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2026
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law inspected a passing-out parade for 13 probationary inspectors and 131 recruit police constables at the Police College today, urging them to serve as the public's trusted guardians. Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Law highlighted that the country has officially entered a new phase under the National 15th Five-Year Plan this year, heralding unprecedented development opportunities for Hong Kong. She noted that Hong Kong serves as an important gateway for the nation's opening up. The city leverages the strong support of the motherland while maintaining close global connections under the "one country, two systems" principle. The city has been proactively aligning with the national development strategies and deepening its integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Miss Law emphasised that a safe, stable and lawful society forms the foundation of all development. Therefore, the Police Force’s role in steadfastly upholding the rule of law and maintaining social order remains of paramount importance. Having worked closely with the Police Force across various government roles over the years, Miss Law observed that Hong Kong faces both new opportunities and challenges amid a complex, changing geopolitical environment. Safeguarding national security, she added, must remain the top operational priority for the Police Force. She expressed her hope that police officers will consistently uphold professionalism, impartiality, empathy and the highest standards of integrity, regardless of shifts in the social climate. Miss Law urged the graduates to act strictly in accordance with the law, safeguard social order, and think from the citizens' perspectives. By devoting themselves to public well-being, she said they will provide a solid security guarantee for the smooth implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan in Hong Kong.
The Government today launched a one-month public consultation on proposals to improve the laws on sexual offences in Hong Kong, aiming to fortify safeguards for victims while ensuring the laws keep pace with changing times. The Government stated that it attaches great importance to the well-being of the general public, particularly children and persons with mental impairment (PMIs), and to shielding them against sexual exploitation and abuse. Currently, numerous sexual offences in Hong Kong are based on similar provisions instituted in English laws back in 1956. The Government said that as social perceptions related to sexual offences evolve over time, the existing provisions show inadequacies. It therefore considers it necessary to address shortcomings in these provisions. Over several years, the Law Reform Commission (LRC) undertook a review of sexual offences and published four consultation papers on specific aspects. These were followed by two reports containing a total of 72 final recommendations. The Government subsequently crafted a range of legislative amendment proposals based on the LRC's recommendations and with reference to the development of relevant laws in other major common law jurisdictions. These proposals cover non-consensual sexual offences involving children, sexual offences involving PMIs, miscellaneous sexual offences, and other related amendments, to strengthen protections for victims of sexual offences. Members of the public are invited to submit their views by August 5 via email, fax to 2524 3762, or mail to Security Bureau A Division, 8th Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar. Click here for the consultation paper.
The Greater Bay Area Foreign-Related Adjudication Talent Training Course, jointly organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and the High People's Court of Guangdong Province, started today in Guangzhou. During the opening ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam highlighted that the course is tailored for judges from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and nearby provinces. The initiative follows collaborations between the academy and the Supreme People's Court and the Shanghai High People's Court. Mr Lam noted that the course aims to deepen judicial exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland, aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan’s goals to strengthen co-ordination in regional development and boost the GBA’s role as an engine for high-quality development. This effort contributes to the construction of a collaborative mechanism for cultivating foreign-related legal talent within the GBA. The training course focuses on Hong Kong's common law system and the practical application of guarantee law in foreign-related hearings through lectures and dialogues. To enhance participants' cross-boundary case capabilities, judges from Hong Kong's Court of First Instance of the High Court and senior legal professionals have been invited to deliver lectures. More than 100 senior judges specialising in foreign-related and bankruptcy adjudication from 68 courts across 32 cities in Guangdong Province and neighbouring areas, such as Guangxi, Hainan and Hunan are taking part in the three-day training course.
