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2025
Secretary for Security and Junior Police Call (JPC) Honorary Chief President Tang Ping-keung today officiated at the JPC Summer Camp 2025 opening ceremony, held at the youth group’s Permanent Activity Centre in Pat Heung. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Tang highlighted that the JPC, established 51 years ago, plans and promotes diversified activities to enhance a sense of responsibility, confidence and social commitment among young people. He added that the JPC also serves as a key base for fighting crime and a cradle for nurturing future leaders. Mr Tang urged JPC members to fulfil three roles, namely “Anti-drug Ambassadors”, “Fight Crime Partners” and “Youth Leaders”. He and other guests also visited a booth set up by the Police Force’s Narcotics Bureau, and interacted with JPC members while being shown rope course, abseiling and other activity-focused facilities at the centre.
The Government today adjusted the outbound travel alert for Israel and Iran to red in view of the latest developments there. It advised Hong Kong residents to adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to Israel and Iran. In view of the situation in Israel, Hong Kong residents should avoid all travel to Gaza and nearby areas, as well as areas along the border with Syria and Lebanon. As for Iran, Hong Kong residents should also avoid all travel to areas near the Isfahan, Qom, Markazi and Bushehr provinces. 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. 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.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki visited Shenzhen this morning to meet Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government Qin Weizhong with a view to better addressing the increasing demand for cross-boundary travel. The number of passenger trips between Hong Kong and Shenzhen has recorded new highs over and over again in the past weekends. The total cross-boundary passenger traffic on August 10 reached 1.34 million, surpassing all previous records. The Liantang Port/Heung Yuen Wai boundary control point (BCP), in particular, is a popular choice among Mainland tour groups. During peak hours, some Mainland tour groups had to wait for a longer time on the Shenzhen side before crossing the boundary into Hong Kong. With the implementation of multipronged measures, the waiting time for both outbound and inbound travellers at the Hong Kong BCP is less than 15 minutes. Mr Chan shared that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been proactively preparing for peak weekend passenger traffic, including operating additional counters and e-Channels, as well as setting up temporary counters at BCPs. Through flexible manpower deployment, all clearance counters and kiosks at busy BCPs are operated to ease passenger and vehicular flows, ensuring smooth and orderly immigration clearance. At the meeting, both sides agreed that the government departments of the two places at BCPs will strengthen communication and co-operation further, and plan ahead in response to the latest trends. Both sides will also reinforce the existing joint notification mechanism to improve communication, information sharing and dissemination, with the aim of enhancing the clearance capacity of BCPs. Given the popularity of the Liantang Port/Heung Yuen Wai BCP among Mainland tour groups, and the concentrated arrival of these groups at weekends, both sides will actively explore ways to strengthen strategic communication and collaboration and further share operational experience with the goal of enhancing the experience of Mainland tour groups crossing the boundary into Hong Kong. Noting that the number of cross-boundary passenger trips between Hong Kong and Shenzhen continues to hit record highs, Mr Chan said that not only does this fully reflect the mutual engagement between the people of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, but it also continuously injects momentum into the economic development of both places. He thanked the Shenzhen Municipal Government for its ongoing and strong support for BCP operations. He also thanked relevant departments of the two places at BCPs for their long-term and close co-operation in managing every peak travel period together. Also attending the meeting were Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok and Commissioner of Customs & Excise Chan Tsz-tat. Mr Chan and the delegation returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong opposition to the granting of asylum to two Hong Kong fugitives endangering national security who have absconded overseas by Australia and the UK respectively. Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki summoned the Consul-General of Australia in Hong Kong Gareth Williams and the British Consul General in Hong Kong Brian Davidson, respectively this afternoon. At the meeting, Mr Chan solemnly pointed out that the Hong Kong SAR Government opposes any country harbouring offenders in any form and is strongly dissatisfied with any conduct that harbours criminals under any pretext. He reiterated that such harbouring effectively allows certain individuals or organisations to be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, which is no different from granting a special privilege to break the law. “What Australia and the UK have done in harbouring these offenders totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law and is absolutely not conducive to the relationship between the Hong Kong SAR and the two governments.”Mr Chan stressed to the two countries' consuls-general in Hong Kong that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers must be held accountable. As the law enforcement department of the Hong Kong SAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security overseas. Those absconders are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. It is necessary for the Police to take all lawful measures, including applying to the court for arrest warrants, to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate. Mr Chan also highlighted that there is no question of political persecution in Hong Kong. He explained that any arrest and prosecution are based on facts and evidence, and is directed against the criminal act and has nothing to do with the political stance, background, thought or speech of the person(s) concerned. Anyone accused of breaching the law will face an open and fair trial. The Hong Kong courts will, as always, with sound rule of law and human rights protection, handle all cases in an independent, fair and just manner. Additionally, Mr Chan reiterated that human rights in Hong Kong have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. 