The Government today began a public consultation for the 2026-27 Budget.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience and is making steady progress in 2025, despite external challenges.
“The Government’s efforts to reinforce and enhance Hong Kong’s status and competitiveness as an international financial centre, along with its comprehensive policies to drive economic and innovation and technology (I&T) development, are beginning to bear fruit,” he said.
“These developments are creating favourable conditions for Hong Kong’s continued advancement.”
Noting that 2026 marks the first year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, he said: “Key issues for the upcoming Budget will include how Hong Kong can further broaden and deepen its economic development, accelerate the nurturing and application of I&T, expedite the upgrading of industry structures, and better integrate into, and contribute to, national development.”
“They also include creating more high-quality job opportunities and ensuring that the benefits of economic progress and diversification are widely shared across the community.”
Mr Chan stressed that the Government will gather views from different sectors, engage with the public, and draw on collective wisdom in preparing the new Budget.
“We welcome all members of the community to actively share their views so that we can work together to build a better and more vibrant Hong Kong.”
Citizens can share their views via the Budget website, by email, by phone at 2810 3768, by fax at 2147 5770, or by post to the Budget Consultation Support Team on 24/F, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.
MOFA response to China’s recent attempts at military intimidation in the Taiwan Strait and across region
December 10, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns recent malicious moves by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to engage in various forms of military intimidation near several neighboring countries and in the Taiwan Strait. Such regrettable actions have heightened regional tensions.
MOFA states that maintaining freedom, security, peace, and stability across the strait and in the Indo-Pacific region is a widely accepted international consensus. Furthermore, China’s unilateral military provocations and suppressive actions threaten Taiwan’s democracy and freedom and the regional status quo of peace and stability. They also destabilize the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific.
MOFA calls on China to act in accordance with its status as a major power and fulfill its responsibilities, promptly halt unwarranted military provocations, and respect nations in the region as well as the international order.
As a responsible member of the international community and the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan is committed to firmly safeguarding the cross-strait status quo and bolstering its self-defense capabilities and resilience so as to maintain its security as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, Taiwan will work with democracies in the region to jointly preserve peace, stability, and prosperity. Meanwhile, in the face of external threats and challenges, the government will continue to collaborate with like-minded countries to uphold democracy. Working with the people, the government is determined to protect Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and security.
MOFA response to Taiwan-friendly provisions in compromise text of US Congress’s NDAA 2026
December 8, 2025
The US Congress published a compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA 2026) on December 7 following the approval of respective versions by the US House of Representatives and Senate. The legislation includes multiple provisions that will help bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities and resilience and deepen Taiwan-US security cooperation, as well as support Taiwan’s international participation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the US Congress for continuing to demonstrate staunch bipartisan support for Taiwan and for strengthening Taiwan-US security cooperation through legislation. It has been widely noted that the National Security Strategy of the United States of America released by the second Trump administration highlights in particular Taiwan’s vital geostrategic location and stresses that the United States will work with allies and partners to jointly ensure security across the Taiwan Strait. The version of the NDAA 2026 published on this occasion once again demonstrates the consensus between the executive and legislative branches of the US government on enhancing Taiwan’s security.
Taiwan will continue to steadily advance cooperation with the United States in security and related areas so as to realize the policy vision of peace through strength. President Lai Ching-te has announced that Taiwan will invest NT$1.25 trillion as it continues to enhance self-defense and work with others to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region.
The NDAA 2026 will be presented to US President Donald Trump for signature once it is passed in both chambers of the US Congress. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the progress of the NDAA 2026 and stay in close contact with the US Congress and administration so as to jointly deepen the partnership between Taiwan and the United States.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKSAR Government strongly condemns Hong Kong Journalists Association and foreign anti-China media for misleading public and whitewashing Lai Chee-ying A HKSAR Government spokesperson said, “The HKJA has no credibility, lacks recognition and representativeness, and the association has even been refusing to disclose the list of its latest executive committee members. It is despicable for an organisation of such a nature to call itself the representative of the press. In fact, the HKJA, as with other foreign anti-China media outlets, has been intentionally misleading the public by consistently and deliberately conflating the criminal acts in Lai Chee-ying’s case with freedom of the press. It has even played up with ill intent different cases to discredit the human rights and rule of law situations of the HKSAR, aiming precisely to confuse the public and smear the HKSAR. These are extremely despicable political manipulations that must be strongly condemned.
“Their misleading and false statements reveal that they have entirely no respect for the HKSAR court’s independent judgment of the case, which has been made on the basis of facts and evidence. They also refused to acknowledge the evidence set out in the reasons for the verdict, and refused to understand the court’s considerations and rationale for the verdict. Instead, they wantonly launched attacks, slandered and attacked the HKSAR Government, flagrantly trampling the rule of law, overriding the rule of law with politics, distorting facts and confounding right and wrong.”