The Department of Justice today held a workshop to promote an online platform for sports dispute resolution. The event was co-staged with the administering body and technology provider of the Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution, as well as the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. More than 120 representatives from Hong Kong's sports and legal sectors, including individuals from 30 sports organisations, attended the “Efficient Resolution for All: Sports Dispute Resolution Workshop”. Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution Cheung Kwok-kwan also attended the event and gave welcome remarks. Mr Cheung outlined that with the rapid development of sports and related industries, differences of opinion and disputes are inevitable. However, to settle these by traditional methods, such as internal rulings or adjudication within national sports associations, or litigation in courts, often leads to more complex problems and imposes a burden on parties in terms of time, mental energy, and finance. Therefore, Mr Cheung said, establishing an efficient, professional, and credible sports dispute resolution system that handles sports disputes through a “mediation first, arbitration next” approach can resolve disputes more flexibly and effectively. He added that resolving disputes through arbitration can help the parties concerned avoid the lengthy legal procedures and substantial legal fees that result from litigation. Mr Cheung revealed that following the launch of the pilot scheme’s online platform in February, it has received a number of inquiries and has begun processing cases, with the first of these being successfully resolved recently. He emphasised that the scheme’s successful implementation confirms that Hong Kong is on the right track in promoting a sports dispute resolution system, and encouraged attendees of the workshop to engage with the pilot scheme and promote the long-term development of sports in the city. Through various activities, the workshop explored how, under the pilot scheme's framework, sports disputes can be efficiently resolved by way of mediation and arbitration. Attendees were introduced to simulated mediation procedures, as details of actual cases are typically confidential under regulations,. Expert speakers outlined the fundamental principles of mediation and arbitration, the workflow under the pilot scheme, the operational procedures of the online dispute resolution platform, and various case studies of disputes that have been successfully resolved. In a sharing session, a representative from a national sports association and an athlete discussed the possible challenges in resolving sports disputes, and elaborated on the specific benefits of adopting the pilot scheme's model.
The Security Bureau today launched an interactive drama titled Community Chef Challenge: Security Brings Prosperity at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre to mark the sixth anniversary of the National Security Law’s implementation. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung emphasised that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. He stressed that safeguarding national security is both a constitutional duty of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and an obligation for every citizen. The production features national security comics characters Andy and Security Bear. It uses everyday examples to explain key national security concepts to the audience. Mr Tang pointed out that the format helps spectators, particularly young people, understand how every community member can contribute to national security. To highlight the theme that “security brings prosperity”, the drama introduces a new character to underscore the importance of a safe and secure home for everyone. The interactive drama runs today and tomorrow.
The Department of Justice today officially launched the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Information Platform. The platform provides legal and policy information concerning business operations, employment and daily life within the GBA. It aims to support residents and businesses in the region while promoting the construction of the rule of law. It consolidates information across six major areas: housing, business, work, education, family and healthcare. The website features updates on rule-of-law developments, including GBA standards for lawyers, mediation and mechanisms allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law and choose Hong Kong as an arbitration seat. The platform implements initiatives from the Policy Address and the department’s Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said the platform uses a "one question, three answers" format to address common issues that area residents may encounter with concise, practical information. Mr Cheung expressed hope that the resource would facilitate the flow of people and economic exchanges within the GBA.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today marked the sixth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law (HKNSL), reiterating that the city’s national security frameworks ensure robust protection and steady economic growth. As mentioned in the white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” issued by the State Council Information Office in February, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the HKNSL serves as a key stabilising force by providing essential institutional safeguards. The Hong Kong SAR Government expressed gratitude to the central government for enacting the HKNSL six years ago, enabling Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to order. To fulfil its constitutional responsibility, the current-term Government achieved a historic milestone by enacting the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) under Article 23 of the Basic Law. The SNSO works in tandem with the HKNSL to achieve full convergence, compatibility and complementarity. These laws, alongside subsequent subsidiary legislation, have significantly strengthened Hong Kong’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms.Since the implementation of both laws, local livelihoods and the business environment have steadily improved. Notably, Hong Kong was again ranked as the world’s freest economy and led globally in funds raised through initial public offerings, demonstrating strong international confidence in the city’s stable business environment. In line with the white paper’s call to enhance national security education, the Security Bureau has launched a series of commemorative programmes. A five-episode television series, NS files: Decoded, premiered today to analyse major national security cases, and an interactive drama will be presented in early July.
