MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     An incoming male passenger was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (November 19) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
 
     A 55-year-old incoming male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 18. During customs clearance, Customs officers seized about 10 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $44,000 and a duty potential of about $36,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
 
     Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
 
     Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $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

A high-level meeting between Hong Kong Customs and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) was held in Hong Kong yesterday (November 18). The delegations from both sides were headed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and the Vice-Minister of the GACC, Mr Zhao Zenglian, respectively.

Mr Chan welcomed Mr Zhao’s visit to Hong Kong Customs with his delegation. Witnessed by Mr Zhao and Mr Chan, the Assistant Commissioner (Boundary and Ports) of Customs and Excise, Ms Chiang Yi-lee, and the Deputy Director General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the GACC, Mr Zhang Xiaohui, signed the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) regarding the inspection and quarantine of air-to-land transhipment of fresh fruits to the Chinese Mainland via Hong Kong.

The signing of the MoC will enhance the efficient and smooth operation of the Air-Land Fresh Lane between the two customs authorities, deepen collaboration in clearance and quarantine, improve the efficiency and safety of the transhipment of fresh food products, and promote high-quality development of fresh food trade in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Afterwards, both sides discussed multiple co-operative issues, including combating smuggling, intelligence exchange, consumer product safety, trade facilitation measures, and personnel training.

On the same day, the delegations toured the Customs Radar Monitoring Command Centre at the Customs Marine Base on Stonecutters Island and took a ride on a sector patrol launch to visit sea-borne smuggling black spots to learn about the maritime enforcement work of Hong Kong Customs.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police today (November 19) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Aberdeen.

     Chan Ho-yin, aged 38, went missing after he left his residence in Ap Lei Chau Estate on November 15 noon. His family made a report to Police on November 17.

     He is about 1.75 metres tall, 75 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a long face with yellow complexion and medium-long brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black and red short-sleeved shirt, black shorts, black and red slippers and a pair of glasses.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Hong Kong Island on 2860 1040 or email to rmpu-hki@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An owner was convicted and fined $806,000 in total, of which $182,000 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (November 18) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

The case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 6 000 square metres across 13 sections of a lot in D.D. 52, Fu Tei Au, North District. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the unauthorised building works (UBWs) and the UBWs were also carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), 13 removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal orders, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (November 19), “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (November 19) the establishment of the Green Maritime Fuel Development Communication Platform to catalyse the development of a green maritime fuel bunkering supply chain in Hong Kong through communication and collaboration among industry stakeholders, with the goal of developing Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering last November, outlining five strategies and 10 actions to develop Hong Kong into a centre for green maritime fuel bunkering. Among the measures in the Action Plan is the establishment of a collaborative platform for the industry to support the development of effective supply chains and trading channels. The newly launched Communication Platform is a major initiative to foster industry collaboration, bringing together upstream and downstream companies within the green maritime fuel bunkering supply chain, including fuel suppliers, shipping companies, and port operators, among others. In addition to gathering views from Communication Platform members regarding the development of green maritime fuel bunkering and trading in Hong Kong, the Government will organise networking activities and government-facilitated business meetings to enhance stakeholder communication and co-operation, thereby expediting the establishment of a complete and resilient green maritime fuel bunkering supply chain in Hong Kong.

The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, said at today’s International Bunker Industry Association Annual Convention, “The Communication Platform aims to facilitate business discussion and collect views from the trade on ways to bolster our competitiveness in green maritime fuel bunkering and trading. We warmly welcome all interested Hong Kong companies, as well as Mainland and foreign companies with a presence in Hong Kong, to join the Communication Platform and develop Hong Kong into a premier green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre together.”