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 in the Hong Kong SAR, 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 shall be protected in accordance with the law. Regarding organisations and individuals endangering national security, the Hong Kong SAR Government will not condone their criminal acts, and will not give up pursuing them, including adopting all practical measures to bring those fugitives endangering national security who have absconded from Hong Kong to justice. Mr Chan added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly demands that foreign governments immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are purely China's internal affairs.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today made a solemn statement to express strong disapproval and opposition against the harbouring of criminals in any form by any country. The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law. The statement noted that following the “black-clad violence” and the Hong Kong version of “colour revolution” in 2019, a number of criminals who have committed serious offences endangering national security absconded. Among them, some even forged documents and deceived the court with false information in order to obtain the court's permission to leave Hong Kong while on bail, and jumped bail to evade legal responsibilities. During abscondence, these criminals continued to blantantly engage in acts endangering national security. The statement said those are out-and-out shameful and cowardly acts. The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that in Hong Kong, any arrest and prosecution is directed against the criminal act and has nothing to do with the political stance, background or thought of the person(s) concerned. Arrest and prosecution are based on facts and evidence, and conducted in strict accordance with the law. Hong Kong has an independent judiciary with the power of final adjudication. Everyone shall receive a fair and just trial. The statement said any country that harbours Hong Kong criminals in any form shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kong's legal systems and barbarically interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong. Turning a blind eye to the offences committed by the criminals and disregarding the potential security threats posed to the local community and residents, they shall eventually bear the consequences of what they have done, the statement added. Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong, adding that they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law ultimately. The Hong Kong SAR Government further stressed that endangering national security is a very serious crime and it will do everything possible and use all legal means to pursue and combat criminals who endanger national security as well as to hold them accountable, thereby safeguarding national security.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned the out-of-context and fact-twisting reports on the court hearing of the case of Lai Chee-ying made by some foreign media including the US-based Cable News Network. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that Lai Chee-ying has been receiving appropriate treatment during his detention. It also said the reports made by some foreign media attempt to mislead the public into believing that Lai Chee-ying did not receive the medical care he needed, in order to smear Lai Chee-ying's case under the Hong Kong National Security Law as well as his custodial arrangements and the medical care services provided to him. The statement noted that the reports' aim to smear and undermine Hong Kong's rule of law is despicable and violates the professional conduct of journalists. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that during today's open court hearing, senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that the correctional institutions arrange daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical care he receives there. The Court commended the Correctional Services Department (CSD), while the Department of Justice stated that the prosecution is equally concerned about Lai Chee-ying's health and well-being. Therefore, the CSD has arranged for a professional medical team to be on standby on the spot, ready to respond to any emergency immediately if needed. The statement said external forces and anti-China media chose to turn a blind eye to the facts, and continued to repeat lies and engage in despicable operations. It added that their wrongdoings must sternly denounced. The Hong Kong SAR Government also pointed out that before attending court, Lai Chee-ying has been certified by medical doctors that he was physically and mentally fit for court hearing. The statement also noted that doctors stationed at correctional institutions and specialists from the Hospital Authority (HA) regularly follow-up on Lai Chee-ying's health conditions. As revealed during the hearing today, in view of Lai Chee-ying's claims of heart palpitations, after a visiting specialist from the HA conducted a detailed examination on him on August 7, no abnormality was found. That said, as a precaution, the specialist recommended prescribing medication to Lai Chee-ying to be taken as and when needed, and that he should wear a cardiac monitoring device, but Lai Chee-ying declined the advice of the specialist. On August 13, the CSD arranged for another detailed examination by a specialist from the HA. The specialist again recommended that Lai Chee-ying wear a device to monitor his cardiac condition, which Lai Chee-ying accepted in the end. The HA and the CSD immediately made such arrangements within a short period of time. The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and that an environment with good ventilation, appropriate and timely medical support as well as healthy and nutritious meals are provided. The CSD has also put in place an established mechanism, including regular independent visitors, namely Justices of the Peace, who inspect the prisons to ensure the rights of persons in custody (PICs) are protected. The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that the medical care received by Lai Chee-ying in custody is adequate and comprehensive. The CSD supports PICs with medical services provided by the Department of Health and the HA. In general, examination and treatment are conducted by medical staff stationed in CSD facilities. Based on the needs of individual PICs, cases will be referred to specialist departments under the HA for further follow-up. Hong Kong's medical standards are highly regarded worldwide. Professional medical staff provide the most suitable medical services to patients as soon as possible, and PICs are treated equally. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the CSD and relevant units also adopt the above arrangements when handling matters related to Lai Chee-ying, which are no different from those applicable to other PICs.