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2026
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Beijing tomorrow to attend meetings with various central ministries and authorities to discuss the work of the Department of Justice. He will be accompanied on the visit by Director of Public Prosecutions Maggie Yang, Law Officer (International Law) James Ding, Solicitor General Llewellyn Mui, Law Officer (Civil Law) Clifford Tavares, and government counsel from various legal divisions. Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on April 24. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be the Acting Secretary.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government tonight said it strongly disapproves of and refutes untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the Hong Kong SAR contained in the US’ “2026 Hong Kong Policy Act Report”. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government demanded that the US immediately stop acting against international law and the basic norms of international relations by interfering in Hong Kong matters, which it said are purely China’s internal affairs. It iterated that the Hong Kong SAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, and that as a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the principle of “one country, two systems”, it comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Central People’s Government. The statement said the US report repeated fallacies about Hong Kong with a political purpose – that of maintaining US hegemony – and confounded right and wrong, but that such attempts by the US to undermine the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong exposed its slyness and will not succeed. With regard to safeguarding rights and freedoms, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have been robustly guaranteed by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. It added that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant, while the media environment in the US is becoming increasingly severe. It highlighted that, according to statistics, US law enforcement authorities arrested more than 30 journalists in 2025 alone, while there were more than 170 cases of violence against journalists, including instances of them being forcibly pinned to the ground, beaten them with batons, and even shot, with 90% of such incidents involving law enforcement officers. It is commonplace, the Hong Kong SAR Government said, for US officials to ban certain media outlets from attending press conferences or verbally abuse reporters who ask questions, while they have even threatened to prosecute media outlets for treason. US fabrication of facts about freedom of speech in Hong Kong is therefore utterly shameless, it added. The Hong Kong SAR Government remarked that it strongly opposes absurd and false claims regarding its efforts to safeguard national security. It said the US Government had vilified the Hong Kong SAR's legislative work, as well as the city's law enforcement agencies, and its prosecutorial and judicial authorities, in claiming that fulfilment of their duties constituted a systemic “degradation” or “impediment” of rights and freedoms. It said that the US routinely ignores the non-interference principle under international law, wantonly and arbitrarily interfering with other countries' internal affairs, grooming agents, instigating “colour revolutions”, and even creating social unrest and humanitarian disasters through acts of economic and military coercion, thereby causing suffering to innocent civilians in many countries. The Hong Kong SAR Government said it must perform its constitutional duty to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. It emphasised that the report entirely disregards this constitutional duty and the practical needs of the Hong Kong SAR to enact legislation, and overlooks the circumstances stipulated for the exercise of relevant powers as laid out in the Safeguarding National Security (Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Regulation. It said the US deliberately turns a blind eye to the positive effects brought by the implementation of relevant laws on economic development and the protection of human rights, demonstrating hypocrisy and a “my-way-or-the-highway” hegemonic logic. In relation to November's fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it firmly rejected the report's malicious attacks on the city's law enforcement actions and attempts to sow discord. It condemned any attempts to use the disaster to stir up chaos in society and disregard the rescue operations and support work enacted by the Hong Kong SAR Government and all sectors of the community. Regarding those arrested over alleged seditious speech, it added that criminal acts exploiting the fire cannot be tolerated and must be handled in accordance with the law. In respect of a case that involved the offence of “dealing with funds or financial assets or economic resources belonging to, or owned or controlled by, a relevant absconder”, the statement stressed that the court in question made clear that the defendant's conviction and sentencing followed a fair trial in which he was found to have dealt with funds belonging to an absconder in contravention of the SNSO. It said this was totally unrelated to whether the defendant was a relative of the absconder, and highlighted that the defendant has withdrawn an appeal. The statement also highlighted that in handling cases concerning offences endangering national security the Hong Kong SAR Government applies the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Chief Executive, in conjunction with the National Security Committee, recently introduced the 2026 Implementation Rules for Amending the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The statement outlined that the 2026 implementation rules enhance measures that the Hong Kong SAR's law enforcement authorities may take, while clarifying relevant legal procedures and technical arrangements, so as to strengthen the enforcement powers of law enforcement authorities, allowing them to prevent and investigate cases more effectively, thereby mitigating risks to national security. The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that it steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and will resolutely, fully and faithfully continue to implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws so as to prevent, suppress and impose punishment against 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 Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today, in collaboration with INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, a cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conducted the Counter Cyber & Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026 to enhance counter-terrorism preparedness across various sectors, and strengthen preparedness for potential terrorist activities and future large-scale international events. The exercise was co-ordinated by the HKPF's Crime Wing and Operations Wing, with the participation of INTERPOL, the Macao Judiciary Police, the Singapore Police Force, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Korean National Police Agency. More than 380 participants, including representatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, a local bank and the Macau branch of a bank, took part in the exercise. Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming attended and oversaw the exercise. The exercise first simulated a terrorist financing scenario, showcasing the close collaboration between the enforcement agencies, financial regulatory and operating institutions. Subsequently, a cross-boundary terrorist cell launched cyber and physical attacks against the financial, aviation and healthcare systems across Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Korea in an attempt to paralyse essential public services. The scenarios involved terrorists placing explosive devices and deploying drones at major event venues intended to create chaos. These simulations were designed to test and strengthen the capabilities of relevant organisations and units in intelligence sharing, co-ordinated rapid response, and joint operations under high pressure situations in addressing emerging hybrid terrorist threats. The exercise also strengthened collaboration between law enforcement agencies and operators of critical infrastructures, including financial institutions, to bolster overall defense and response capabilities. The exercise also invited a cybersecurity company to be a member of the Cybersecurity Task Force to conduct intelligence analysis, as well as to provide professional advice and assessments on neutralising cyber threats and malware attacks. The exercise not only enhanced the co-ordination capabilities of the participating law enforcement agencies in responding to hybrid terrorist threats, but also strengthened regional counter-terrorism co-operation, safeguarding public safety and social stability.
The Security Bureau (SB) and its disciplined services and auxiliary services held a flag-raising ceremony, a national security knowledge challenge and other activities to mark National Security Education Day today. The SB and its disciplined services jointly held a flag-raising ceremony at the Police College this morning. Officiating at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the theme of this year’s National Security Education Day, “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”, aimed to remind Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the overall national development, and to contribute Hong Kong’s strengths and commitment to the journey of the country's modernisation. He noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will spare no effort to strengthen its capability in law enforcement and co-ordination, deepen national security education, and adhere to the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, so as to prevent and neutralise security risks. Mr Chan then officiated at the Safeguarding National Security Cup awards presentation ceremony to commend the contestants of the SB, disciplined services and auxiliary services for holding sports competitions, which showcased their flexibility and team spirit to inject impetus into the promotion of safeguarding national security. In the afternoon, the Department of Justice, the SB, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation jointly organised the finals and award presentation ceremony of the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2025/26. The challenge attracted a record number of more than 132,000 students from 651 primary and secondary schools. The content of the “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” white paper was also incorporated into the challenge, keeping national security education abreast of the times. In a video speech, Mr Chan thanked the principals and teachers for their support to help students gain more national security knowledge through the competitions. He noted that teachers and students of the winning school teams were invited to join a study tour to the Mainland to know the country’s latest developments and experience stability and social advancement under the safeguard of national security. He also encouraged students, teachers and all sectors of society to proactively shoulder the duty of safeguarding national security and be the guardians of national security with a sense of responsibility and vision. Also officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam supplemented that since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, order in the community has been restored, and steady economic development has been ensured. To maintain the current hard-earned situation, citizens have to safeguard national security of their own accord. The highlights of the finals and the award presentation ceremony will be broadcast at 10.30 tonight and 7.30pm on April 19 on HOY Infotainment. Apart from the above-mentioned activities, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung also attended the National Security Education Day Opening Ceremony & Seminar held by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region at the Convention & Exhibition Centre. Mr Tang’s other related engagement was the book launch ceremony of a national security children’s picture book, organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations.