Currently, 25 companies and industry organisations have joined the Communication Platform. The TLB encourages more companies and industry organisations involved in green maritime fuel bunkering to join and explore business opportunities together. Details about the Communication Platform and application forms can be obtained from the TLB website: www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/boards/transport/maritime/gmfdlg.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Annual Convention 2025 today (November 19):
 
Constantinos (Chair of the IBIA and Bunker Director at the Star Bulk Carriers, Mr Constantinos Capetanakis), Alexander (Executive Director of the IBIA, Mr Alexander Prokopakis), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and many friends, old and new,
 
     Welcome again to Hong Kong. Today is getting a little bit cold and I know that every one of you has made an effort to arrive here to make it for this forum. I can assure you that with the Chair’s remarks, you would have a lot of takeaways from this forum this morning. It is actually a distinct honour for Hong Kong to host the IBIA’s premier flagship event here for the very first time. Judging from what Constantinos just said, I think Hong Kong and the IBIA share a lot of the same vision. I truly agree with the particular phrase you mentioned that we need leadership and we need action and solutions, rather than just rules or discussions inside closed doors, we need to go to the ground. We also need to lead everybody for a joint solution towards the green transformation.
 
     The IBIA’s decision to host this event in Hong Kong is absolutely spot on. As you all know, we’re renowned for our highly efficient, professional and smart port services, consistently ranking us among the world’s top international maritime centres. This is complemented by our thriving bunkering activities, which put us seventh in the world, second in our country and first in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We haven’t said so in the past, but as we move on from conventional fuel to greener fuel for shipping vessels, we dig out our figures and records. It seems that it is not just that we have been doing good and ranking high in terms of cargo throughput, but we have also been making use of our pivotal position to provide fuel for ocean-going vessels over the decades. Therefore, it seems more than suitable to discuss the latest developments in bunkering in the busiest bunkering hub and the most happening port in the region. So I can assure you, Alexander, you have chosen the right place to host this forum since your visit last year.

     Our strength in bunkering is no coincidence: Hong Kong is strategically located at the southernmost tip of southern China right next to international fairways, making it a perfect place for ships to refuel. And now, as the entire marine community is pivoting to decarbonisation, a great opportunity lies right ahead of us. By leveraging this strategic position, Hong Kong is poised to develop into a leading centre for green maritime fuel bunkering as well as trading – ensuring we continue to meet the industry’s evolving needs for top-notch, sustainable bunkering services. In fact, to support the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from international shipping by or around 2050, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government took action quickly, and we are determined to do so, notwithstanding the hiccups recently on the schedule of the IMO. Exactly one year ago, we laid out a clear pathway and roadmap for our port in the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering promulgated.    
 
     The thinking behind our Action Plan is very simple: we need to offer the industry a clear direction on green maritime fuel adoption, supported by policies that can turn our shared vision for a green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre into reality. That’s why we’ve set out in the Action Plan five main strategies – Green Fuel, Green Port, Green Incentives, Green Collaboration and Green Talents. We have 10 specific measures underpinning these five strategies.

     Starting with Green Fuels, we make clear that Hong Kong will adopt a multi-fuel strategy, with the most commonly used or explored fuels such as LNG (liqified natural gas), biodiesel, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen being the fuels of choice. We then set out to build up a supply chain of such fuels in Hong Kong, from locating sources of green fuels in the proximity, that is the Chinese Mainland, which is conveniently right next to us and have been the largest supplier of such fuels by far, to developing storage facilities and providing bunkering infrastructure in Hong Kong. We are small, but I think we will be targeted and focused in providing, putting and rolling out storage facilities, infrastructure support, so as to allow Hong Kong to provide a miniature of the ecosystem that is advocated under the IBIA. Crucially, this strategy is already backed by concrete regulatory actions. Just to name a few, we have passed the enabling legislation, published technical requirements and guidelines, and approved a duty exemption for methanol bunkering. In the old days, there used to be some industry using the methanol for making wine. And that is not good for health. That is why we have updated legislation on charging duty on methanol. It might have just looked like a simple piece of legislation; we went around the government administration, particularly the health authorities, the doctors and the medical practitioners. While we respect their professionalism, it took us some time to convince them that we are now looking for bunkering only, for our outward-looking ships and not winemaking. While we have already amended our law, we promised that we will input, inject some of the tightened safeguarding measures, from the customs point of view, to make sure that there will be no abuse of this tax exemption. But this is a right signal that we have expedited, and we hope to see the first-ever methanol bunkering operation soon in Hong Kong.