The Security Bureau today held a launch ceremony for the new TV series “NS-files: Decoded", which is scheduled to premiere tomorrow to mark the 6th Anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The five-episode documentary series will present details of key national security cases, including those involving Tong Ying-kit, the "Sheep Village" picture books, Tam Tak-chi, the "Returning Valiant" group, and the “Project 35+” subversion campaign. It will also provide an in-depth analysis of the city's national security laws and key points from court judgments, with a view to heightening public awareness in safeguarding national security. The series also aims to strengthen in the community the spirit of knowing, understanding, observing and upholding the law. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said the main idea of the series is to show investigation and evidence-gathering processes and to analyse the court's verdicts. He added that the series showcases how anti-China and destabilising offenders were finally brought to justice by law enforcement agencies upholding the rule of law, justice and the city's national security laws. Mr Tang said the series will serve as a reminder to the public that national security risks still exist, and that safeguarding national security is a continuous endeavour with no end point. He urged everyone to stay vigilant at all times. The show will be aired on HOY 78 at 8.15pm every Tuesday starting from tomorrow.
The foundation course of the fourth-phase ROLE Train-the-Leaders Programme, themed “Rule of Law Education Stars”, concluded today. The two-day course was organised by the Department of Justice and attended by about 120 trainees. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam spoke at the event, briefing participants on key topics including the core concepts of the rule of law and the structure of the Hong Kong legal system. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan also shared his practical experiences, equipping trainees with effective communication and teaching skills to better disseminate rule of law messages. Participants described the course content as practical and accessible. They noted that the training deepened their understanding of rule of law principles, enabling them to effectively convey accurate messages within their respective community roles.
The 23rd Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPCSC) today passed a decision to authorise the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to exercise jurisdiction over the Hong Kong Port Area and other areas at the Huanggang Port. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government expresses gratitude to the central authorities for their support in establishing the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area. It said that the NPCSC's decision reflects the central authorities' high regard for Hong Kong and their support for it to better integrate into and serve national development. The Government said the move is of great strategic significance in strengthening infrastructure connectivity between Hong Kong and the Mainland, enhancing interactions between the two places, and advancing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). It added that it offers a clear demonstration of the advantages of “one country, two systems”. The Huanggang Port redevelopment project is a key initiative in which the Hong Kong SAR Government is contributing to the implementation of national development strategies. The redeveloped port will be positioned as the most important 24-hour passenger land boundary control point between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. It will implement the “co-location arrangement” and the novel “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode to enhance passenger clearance. Clearance time at the new Huanggang Port will be significantly reduced from around 30 minutes at the existing Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port to approximately five minutes. Flows at the new Huanggang Port will increase to 200,000 passenger trips per day, and this could be further increased to about 300,000 upon commissioning of the MTR Corporation's Northern Link Spur Line. The NPCSC decided that the Hong Kong SAR is authorised to exercise – with effect from the day on which the Hong Kong Port Area and “Related Extended Areas” at the Huanggang Port are commissioned – jurisdiction over those areas in accordance with the laws of the HKSAR. The areas over which the Hong Kong SAR is authorised to exercise jurisdiction comprise the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, the deck of the Shenzhen section of the Lok Ma Chau Bridge connecting the port, the interior of the bridge box girders accessible via the bridge deck, and the surfaces of connecting roads. The dates of commissioning of the areas, and their specific coordinates and size, are to be determined by the State Council. The use of the areas is not to be altered within the specified period. The Hong Kong SAR Government acquires by way of a lease the right to use the Hong Kong Port Area and “Related Extended Areas” at the Huanggang Port. The term of the lease will commence on the day on which the relevant areas are commissioned and will expire on June 30, 2047. On expiry of the term of the lease, the term of the lease may be renewed at the discretion of the NPCSC. Upon receiving a determination from the State Council on the commissioning date of the Hong Kong Port Area and the related areas, the Hong Kong SAR Government will introduce a bill in the Legislative Council as soon as is practicable.