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen officials today held a task force meeting with regard to the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points. The meeting, held in Shenzhen, was attended by a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation led by Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, and a Shenzhen Municipal Government delegation led by Shenzhen Vice Mayor Luo Huanghao. The two parties discussed the planning and development of land boundary control points (BCPs), including the redevelopment of BCPs in Huanggang and Sha Tau Kok, and the transfer of the Man Kam To BCP food control function. Mr Tang remarked that Hong Kong-Shenzhen BCPs are key transportation hubs in the Greater Bay Area and serve as vital channels for economic exchange. He added that professional planning and efficient management can bring residents and enterprises in both regions more convenience. He also expressed gratitude to Shenzhen for arranging a visit to the Huanggang port tower, and said he was pleased to learn that the new Huanggang Port redevelopment project is progressing smoothly. He highlighted that Hong Kong lawmakers voiced their support for the project when it was presented to the Legislative Council Panel on Security last month. Concluding the meeting, the Hong Kong security chief said he will continue to work on ensuring the BCP projects’ smooth implementation, and to adjust strategies where necessary in order to address challenges, realise the modernisation of control points and meet citizens’ needs. Other Hong Kong officials attending the meeting included representatives from the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, the Environment & Ecology Bureau, the Customs & Excise Department, the Immigration Department, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, the Architectural Services Department and the Transport Department.
Five people have been arrested so far in a suspected fraudulent case involving two service providers recognised by the Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly seeking to obtain government subsidies. Making the announcement today, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said it was assisting with the Independent Commission Against Corruption's (ICAC) investigation. Adopting the “money-following-the-user” concept, the scheme allows elderly users to purchase nursing care, rehabilitation services, carer training and other suitable community care services from recognised service providers (RSPs) to meet their needs. Users can also switch RSPs flexibly. Last year, the SWD received a report that an RSP was suspected of making use of the scheme to deceive government subsidies by submitting false service records to the SWD and encouraging families or carers of the seniors to make fraudulent claims on service usage. Apart from making an immediate referral to the ICAC, the SWD also provided the commission with information to assist in the investigations. The five arrestees come from two different service providers. The SWD has strengthened the auditing of their service records and documents as well as contacted the elderly users and their families to ensure that they have obtained the services they need. The SWD reaffirms its zero tolerance for any unlawful act, adding that referrals will be made to enforcement agencies for investigations. The department said it will continue to strictly monitor the service quality of RSPs and review the relevant procedures taking reference to the ICAC’s corruption prevention advice. Subject to the ICAC’s investigation results, the SWD may terminate the service agreements with the service providers concerned. It will also take appropriate action to recover the overpayments, should any subsidies be released to non-entitled bodies.
Hong Kong was affected by the outer rainbands of Tropical Cyclone Podul and the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was issued this morning, with flooding occurring in multiple districts due to heavy rain. The Government said relevant departments were fully engaged in response and recovery efforts, striving to minimise the impact of the adverse weather on the public, and provided appropriate support to citizens in need. Its Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre began operating upon the issuance of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal this morning. Directorate officers from relevant departments closely monitored the situation in real time across various districts, co-ordinating efforts to address flooding, landslides, fallen trees and road blockages. The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been maintaining close liaison with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) as it made preparations. The DSD activated the Emergency Control Centre at 6.35am and deployed 110 emergency response teams, involving about 410 personnel and several powerful pumping robots. The teams handled requests for assistance from the public and flooding cases, conducted repeated inspections and carried out necessary clearance at about 240 locations prone to flooding due to blockages. As of 5pm, six flooding cases were confirmed and all of them were resolved within one to two hours. The affected roads have resumed normal operation. The Geotechnical Engineering Office's (GEO) Emergency Control Centre was activated soon after the HKO issued a landslip warning. As of 6pm, a total of three reports of landslides were received in Ap Lei Chau, Tsuen Wan and Lantau. Inspections were arranged. Flooding and fallen trees were found at roads near the West New Territories Landfill and Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun during the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has arranged workers to carry out clearance of the blocked storm water drains and remove fallen trees promptly. The EPD’s North Lantau Transfer Station at Sham Shui Kok was also affected by the rainstorm and part of it experienced flooding. A temporary arrangement was made to allow single-lane and two-way traffic at its weighbridge. The department carried out inspections on the drainage channels and deployed additional pumps, which have facilitated the station to resume normal operation promptly. The Fire Services Department, by 2pm today, handled a total of 13 reports of people trapped in lifts, 36 reports from automatic fire alarm systems, six reports of fallen trees, one report of landslides, and four reports of flooding incidents. The Highways Department’s Urban & New Territories Emergency Control Centres were promptly activated after the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force this morning to co-ordinate the handling of road emergencies, including collaborating with the GEO to clear debris at a landslide location in Southern District. The department also collaborated with the DSD to quickly clear roadside