     These are the precise policy measures, and legislative and supporting measures that we promised. We are designed to make green maritime fuel bunkering a practical and competitive reality. One year on, we have indeed come a long way, with commercial LNG and biodiesel bunkering services now available in Hong Kong and nearly 200 000 tonnes of green maritime fuels bunkered to date in Hong Kong. Still a lot of our industry players are not aware that Hong Kong has been treated to that point. They think that we are still at the initiation stage, still at the drafting stage. But I need to publicise more and talk more that we are actually actionable. We put things into operation, and it’s not just for pilots, but it was for commercial operation. The first methanol bunkering operation, as I just mentioned, will also happen before long, while we will start looking into ammonia and hydrogen bunkering and hope to tell the market where we stand on it soon.
 
     We fully recognise that the maritime industry is global by nature. I also mentioned and discussed at the ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) summit, we do not treat Hong Kong-based shipping companies as local companies. We treat them all along as global companies. We are globally based. We need to take their concerns and anxieties, arising from all the geopolitical circumstances, dear to our hearts. We have to listen, facilitate and help them to resolve and to take solutions. A truly green transition can’t happen in isolation; it demands collaboration between ports available worldwide. First, we have been supporting our port operators in their effort to reduce carbon emissions and create a greener port. But just as importantly, we are looking outward, we are actively identifying ports with which to establish green shipping corridors. I would like to learn more from the IBIA, because from your base worldwide, I already know that there are a few existing green shipping corridors in operation, and there are a few being planned. I very much hope that Hong Kong will be able to participate in some of those, if not all. If Hong Kong can lead discussions on creating a new ones, perhaps in this part of the region, we can actively participate and contribute. For the very first step, we have also announced the signing of the first batch of partner ports. This paved our way to put Hong Kong in a more high-profile position, so that we can attract more sisters and brothers to build a greater alliance. This initiative will definitely drive us to upgrade our infrastructure and enhance green maritime fuel bunkering capabilities, with the ultimate goal of creating truly net-zero emission shipping lanes. We will have some exciting updates on this front next year, particularly on our move towards creating or joining the green shipping corridors. It is not just an upward or a high profile publicising move, but actually I would like to use this to drive inward, back home. The effort towards building a green port is very important to push our ship operators or container terminal operators to invest and expedite their action. The IBIA Secretariat will know that there needs to be a lot of participation and influence, especially on the operators because they have to really invest billions and trillions of money. They will need to know the long-term future and long-term bright spot on that. But in the meantime, they will definitely need to make some tough decisions right in the short term for investments. With Hong Kong putting our footprint on the worldwide green transformation path, I would like to use this as a triggering point to enable our operators and industry players to join, participate and act.
 
     Closer to home, we are forging partnerships with stakeholders from both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. I think one of the points that the IBIA comes to Hong Kong is that you would like to run Hong Kong as a platform and you can get more knowledge about what is happening in the Chinese Mainland. In particular, we have set up some platforms and communication channels to focus squarely on fuel supply and trading with the Chinese Mainland. A powerful example of this collaboration was this June, when we signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with four green maritime fuel suppliers and bunker operators. This took place at a groundbreaking event – the first ever Mainland-Hong Kong green energy business matchmaking event organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce of the Central People’s Government. It is actually motivated and rooted between the Ministry of Commerce and my bureau. We hosted that matchmaking event in a dual mode. It was hosted both in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. We witnessed the signing of the MOU online and in parallel mode, thanks to all the digital technological backup. With over 300 industry representatives participating, the event was a clear sign of our shared commitment to building a thriving ecosystem for maritime fuel bunkering and trading. But we didn’t stop there, we established a communication platform that encompasses companies registered and doing business in Hong Kong from across the entire maritime fuel bunkering supply chain, with a view to facilitating business discussion and collecting views from the trade on ways to bolster our competitiveness in green maritime fuel bunkering and trading. We warmly welcome all interested Hong Kong companies to join the communication platform. For all those from abroad, we welcome you to have branches or headquarters in Hong Kong, and we also welcome them to join this communication platform which we will be announcing soon, so stay tuned. Together, we can firmly put Hong Kong on the map as a premier green maritime fuel bunkering hub in the region, as well as a green maritime fuel trading centre that acts as the gateway for export and trading of Mainland-produced green maritime fuels.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the transition towards green maritime fuels is an irreversible trend for the maritime industry and this is what we have mentioned. This isn’t a choice or an option; it’s an imperative. And Hong Kong is all in. To navigate this change, we need forums like this. The IBIA has the right decision to have this spot right in this year’s Hong Kong Maritime Week. I am sure you have helped drive some of our 18 000-plus participants this year, which is a record high. Today is about preparing for that future. The conversations in this room will equip us with the crucial steps we need very much to take, together and ahead. My thank to the IBIA for bringing us all together today, I encourage all participants this morning to make best of this event, learn more about the opportunities here in Hong Kong and also worldwide in different countries, different ports. We are all very passionate, notwithstanding the International Maritime Organization’s agenda, and we hope that we can explore how we, together, can be a part of that exciting green journey.