Court’s conviction verdict was entirely free from any political considerations
The spokesperson reiterated, “The court clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court’s reasons for verdict in this case are 855 pages long, which are fully open for public inspection, and include the court’s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for convicting Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies in full detail.”
Lai Chee-ying’s case has nothing to do with freedom of the press at all
The spokesperson emphasised, “Lai Chee-ying’s case has nothing to do with freedom of the press at all. Over the years, the defendants have used journalism as a guise to commit acts that brought harm to our country and Hong Kong. Lai Chee-ying was fundamentally the mastermind behind a series of anti-China and destabilising activities in Hong Kong, and was no doubt an agent of external anti-China forces. The public trial of this case revealed Lai Chee-ying’s close management and hands-on control of the editorial direction of Apple Daily, and one of the senior managers even said they were free within a ‘bird cage’.
“Hong Kong citizens enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech as protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. In fact, 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 the press, of speech and of publication, enjoyed by Hong Kong people 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 the HKSAR, are protected in accordance with the law. Like all other places in the world, journalists, just like all other citizens, have an obligation to abide by all the laws. According to the principles established by Article 19 of the ICCPR, the European Convention on Human Rights and relevant jurisprudence, when the media and journalists publish opinions, information and articles, they must observe and discharge ‘special duties and responsibilities’, including protection of national security and public order. Journalists must, in accordance with the tenets of ‘responsible journalism’, act in good faith on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information, so as to be entitled to the protection of freedom of speech and press freedom.
“The HKSAR Government strongly urges the HKJA and other foreign anti-China media to understand the facts relating to Lai Chee-ying’s case as soon as possible, and do the right thing to stop any form of infiltration and activities of a subversive nature, including ‘brainwashing’ young people of the HKSAR for external forces. The HKSAR Government will absolutely not condone any acts endangering national security that incite the public to betray the interests of the country and the people.” Issued at HKT 18:20
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases second batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in December
District
District Among the second batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 27 survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering five survey areas in December, all were below 10 per cent.
The FEHD has so far released two batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in December 2025, covering 48 survey areas. Among these 48 survey areas, 46 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. November 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Two other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 18:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supports the participation of Hong Kong films in the 47th Festival des 3 Continents held in Nantes, France, from November 21 to 29.
This year, the Festival pays tribute to two retrospective classics of Hong Kong cinema, namely “In the Mood for Love” and “The Arch”. Complementing the screenings, the jazz quartet Flash Pig performed a special concert, featuring classic pieces from the soundtrack of “In the Mood for Love”.
Brussels ETO hosted a reception on November 26 (Nantes time), bringing together around 100 local guests from the film industry, cultural sector and local authorities. Speaking at the reception, Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO Mr Kasper Ng highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s firm commitment to developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange through the dedicated Film Development Fund and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency.
Mr Ng also invited audience members to visit Hong Kong to experience the city’s arts and culture scene, including a wide range of film festivals of all sizes, notably the Hong Kong International Film Festival, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, as well as the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market, which is Asia’s largest film and entertainment content marketplace.
The Festival des 3 Continents screens movies from Asia, Africa and Latin America and has featured film directors for the French public since 1979.
Chief Executive John Lee briefed President Xi Jinping in Beijing this afternoon on the latest economic, social and political situation in Hong Kong, including the follow-up work on the fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po.
At a media session in Beijing tonight, Mr Lee said he told President Xi about the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts to help the families affected in the fire and the ways to support them, help them and society to recover, adding that the President encouraged the Government to continue work hard on this.
“He has mentioned that it has to be a consistent and continuous effort. This is exactly what I am doing together with my government team.”
Mr Lee also reported to President Xi the establishment of an independent committee to fairly and justly look into two critical topics – the cause and the wide spread of the fire, as well as the long-standing problem regarding large-scale building renovation work.
“I have said that I have given nine months for the independent committee to complete its work, which is a pressing timetable because unlike other period setups, we are dealing with two main topics instead of one, so this is actually asking the independent committee to do two major tasks almost in parallel that will be very demanding.”
“That is also why I have reported that I have given this reserve power for the independent committee to, on the one hand, streamline procedures to increase efficiency so that they can finish the work as soon as possible, and at the same time ensure that they will have the power necessary if it is required at the time to address certain issues and areas. And I have made it very clear to President Xi that the committee’s purpose is to find out the truth and also to look for accountability.”
Mr Lee also reported to the President that the Government and Hong Kong as a whole will continue to steadfastly uphold the duty of safeguarding national security, noting that President Xi affirmed his strong recognition of the Government’s efforts in this regard.