gullies blocked by muddy water and debris in various districts where flooding occurred, with affected road sections reopened immediately afterwards. The Transport Department's Emergency Transport Coordination Centre (ETCC) escalated its operational level when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force to closely monitor the traffic and transport conditions of important routes, including trunk roads, tunnels and bridges across the city. The ETCC expedited assessment of the impact of the rainstorm on traffic and maintains close liaison with relevant departments and public transport operators to steer and co-ordinate public transport services. During the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, frontline police officers remained steadfast in carrying out their duties, including cordoning off high-risk areas and evacuating stranded citizens. They also closely monitored traffic conditions, handled vehicles trapped by flooding and cleared blocked drains to ensure a smooth traffic flow. The Home Affairs Department opened a total of 11 temporary shelters for people in need. Its Emergency Co-ordination Centre began operation promptly to co-ordinate work and information dissemination in 18 districts as well as promptly follow-up on various incident reports. District offices immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to provide support. They have also mobilised District Council members, members of "the three committees" and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas. The Housing Department's (HD) Communication Centre was activated during the rainstorm period. As of 4pm, it received 13 enquiries from residents, which were given assistance swiftly. During the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the HD received five reports of rainwater surging from slopes or channels near its construction sites. The project teams responded swiftly and, under safe conditions, arranged for workers to assist in draining the water into nearby manholes to prevent overflow onto the roads.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and rejected the unfounded and biased content related to Hong Kong contained in the US Department of State's so-called 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it strongly disapproves of and rejects the US' repeated tactics through the so-called report in making slandering remarks against Hong Kong, where “one country, two systems” is successfully implemented. It pointed out that the US is once again overriding the rule of law with politics and politicising human rights issues, adding that such attempts to interfere in Hong Kong's law-based governance and undermine the city’s prosperity and stability are doomed to fail. The statement noted that since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the human rights of Hong Kong residents have been firmly protected by the Constitution and the Basic Law. The Hong Kong SAR Government resolutely, fully and faithfully implements the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst maintaining the common law system, adhering to the principle of the rule of law and upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against international law and the basic norms of international relations and interfering in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs. On legislation safeguarding national security, the statement pointed out that the content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR contained in the so-called report by the US is completely absurd and untrue. Since the implementation of the HKNSL in June 2020, the US has all along ignored the large-scale and incessant riots that occurred in 2019 which devastated society, the livelihood and economy of Hong Kong. Instead, it built up false stories and fabricated narratives through various so-called reports to maliciously slander legislation safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, and blatantly attack the city in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law. The statement added that the US has also deliberately neglected the fact that such laws have enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community as well as the business environment, to return to normalcy. The Hong Kong SAR Government considered the US’ bullying conduct and hypocrisy laced with double standards as utterly despicable. The statement also noted that the legal framework in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR is consistent with the relevant international human rights standards. The HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to the Hong Kong SAR are to be protected in accordance with the law. The statement emphasised that the offences endangering national security stipulated by the HKNSL and the SNSO target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant has the actus reus and mens rea of an offence before the defendant may be convicted by the court. Moreover, the relevant offences do not have retrospective effect, which is in line with Article 12 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that each and every sovereign state enacts laws safeguarding national security, adding that it is not only their inherent right, but also an international practice. It also said the US has at least 21 pieces of law safeguarding national security and it is therefore in no position to point the finger at other countries and regions for legitimately legislating to safeguard national security. The statement also outlined issues regarding the Hong Kong SAR’s enforcement actions, bail arrangement, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law and the conditions of correctional services facilities. Regarding the false information regarding the deportation policy in the US’ so-called report, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it maintains a firm policy of not granting asylum and not determining or recognising the refugee status of any person. A Unified Screening Mechanism (USM) has been put in place to screen non-refoulement claims on all applicable grounds in one go. The procedures of the USM meet the high standards of fairness as required by law and compare most favourably with those adopted in other common law jurisdictions. Each non-refoulement claimant is also provided with publicly-funded legal assistance. The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the city steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of “one country, two systems”. With strong support from the motherland, and as the only city where the global advantage and the China advantage converge under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong will continue to protect and promote human rights through security, development and co-operation as well as tell good stories of the Hong Kong SAR's human rights situation in a reasoned and robust manner.