     I wish you all a very fruitful event and a pleasant stay in Hong Kong. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) announced today (November 19) that tickets for the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) events are available for sale online and offline simultaneously starting from 10am today.
 
     The 12th NGD and 9th NSOG will be held for eight days from December 8 to 15. Ticketing arrangements are similar to those for the 15th National Games (NG). Hong Kong together with Guangdong and Macao will adopt the approach of “one platform, ticket purchase across three places” to facilitate ticket purchases for spectators.
 
     In addition to one mass participation event, Hong Kong will stage four competition events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, among which NGD competition events, featuring boccia, wheelchair fencing and table tennis (TT11), are ticketed events, all marked at a single ticket price of RMB10 (HK$11). Tickets will be sold in the form of event passes. A ticket holder with one ticket may watch all competitions of the event. Tickets for table tennis of the NSOG will be distributed to the public for free, with specific arrangements to be announced later. The mass participation para dance sport competition, also with tickets distributed for free, has concluded in September.
 
     A total of 16 competition events and one mass participation event are ticketed events, of which the NGD event taekwondo has completed. Guangdong will hold 11 ticketed events, while Hong Kong and Macao will organise three and one respectively. Tickets for four NGD events in Guangdong, namely swimming, tennis, men’s deaf basketball and women’s deaf basketball, have been released for sale. For another NGD event, shooting, and one mass participation event, badminton in Guangdong, as well as three NGD events in Hong Kong, ticket sales will start from 3pm today simultaneously.

     Starting from today, Hong Kong residents can use their Hong Kong identity card or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents to log in to the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG official ticketing website (ticket.baygamespara.cn), as well as the official mini programme on WeChat for real-name registration. Registered users can log in to the official online ticketing platform, select “Ticket Purchase”, and choose the competition venue(s), competition event(s), time, and session(s) to purchase tickets for events in different competition regions. Ticket prices are set in Renminbi. Hong Kong residents can settle payments through electronic means. To purchase tickets for events in different competition regions, ticket buyers must use valid travel documents recognised by the respective competition region. Hong Kong residents must use their Hong Kong identity card to purchase tickets for events in Hong Kong, and their Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents to purchase tickets for events in Guangdong. Mainland and Macao residents must use their Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, and their Macao identity card respectively when purchasing tickets for events in Hong Kong. Each order is limited to six tickets for the same event session. Spectators who purchased tickets for their family members or friends using their own accounts via the official ticketing platform should transfer the tickets to their family members or friends 24 hours prior to the start of the relevant session. Each person should carry their own e-tickets to facilitate verification and multiple entries/exits.
 
     In addition to purchasing tickets for the Hong Kong competition region through official online ticketing platforms, members of the public can also visit 11 designated sales outlets of the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited to buy paper tickets for the competitions staged in Hong Kong. Moreover, members of the public can purchase physical tickets at the competition area ticket offices during the events. Prior registration on the online ticketing platform is not required but real-name authentication will be adopted for ticket purchases offline. Ticket buyers must provide their name and identification document number, as well as those of all spectators, for registration. They are also required to produce copies of the relevant identity documents for verification. A limited number of barrier-free and minder seats are available at each venue, relevant tickets are for purchases offline only. For details about sales outlets and other relevant information, please visit the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited website (ww2.ctshk.com/articleDetail?id=4&channelId=-1) or the dedicated website for the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/ngd-nsog.html).
 
