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2025
The 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum was held today, inviting renowned legal experts and academics to review the legislative intent and background of the security law, and discuss its fruitful achievements. CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong officiated at the forum’s opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee also delivered a keynote speech at the event. Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong SAR Zhou Ji, Vice-Chairperson of the Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Yong, Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR Dong Jingwei, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR Cui Jianchun and Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Peng Jingtang also delivered speeches at the ceremony. Mr Xia said the implementation of the security law over the past five years has proven the law to be a "guardian" in defending the "one country, two systems" principle and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. He added that Hong Kong must safeguard national security in the full process of implementing the "one country, two systems" principle, ensure that the governance of the Hong Kong SAR is firmly in the hands of the patriots, be steadfast in safeguarding security and promoting development as well as effectively protect the human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people and maintain the city’s unique position and advantages. Looking to the future, Mr Xia said the security law will surely safeguard the steady and far-reaching journey of the "one country, two systems" principle, enabling Hong Kong to achieve new and greater accomplishments in the grand endeavour of building a strong nation and realising national rejuvenation. The Chief Executive thanked Mr Xia for his heartfelt review of the positive significance of the security law in restoring Hong Kong's stability and implementing the "one country, two systems" principle in the past five years, and for providing direction for Hong Kong's future security and development. Mr Lee put forward several main points, stressing that Hong Kong must fully and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" principle and thoroughly adopt a holistic approach to national security; adhere to the solid foundation of the rule of law and leverage Hong Kong's international advantages; cherish the stable situation and seize development opportunities; and enhance traditional advantages, focusing on reform and innovation. He also noted that Hong Kong should continue to safeguard national security and make use of the stable situation to develop a vibrant economy, achieving prosperous development and improving people's livelihoods. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said in his welcome remarks that the most important direction for safeguarding national security in the future is to balance the relation between security and development, strictly adhering to the principle of rule of law and the requirements of respecting and protecting human rights and freedoms set out in Articles 4 and 5 of the security law. This would enable people to study, work and live with peace of mind and unite to seek breakthroughs and changes, overcoming various challenges to consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international centre and encouraging people from abroad to come to Hong Kong for development, Mr Lam added. There were two panel sessions in the forum, with the first session reviewing the legislative intent and background of the security law. In the second session, Mr Lam engaged with young leaders from various sectors to explore the vital role of the youth in safeguarding national security, and envisage further joint endeavours between the Government and the community in enhancing legal literacy. Concluding the forum, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said that today's event aimed to provide an in-depth and broad discussion loaded with insights and humour.
The Basic Housing Units (BHUs) Bill, which introduces a regulatory regime for the letting of subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings, was published in the Government Gazette today. The bill is aimed at tackling the issue of substandard SDUs and ensuring reasonable and safe living conditions in SDUs. It requires SDUs in residential buildings to comply with a set of minimum standards. These relate to minimum internal floor area and headroom, fire safety, structural safety, lighting and ventilation, toilet provision, water supply points, and water and electricity meters. In addition, obtaining BHU recognition is a prerequisite for letting SDUs out for habitation. Anyone who lets out an unrecognised SDU will be held criminally liable. Tenants will not be held liable. As a transitional arrangement to implement the BHU regulatory regime progressively, the Government will set up a 12-month registration system for residential flats with pre-existing SDUs. Under this system, a 36-month grace period will be provided to allow for necessary alteration works and applications for BHU recognition. Unregistered SDUs, registered SDUs following the expiry of the grace period, and new SDUs entering the market must all obtain recognition as up-to-standard BHUs before they can be lawfully let out for habitation. The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on July 9. The Government said it will make every effort to facilitate LegCo’s scrutiny and strive to have the bill passed as soon as possible, with a view to rolling out the BHU regulatory regime in March 2026.
The Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, which provides for a regulatory framework in relation to basketball betting, was published in the Government Gazette today. The amendments to the existing ordinance include granting power to the Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs to issue a licence for basketball betting and to impose licensing conditions; provisions for the calculation and collection of betting duties; and an expansion of the functions of the Betting & Lotteries Commission to cover matters relating to the regulation of basketball betting. The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau emphasised that the Government does not encourage gambling as a matter of policy. On the regulation of gambling activities through legislation, it said the policy objective of providing authorised gambling outlets is to address public demand for certain gambling activities whilst preventing people from turning to illegal operators. If the bill is enacted, the Government – with reference to the current regime for betting on horse racing and football – will issue a licence to the Hong Kong Jockey Club to operate basketball betting, and impose licensing conditions so as to minimise the negative impact of gambling on the public, especially on young people. As with football betting, the duty for basketball betting will be charged at 50% of the net stake receipts. In addition, the Government will continue to collaborate closely with the Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee to strengthen publicity and counselling for young people. In addition to four existing funded counselling centres, the Government will allocate additional resources to establish a new centre dedicated to providing counselling and support services for youth. Public education efforts will also be strengthened to emphasise to young people that participating in illegal gambling or placing bets with an illegal bookmaker is a criminal offence. The bill will be introduced for first reading in the Legislative Council on July 2.
A scheme for the Smart & Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon was published in the Government Gazette today. Construction of the proposed 7km-long rapid transit line will commence once the scheme – which is in accordance with the Railways Ordinance – is authorised, and the work is expected to be completed by 2033 or earlier. The system comprises nine stations. Its two termini will be connected to MTR Choi Hung Station and MTR Yau Tong Station respectively, with the line passing through Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Lam Tin North. It will serve more than over 300,000 residents in Kwun Tong’s uphill areas. The Government said the system will provide convenient transport feeder services to these areas, improving access to MTR Choi Hung Station and MTR Yau Tong Station and unleashing the development potential of East Kowloon. The estimated journey time from Po Tat to Yau Tong or Choi Hung under the new scheme will be around ten to 15 minutes, which is about half of the journey time using road-based transport during peak hours. Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public have the chance to object to the scheme, and can register their objections from today until August 19. Those with compensable interests can claim compensation.
The Government today raised the outbound travel alert for Israel and Iran to black in view of the latest developments there. It advised Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Israel and Iran. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately. The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation in Israel and Iran and issue updates through the media, the bureau’s mobile app and its outbound travel alert webpage. In addition to attending to their personal safety, the bureau advised Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran to pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassy there. Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department’s mobile app. They can also send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form. Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy by calling the Embassy in Israel at (972) 35459520 or the Embassy in Iran at (98) 9122176035. Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means on a timely basis when necessary.
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.) Chief Executive John Lee said today that actions taken by the Secretary for Security and the Police Force in relation to a mobile application were necessary to safeguard national security. In remarks ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, he emphasised that the Government will always take strict enforcement action in accordance with the law with regard to all activities and acts endangering national security. “According to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (PRC), all citizens have the obligation to uphold national security. So Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of the PRC, the residents of Hong Kong have that constitutional obligation. “The mobile application in question was released under the guise of a game with the aim of promoting secessionist agendas of ‘Taiwan independence’ and ‘Hong Kong independence’. This endangers national security. “The Secretary for Security and the Hong Kong Police have taken action in accordance with the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, carrying out their responsibilities and duties to safeguard national security – they are doing the right thing.”
The Security Bureau today reminded the public to stay vigilant against suspicious calls purportedly made by Security Bureau staff, alleging that the citizen was suspected of breaking the law and required to visit the bureau office in person for verification. The bureau solemnly clarified that this is untrue and condemned such deception tactics. The bureau has displayed an alert message on its official website to remind the public to stay vigilant against scams. In addition to reminding people not to disclose their personal information to any suspicious or unidentified individuals, the bureau stressed that in case of doubt, they should call the Anti Scam Helpline 18222 for enquiries. Those who have provided personal information to suspicious individuals or suspect they have been scammed should contact Police, the bureau added.
