record of the War of Resistance. Dr Choi said she expected that schools would incorporate the content of the book into the learning and teaching of relevant subjects, deepening students’ understanding of Hong Kong’s participation in the War of Resistance. This way, students could appreciate the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation, cherish the hard-earned peace and prosperity today, and be inspired to contribute to the country and society. 

She noted that in order to implement the initiatives outlined in the Policy Address to advance patriotic education, the EDB continuously adopts a multipronged and co-ordinated approach to integrate patriotic education into daily learning and teaching for strengthening students’ affection for and sense of belonging to the country.

     Co-Chief Editor of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Professor Lau Chi-pang hosted the subsequent thematic talk which was about the development, history and contributions of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column during the War of Resistance.

Other guests attending the event included the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo; Co-Chief Editor of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” Professor Liu Shuyong; members of the Working Group on Patriotic Education, Professor Gu Minkang and Mr Kwok Wing-keung; representatives from school councils and school heads associations of primary and secondary schools, and principals and teachers from primary and secondary schools.
​
All primary and secondary schools (including special schools) in Hong Kong will receive a complimentary copy of “Chronicle of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade (Revised Edition)” via the post. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA extends sincere congratulations to LDP President Takaichi on election as prime minister of Japan

Date：2025-10-21
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

October 21, 2025 
No. 411 

During a special session of the National Diet of Japan convened on October 21 to elect a new prime minister, Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi obtained the votes required to become 104th prime minister of Japan. She will now go on to form a new cabinet.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung extends his sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi and has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to transmit a congratulatory telegram to Ms. Takaichi and the entire cabinet on behalf of the government of Taiwan.
 
Taiwan and Japan share such core values as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law and have long enjoyed close and friendly interactions. Cooperation in a wide range of areas, conducted through values-based diplomacy, alliance-based diplomacy, and economic diplomacy, continues to yield fruitful results.
 
Prime Minister Takaichi will be Japan’s first female prime minister. As an individual of great vision and courage, she has always staunchly supported Taiwan. Numerous members of her cabinet maintain close ties with Taiwan and have led delegations to Taiwan on many occasions, conducting extensive and in-depth exchanges with various sectors of Taiwan on issues of mutual concern and helping deepen friendly exchanges and collaboration between both nations.
 
Building upon this solid foundation, Taiwan looks forward to advancing cooperation with Prime Minister Takaichi’s new government. Continuing to promote a mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership in all areas of common concern and interest, Taiwan will work together with Japan to make even more contributions to Indo-Pacific peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to statement by EP delegation regarding importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Date：2025-10-18
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

October 18, 2025The Bureau of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) issued a statement after the 42nd EU-China Inter-Parliamentary Meeting was held on October 16. The document emphasized that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were in the interest of the European Union and the world and reiterated opposition to any distortion or misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. It also confirmed that the European Union would continue to pursue close cooperation with Taiwan and reject any unilateral change to the status quo through force or coercion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates and welcomes this statement by the EP delegation.Since the start of its current (10th) term, the European Parliament has included pro-Taiwan wording in numerous statements, such as resolutions on the PRC’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and continuous military provocations around Taiwan, the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, and the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. These statements further demonstrate the European Parliament’s unwavering support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. They also reflect the European Union’s grave concern over China’s unilateral attempts to distort international law and UN resolutions. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the European Parliament on the current solid foundation so that the two sides can jointly strengthen democratic resilience and promote a partnership centered on shared values.