     For any online ticketing enquiries, please call the official ticketing call centre at +86 4001-125305 or email the official ticketing enquiry email address at services@quanyun2025.com.

     For enquiries about offline ticketing in the Hong Kong competition region, please call China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited’s NG hotline (+852 3859 4811) or email to ng2025cs@ctg.cn.

     For more information about ticketing arrangements for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/ng.html), as well as the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, and the Deputy Director of Environment Protection (Waste Reduction), Mr Kenneth Cheng, inspected the operation of the Trial Scheme on Food Waste Recycling Truck (Trial Scheme) in Central and Western District on November 17 and promoted food waste recycling to the public. They took the opportunity to call on the public to cast their votes in the Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election on December 7.
 
Dr Chui said, “The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been continuously enhancing the food waste recycling network, and strengthening publicity and education to encourage more people to participate in food waste recycling. Currently, there are more than 1 500 food waste recycling facilities set up in premises including public rental housing estates and private residential estates. Since last year, the EPD has been strategically setting up around 250 public food waste recycling points across all districts. Among these, the Food Waste Recycling Spots that operate at night time provide busy citizens with convenient recycling outlets for food waste. Under the newly launched Trial Scheme, a recycling truck visits various locations every evening to promote food waste recycling, allowing members of the public to learn about and experience food waste recycling for themselves. We hope this make it convenient for people to practise green living.”
 
The Trial Scheme was rolled out first in Central and Western District last month. A food waste recycling truck operates from 6.30pm to 10.30pm every night, visiting four designated locations in the district to promote waste separation at source and proper ways of food waste recycling, and provide a convenient outlet for the public to recycle food waste. The four designated locations are:
 

1. MacDonnell Road, Mid-levels (near Silvercrest): 6.30pm to 7.15pm
2. Parking Area outside Exit C of Sai Ying Pun MTR Station: 7.40pm to 8.25pm
3. Praya Kennedy Town, Kennedy Town (near Brilliant Court): 8.45pm to 9.30pm
4. New Praya Kennedy Town, Kennedy Town (near Ka On Building): 9.45pm to 10.30pm

 
Including the Trial Scheme, the number of night-time Food Waste Recycling Spots has reached 104 (see annex). Operating at fixed times and locations during evening hours close to residential and dining areas, these recycling points facilitate nearby residents and eateries to dispose of food waste at night and develop recycling habits.
 
Through the implementation of various measures, the amount of food waste recycled has been on the rise in recent years. The overall food waste recycled has reached 340 tonnes per day, doubling the figure of 2023. In particular, the amount of domestic food waste recycled significantly increased from 7 tonnes per day in 2023 to about 130 tonnes per day currently.
 
Dr Chui and Mr Cheng introduced the Trial Scheme to the residents on-site and listened to their feedback on the EPD’s recycling services. They also called on the public to support the LegCo General Election on December 7.
 
Dr Chui said, “I urge everyone to exercise their civic responsibilities with their families by casting their votes on December 7. Let’s elect outstanding individuals with an affection for the country and Hong Kong to contribute to the future development of the city.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (November 19) strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects the groundless attacks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the situation of the HKSAR including safeguarding national security, protecting human rights and business environment in the so-called “2025 report” issued by the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC).

     The HKSAR Government spokesman stressed, “The HKSAR Government strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects USCC’s wanton manoeuvre with politics prevailing over law-based administration and interference in the affairs of the HKSAR in the so-called report. The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, is a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under ‘one country, two systems’, and comes directly under the Central People’s Government. The legal basis for implementing ‘one country, two systems’ comprises the Constitution and the Basic Law, which provide constitutional guarantee for fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to equality before the law, and is buttressed by the rule of law and independent judicial power.”
 