Police today officially launched the digitalisation of Fixed Penalty Notices, and will issue penalty tickets for illegal parking and moving traffic offences electronically from now on. Additionally, a thematic portal and mobile application have also been launched to facilitate vehicle owners and drivers to verify and settle their fines using electronic payment methods. The force will issue electronic penalty tickets (ePTs) according to the verified e-contact means (ECM) submitted by offenders to the Transport Department - SMS tickets for those who have provided a Hong Kong mobile phone number, and email tickets for those who have provided an email address. It will continue to issue printed paper penalty tickets to those that have not submitted their verified ECMs. At the initial stage of implementation, Police will adopt a “dual-track” transitional arrangement. Offenders will receive both ePTs and printed paper tickets, and they are only required to settle their fines using either one. Members of the public are encouraged to use ePTs. The formats of penalty tickets have also been updated to include new payment information and methods. The force reminds the public that all SMS tickets are issued under the SMS sender name “#HKPF-eTT”, and a purported SMS ticket that is not sent under this sender name must be fake. Moreover, all SMS or email tickets do not contain any hyperlinks, and people should avoid clicking on any suspicious hyperlinks or providing any personal information. Lastly, the platform’s thematic portal has a domain ending with “.gov.hk”. Websites that do not end with “.gov.hk” are not government official websites.
The Mainland Civil & Commercial Legal Practice Training Course 2025 organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy concluded today, attracting about 300 participants from the local legal sector. The two-day course is the first course held by the academy specifically for local barristers, solicitors, in-house counsel and dispute resolution practitioners. It aims to deepen the local industry’s understanding of the Mainland’s civil and commercial laws and practical operations, and promote exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland's legal and dispute resolution sectors. Addressing the opening ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that Hong Kong and the Mainland have become more closely connected since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, with economic and trade activities becoming increasingly frequent. While many Mainland enterprises leverage Hong Kong as an internationalised platform to go global, overseas enterprises also invest in the Mainland through Hong Kong. The academy specially organised this course to enable the local legal industry to gain in-depth understanding of the practice of civil and commercial law on the Mainland so that they can meet the actual needs arising from growing cross-boundary business, while improving their own competitiveness and expanding the room for their career development, Mr Lam added. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan pointed out that Hong Kong’s leading position in international arbitration continues to be reinforced and enhanced. Mr Cheung highlighted the Department of Justice’s commitment to promoting the city’s leading position in arbitration in the Greater Bay Area and the international community, and providing legal services of higher quality and competitiveness to the Mainland and around the world, so as to further establish Hong Kong's position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region. The course covers various key areas of the Mainland civil and commercial legal practice. Through lectures and seminars, the course further enhances the understanding and knowledge of Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution sectors on the practice and operation of the Mainland civil and commercial legal system, while providing a platform for exchange and co-operation between the Hong Kong and Mainland legal sectors. Speakers of the course comprise Mainland judges, academics, legal professionals, corporate representatives, arbitration practitioners and members of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee.
A large-scale anti-drug variety TV programme “Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!” presented by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) was held at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O this evening, with Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki delivering a speech at the programme. Mr Chan also officiated at the kick-off ceremony of a series of anti-drug performances along with Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk. The Chief Secretary said in his speech that Hong Kong was previously plagued by drug problems in the 1960s. Since the establishment of ACAN, the Government and various sectors of the community have been working together to combat drug problems. He noted that from 1977 - when records started to be kept - to 2024, the total number of reported drug abusers has dropped by as much as 70%. Last year, the number of young people under the age of 21 arrested for serious drug offences was at a record low. ACAN has been instrumental in the success of Hong Kong's anti-drug efforts. Mr Chan said: “On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who have participated in the anti-drug cause. I would like to appeal to all members of the public to help spread the steadfast message of 'Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!' and work together towards a drug-free future to safeguard the health of every member of the public.” In the programme, various young idols and singers performed songs with positive messages, including an upbeat anti-drug theme song that shares with young people positive energy and encourages them to hold dear to positive values in life. Members of Customs, the Police Force and the Correctional Services Department also presented their performances in the programme. Additionally, the programme has arranged for artists to re-enact short plays based on the true stories of rehabilitees who have successfully quit drugs, and the rehabilitees have participated in the plays themselves. The programme will be broadcast on TVB Jade at 9pm on June 21.