As of this morning, a total of 1,236 residents affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po have been accommodated through the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, in youth hostels, camps, or hotel rooms. Another 3,354 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau, units from the Housing Society or Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.
Currently, there is still an abundant supply of more than 1,000 units that can provide affected residents with longer term accommodation. The transitional housing and the Housing Society projects in different districts can altogether provide around 400 units at the moment.
Additionally, Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 at Kai Tak can provide a supply of around 900 units.
As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.4 billion. Combined with the $300 million startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.7 billion.
On the Government’s online platform for donated supplies, about 1,900 registrations have been received, with approximately 30% submitted by organisations. Over 24,000 donation items, covering various categories, have been distributed.
The Fire Services Department said today that in response to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, it has maintained close collaboration with property management organisations and stepped up inspections of fire service installations and equipment (FSIs) in buildings since December 4.
The department has redeployed manpower internally to enhance inspections of FSIs in buildings, particularly those undergoing major maintenance, and has proactively inspected the functional status of fire alarms. Should any non-compliance be identified, the department will conduct thorough investigations and decisively take enforcement action.
At the same time, the department has redeployed personnel to promptly follow up on reports of abnormal operation of FSIs in buildings and will take appropriate enforcement action accordingly.
Additionally, it earlier engaged in in-depth exchanges with the Property Management Services Authority, the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies, the Housing Authority, the Housing Society, and the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong.
The department emphasised that apart from ensuring annual inspections of FSIs are conducted in their premises in accordance with the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) Regulations, property management bodies must also proactively discharge their management duties and assist property owners in properly maintaining the FSIs in common areas to ensure their continuous and effective operation.
The FSD also reminds property management personnel to inspect the FSIs regularly during daily work and assist owners and their organisations to handle any damage or malfunction of the FSIs in a timely manner.
To address public concerns regarding the performance of building fire alarms, stakeholders have agreed to promote voluntary fire alarm testing to safeguard public safety.
The scope of the testing includes checking that manual call points are intact and capable of activating the fire alarm system; ensuring stable power supply to FSIs and reliable operation of standby power supply; and verifying that signals transmitted from fire control panels are normal with no false alarms or failures.
The department will continue to lead the Inter-departmental Fire Investigation Task Force to probe the cause of the fire at Wang Fuk Court, including investigation of the FSIs. As the investigation has revealed that the condition of the buildings’ FSIs may involve criminal elements, the case is being followed up by Police.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and foreign anti-China media for turning a blind eye to the court’s conviction judgment in Lai Chee-ying’s case, in an attempt to mislead the public, deliberately whitewashing criminal Lai Chee-ying under the cloak of so-called democracy.
In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the court verdict was made strictly in accordance with the law and evidence.
It pointed out that such an attempt aims to obscure Lai Chee-ying’s shameless acts and subversive work as an agent of external forces, in order to infiltrate and brainwash young people, through manipulating the media to incite the public, the interests of the country and the people.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said the HKJA has no credibility, lacks recognition and representativeness, and has even been refusing to disclose the list of its latest executive committee members. It is despicable for an organisation of such a nature to call itself the representative of the press.
The HKJA, as with other foreign anti-China media outlets, has been intentionally misleading the public by consistently and deliberately conflating the criminal acts in Lai Chee-ying’s case with press freedom. It has even played up, with ill intent, different cases to discredit the Hong Kong SAR’s human rights and rule of law situation, aiming precisely to confuse the public and smear the Hong Kong SAR.
These are extremely despicable political manipulations that must be strongly condemned, the Hong Kong SAR Government said.
It reiterated that the conviction verdict was entirely free from any political considerations, as the court clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The 855-page reasons for verdict in this case are fully open for public inspection, and include the court’s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for convicting Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies in full detail.
Furthermore, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that the case has nothing to do with press freedom at all.
Over the years, it explained, the defendants have used journalism as a guise to commit acts that brought harm to our country and Hong Kong. Lai Chee-ying was fundamentally the mastermind behind a series of anti-China and destabilising activities in Hong Kong, and was no doubt an agent of external anti-China forces.
The public trial of this case revealed Lai Chee-ying’s close management and hands-on control of the editorial direction of Apple Daily, and one of the senior managers even said they were free within a “bird cage”.
The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urges the HKJA and other foreign anti-China media to understand the facts relating to Lai Chee-ying’s case as soon as possible, and do the right thing to stop any form of infiltration and activities of a subversive nature, including “brainwashing” young people of the Hong Kong SAR for external forces.
It will absolutely not condone any acts endangering national security that incite the public to betray the interests of the country and the people.