     “The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The HKSAR Government will resolutely, fully and faithfully continue to implement the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws so as to prevent, suppress and impose punishment on acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law. At the same time, it will safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US to discern facts from fallacies, respect the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

Laws Safeguarding National Security

     The spokesman stressed, “Endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security. In terms of legislation relating to safeguarding national security, the US has at least 21 pieces. There have also been countless administrative orders issued in the name of so-called ‘national security’. However, the relevant commission exposed their double standards as they pointed fingers at the HKSAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while totally disregarded the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate and continuously enhance relevant laws, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the relevant national security legislation on economic development and the protection of human rights.”

     “In fact, the implementation of the HKNSL in the past five years or so has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly resume to normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously. With the support from all sectors of the community, the SNSO was unanimously passed by the Legislative Council, and took effect upon gazettal on March 23, 2024, thereby further improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms of the HKSAR for safeguarding national security. According to the Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report, Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world’s freest economy. Hong Kong’s ranking improved by two places to third globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025. Also, Hong Kong continues to rank among the top three international financial centres and comes first in the world in terms of funds raised through initial public offerings in the first three quarters of 2025. Hong Kong ranks the 24th out of 142 countries and jurisdictions globally in the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index. Its overall score (0.72) remained unchanged, matching the scores of the countries ranked 22nd and 23rd.  Hong Kong remains high in the overall ranking and continues to be ahead of some European and American countries, including the US, which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of Hong Kong. These internationally recognised achievements are built upon the freedom and stability brought to the Hong Kong society by the HKNSL, other relevant laws of the HKSAR, and the work of safeguarding national security.”

     “As a matter of fact, the HKNSL and SNSO clearly define the elements of relevant offences, penalties, exceptions and defences. These laws actively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities endangering national security, in accordance with the principle of the rule of law. They target an extremely small minority of individuals and organisations that pose a threat to national security, while protecting the lives and property of the general public and their legitimate rights and interests. Law-abiding persons will not unwittingly violate the law.”
 
     “The HKSAR has the constitutional responsibility to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. The purpose of the subsidiary legislation made under the SNSO in May 2025 is to better carry into effect the provisions of the HKNSL concerning the mandate of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS). The subsidiary legislation does not grant the OSNS any new power, and will not affect the lives of ordinary citizens or the normal operation of institutions or organizations.”
 
     “Extraterritorial effect for offences under the HKNSL and the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police Force are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong. Those absconders hiding outside Hong Kong are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security and wantonly collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. It is necessary for the HKSAR Government to take all lawful measures. The specification of absconders in respect of offences endangering national security and specification of measures applicable against the relevant absconders under the SNSO aim to address, combat, deter and prevent acts of abscondment, and procure the return of absconders to Hong Kong to face law enforcement and judicial proceedings. Such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate.  In fact, quite a number of countries including the US would also impose such measures on wanted criminals. The US’s abuse of long-arm jurisdiction and indiscriminate use of so-called sanctions are the real form of ‘transnational repression’.”
 
     “The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, paying no regard to their political stance, background or occupation of the person or organisation involved. The HKSAR Government has repeatedly emphasised that the suggestion that any persons or organisations with certain backgrounds should be immune from legal sanctions for their illegal acts and activities is tantamount to granting such persons privileges to break the law and is totally contrary to the spirit of the rule of law. External forces continue to distort the truth, blatantly discredit the judicial system and trials of the HKSAR, in an attempt to glorify criminal behavior and exert pressure on the courts of the HKSAR. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the Committee to respect fundamental principles such as the spirit of the rule of law and judicial independence, and to immediately cease these despicable actions.”
 
Safeguarding Due Administration of Justice and Rule of Law
 
     “The HKSAR Government emphasised that all judicial cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the HKNSL and the SNSO) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.  The so-called report specifically mentioned cases on offences endangering national security involving Wong Chi-fung and Lai Chee-ying, wantonly smearing the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial organs of the HKSAR regarding the handling of the relevant cases. Their ulterior motives are obvious, namely, to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power in order to procure a defendant’s evasion of the criminal justice process. The HKSAR Government strongly condemned these blatant attempting to undermine the rule of law of the HKSAR.”
 