To mark National Security Education Day, the Department of Justice (DoJ) today held the National Security Legal Forum on the theme of the White Paper titled "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems". The forum invited renowned legal experts, academics and representatives from different sectors to discuss Hong Kong's endeavours in safeguarding national security as well as the experience and insights gained in the process. The goal is to deepen the awareness and correct understanding of all sectors of the community on the city's role in safeguarding national security, actively fulfil the practical requirements of the white paper and to achieve high-quality development of the "one country, two systems" policy under the auspices of high-standard security. Delivering his opening remarks, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that the white paper not only reviews Hong Kong's endeavours in safeguarding national security and the experiences and insights gained in the process, but also sets out six fundamental principles in building high-standard security in order to support the high-quality development of Hong Kong. Mr Lam said that Hong Kong does not pursue "absolute security" or "generalised security" in safeguarding national security, but rather "relative security," which is also the definition of national security in the country's national security laws. He noted that the white paper states that Hong Kong should follow a holistic approach to development and security, and achieve a dynamic balance between the two; safeguard security with greater openness; respect and ensure human rights; safeguard security under the rule of law, especially with the judicial authorities exercising adjudicative power independently and free from any interference in trying cases pertaining to national security in accordance with the law. Mr Lam stated that national security, like air and sunshine, is something without which one cannot survive, yet too often, mistakenly, is taken for granted. To arouse the awareness and vigilance of people in this respect and provide them with a proper and sufficient understanding of the fundamental principles that Hong Kong follows in safeguarding national security, he urged various sectors of the community to study the white paper carefully. This year's forum invited the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies Vice President and Professor of the Tsinghua University School of Law Prof Wang Zhenmin to deliver a keynote speech to share his insights on the main content and principles of the white paper. Two panel discussions followed, beginning with the first titled "Clearing up confusion and misunderstandings - Hong Kong's endeavours in safeguarding national security". Speakers from the legal sector reviewed the development of Hong Kong's laws for safeguarding national security, discussed relevant judicial cases, and conducted a comparative study and analysis of the relevant national security cases and laws in other countries, demonstrating Hong Kong's consistent adherence to the rule of law and respect for and protection of human rights in implementing national security laws. The second panel discussion - featuring a member of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, an esteemed leader of the local business sector, and a Rule of Law Education (ROLE) ambassador under the DoJ’s ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme - explored how Hong Kong can achieve a dynamic balance between development and security, and how promoting national security education can build social consensus to safeguard the steady and long-term implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle with high-standard security. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, in his closing remarks said that the white paper has significant guiding value to Hong Kong. He pointed out that the white paper reminded people once again that Hong Kong has the constitutional responsibility of effectively safeguarding national security, and that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of the community should proactively implement the practical requirements of the white paper. He noted that speakers of the two panel discussions conducted in-depth discussions from various perspectives on issues such as the development of Hong Kong's laws for safeguarding national security, and how to achieve a dynamic balance between development and safeguarding national security. The discussions provided an excellent starting point for the participants to understand the essential requirements of the white paper, Mr Cheung added. Citing the white paper, Mr Cheung said that safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all members of society. Everyone is a stakeholder and beneficiary, and no one can be a mere spectator. He expressed hope that the forum today would further enhance public awareness of safeguarding national security and enrich public understanding of the importance of the white paper, and encouraged the community to cherish today's safe and stable environment.
The National Security Education Day was held today featuring an opening ceremony with a keynote address delivered via video link by Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Xia Baolong. In his video speech, Mr Xia highlighted that President Xi Jinping has identified the 15th Five-Year Plan period as a crucial stage for reinforcing development foundations. He noted it is essential for pushing ahead on all fronts to basically realise socialist modernisation. “We should place greater emphasis on ensuring both development and security, with a comprehensive assessment of domestic and external risks and challenges, improve the national security system, strengthen our capacity to safeguard security, facilitate the virtuous interaction between high-quality development and high-level security through high-efficiency governance, and ensure the new development pattern with a new security architecture," he added. Mr Xia outlined four guiding principles for implementing the spirit of President Xi's speech, focusing on balancing development and security to advance the "one country, two systems" principle during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. First, he emphasised the need to thoroughly understand the inner logic of Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order and then from stability to prosperity, noting that the city’s hard-won progress must be cherished. Second, the Director stressed that security should never be taken for granted. He called for constant vigilance against various risks and dangers that could threaten Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Third, Mr Xia urged the city to seize strategic opportunities arising from major global changes. He highlighted the importance of proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to accelerate high-quality development. Fourth, he noted it is imperative for all sectors of the community to join forces to safeguard security and work together to build a better Hong Kong. Mr Xia stressed that security is a prerequisite for development, noting that progress is not possible without a secure environment. He urged the community to strengthen “bottom-line thinking” and maintain constant vigilance against all potential risks, particularly external interference and geopolitical or public security threats. Turning to the 15th Five-Year Plan, Mr Xia pointed out that Hong Kong should enhance its scientific forward planning. He identified the Northern Metropolis as a strategic priority and called for the use of education and technology as primary engines for growth. The Director also highlighted the need to promote synergy among industry, academia and research. He emphasised the importance of fostering the integrated development of education, technology and talent to drive the city’s new chapter of development. He added that the planning should also elaborate on constituent projects, and forge new platforms and new drivers for development. Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee thanked Mr Xia for delivering the keynote speech, adding that it was rich in substance and profound in exposition. “It comprehensively elucidates the inherent logic between safeguarding national security and promoting economic and social development in Hong Kong, and profoundly points the way forward for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," Mr Lee said. Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan to formulate Hong Kong's first five-year plan. “We will complete the work within this year, providing a clear guidance for socio-economic and livelihood development,” he added. The State Council Information Office released the white paper earlier this year titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”. Mr Lee said he will lead and co-ordinate the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the Hong Kong SAR to effectively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law. “I will create high-standard security for the high-quality development and implement six important initiatives,” he said. “First, upholding the unity of the central government's fundamental responsibility and the Hong Kong SAR's constitutional responsibility. Second, keeping the power to govern the Hong Kong SAR firmly in the hands of patriots. Third, respecting the rule of law and ensuring human rights. Fourth, following a holistic approach to development and security. Fifth, safeguarding security with greater openness. Sixth, improving the governance system for public security.” Also speaking at the ceremony were Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong National Security Committee Zhou Ji; 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 of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR Cui Jianchun; and Political Commissar of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Lai Ruxin. The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will continue to promote and deepen national security education in innovative and diversified ways to encourage all citizens to safeguard national security. As of the end of March, the National Security Exhibition Gallery has attracted over 1.7 million visitors. The Hong Kong SAR Government also noted that it will continue to deepen the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme. As of early 2026, approximately 3,300 individuals completed the training. The trained tutors have organised more than 7,400 promotional activities for national security education, reaching a total of over 750,000 person-times. The National Security Youth Ambassador Training Scheme, which was launched in February 2025, has successfully trained about 200 youth ambassadors to date.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Tran Hai Quan signed a bilateral agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) today on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Viet Nam respectively. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Tang said Hong Kong has been sparing no effort in strengthening its international law enforcement capabilities by expanding its network of bilateral arrangements with foreign jurisdictions concerning mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. He pointed out that the signing of the agreement on MLA today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Viet Nam. Under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR Government may, with the authorisation of the Central People's Government, make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance. The MLA agreement contains the essential features and safeguards of international agreements of this type. The assistance covered by the agreement includes identifying and locating persons, serving documents, taking evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, providing information, confiscating proceeds of crime, and more.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders who apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to visiting Sri Lanka may obtain an entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days upon arrival at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport. The Hong Kong SAR Government made the announcement today following a notification from the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the People’s Republic of China. Sri Lanka is along the Belt & Road. The Immigration Department said that under the Belt & Road Initiative, this visa-on-arrival arrangement will bring greater convenience to Hong Kong SAR passport holders, thereby strengthening tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places. To date, 175 countries and territories, including Sri Lanka, have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to Hong Kong SAR passport holders.
The Police Force today held its National Security Education Day 2026 and the Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day, aiming to raise public awareness of national security.Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said national security concerns the well-being of 1.4 billion compatriots, including the people of Hong Kong, and serves as the cornerstone of the country’s peace and stability.He commended the force for its efforts to safeguard national security and curb violence and disorder, stating that it fearlessly discharges its duties, making an enormous contribution an impregnable defence of national security in Hong Kong, and rendering it one of the world’s safest cities.Citing the white paper Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems, which was published by the State Council Information Office in February, he said that safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests remain the overarching principle of “one country, two systems”.Mr Cheuk emphasised that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must faithfully fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security and create high-standard security in support of the “one country, two systems” policy. He added that the Government will strengthen publicity and public education on the matter, leading and supporting all sectors of society to study and comprehend the white paper’s substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizens' awareness of national security and better enabling them to safeguard it.Held at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty, the event featured a national security education exhibition zone and interactive games conveying the message that safeguarding national security is everyone’s responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled.In addition, specialised equipment from various units, including the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, and the Police Dog Unit, was on display, showcasing the force’s professionalism, as well as the diversity of its work.
The Fire Services Department today staged an open day at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O, in support of the National Security Education Day, with more than 9,000 people attending. Financial Secretary Paul Chan watched a parade of fire and ambulance appliances in the morning. He then visited national security-themed game booths and toured the National Security Education & Resource Centre at the academy. Interactive exhibition boards and game booths at the open day provided engagement aimed at facilitating public understanding of the importance of national security. A flag-raising ceremony was also held, with the department's Guard of Honour performing a Chinese-style foot drill. In addition, training facilities – including a simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station, the Fire & Ambulance Services Education Centre & Museum, and the National Security Education & Resource Centre – were open to the public. Information on the department's recruitment activities was made available throughout the day.