     The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, “The HKSAR Government safeguards independent judicial power and fully supports the Judiciary in exercising its judicial power independently, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law. Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law specifically provide that the HKSAR enjoys independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. The legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR will absolutely not undermine the independent judicial power. When handling cases involving offences endangering national security, judges, as in all other cases, perform their judicial duties independently and impartially, without any interference. The HKSAR Government supports the Judiciary to continue to seek suitable candidates, both locally and overseas, to serve as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal, and to handle such judicial appointments in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance. The presence or absence of individual non-permanent judges have no impact on the integrity of the judicial system. In fact, many non-permanent judges have expressed confidence in the independence of the judicial officers of the HKSAR when they left office.”
 
     “The Department of Justice, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, makes independent prosecutorial decisions in accordance with the law, free from any interference.  Prosecutions would be instituted by the Department of Justice only if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction, and if it is in the public interest to do so.”
 
     “The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing.  All cases concerning offence endangering national security will be handled by the prosecution and judicial authorities of the HKSAR in a fair and timely manner in strict compliance with Article 42(1) of the HKNSL, with the procedural rights of defendants exercised in accordance with the law fully respected throughout the process. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved.  The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.”
 
     “The so-called ‘report’ threatened again to impose ‘sanctions’ on the HKSAR, attempting to use political power to deter relevant personnel in the HKSAR from discharging their responsibilities to safeguard national security, interfering in the law enforcement and judicial process of the HKSAR. All these are reprehensible acts undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR, which the HKSAR Government strongly condemns. All relevant personnel in the HKSAR will not be intimidated and will continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security.”

Anti-Money Laundering and Enforcement of Sanctions

     The HKSAR Government spokesman continued, “It is high on the HKSAR Government’s agenda to maintain the integrity and robustness of our financial systems. Our banks and other financial institutions strictly adhere to international standards and best practices, including those on anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). Hong Kong has been recognised by the Financial Action Task Force, the international standard-setter on AML/CFT, to be overall compliant with the relevant international standards, with a robust legal framework and effective system, especially in the identification and understanding of risks, law enforcement, asset recovery and international co-operation.”

     The HKSAR Government spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We do not implement unilateral sanctions imposed by other countries that constitute a flagrant violation of the international order based on international law and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The HKSARG has long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions, and participating in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People’s Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners.”

Safeguarding Rights and Freedoms

     The HKSAR Government spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. 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 HKNSL and the SNSO also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc. Indeed, Article 19 of the ICCPR specifically requires that journalists must observe and discharge ‘special duties and responsibilities’ including protection of national security or public order.”

     “In fact, since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant. However, some people with ulterior motives deliberately fabricated facts about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong. Like all other places in the world, freedom of the press and speech are not absolute. The media, like everyone else, has an obligation to abide by all the laws.  The media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction, as long as this is not in violation of the law.  The court further cited precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding press freedom in the reasons for verdict of a relevant case, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern. The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of ‘responsible journalism’ in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom.”
 
Maintaining long-term prosperity and stability

　　The spokesman reiterated, “Under ‘one country, two systems’, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world. With such unparalleled connectivity, Hong Kong will continue to play its dual role as “super-connector” and “super value-adder”. Hong Kong will also continue to leverage its strengths to enhance its role as international financial, maritime and trade centres, among others, whilst proactively integrating into the overall development of our nation, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, etc.. The HKSAR Government will continue to identify new areas for economic development and proactively compete for enterprises and talents with a view to promoting the sustainable development and enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong. As a matter of fact, Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world’s freest economy by the Fraser Institute. On the other hand, the US enjoys significant economic benefits in Hong Kong and has realised a trade surplus of more than US$270 billion with Hong Kong over the past 10 years, the largest among US global trading partners. There are about 1 390 US companies with their businesses in Hong Kong. All these demonstrate the close and long-standing economic ties between Hong Kong and the US, as well as the vast business interests of the US in Hong Kong. A stable and prosperous Hong Kong is certainly of mutual benefits to Hong Kong and the US.”