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2026
The Hong Kong International Correctional Services Response Tactics Training Academy opened last month, with its first batch of 29 trainees hailing from the Mainland, Macau, Brunei, Fiji, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam. The academy offers a Certificate in Safe & Effective Control Tactics course. Pitched at Level 3 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework, it teaches frontline law enforcement officers to apply self-defence and control techniques that minimise harm. Designed by the Correctional Services Department, the course incorporates various martial arts styles, including a set of drills known as the Tai Chi Safe Defensive Techniques. Progressive methodsThe department believes that tai chi techniques, known for their gentleness, can effectively reduce the risk of injury to both law enforcement personnel and individuals being restrained. In order to make learning tai chi moves easier for those without prior experience, the instructors break them down into small steps and adopt a progressive teaching method. Participants in last month’s course gave enthusiastic feedback. Kim Yoon-gwan, a trainee from the Republic of Korea, found the tai chi element both challenging and interesting, while Von Angelo D Gripal, a trainee from the Philippines, described it as “a wonderful addition to our knowledge” and said he would take what he had learnt home to his colleagues. The course also gave participants the chance to apply their learning to various scenarios. For example, during one tactical session, they teamed up to control an uncooperative person in custody. Immersive trainingLocated at the former Cape Collinson Correctional Institution, the academy offers a wide range of training facilities and an authentic correctional environment that enables an immersive training experience. Instructors for the academy are selected from the department’s Regional Response Team. All have undergone overseas training, while some hold internationally recognised certifications. The department has established an advisory group that includes experts from various professions such as sports medicine and science, Chinese medicine, and physiotherapy. They offer opinions and suggestions to improve course content and enhance the overall effectiveness and safety of the tactical training delivered. The academy also plans to introduce instructor courses in the future, enabling graduates to provide relevant training to other personnel after returning to their respective organisations.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today held a seminar on the “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” white paper. Held at the Central Government Offices, the seminar was attended by Hong Kong SAR Government Principal Officials, members of the Executive Council, the Legislative Council and the Judiciary as well as personnel of various offices of the Central People’s Government (CPG) in Hong Kong. Chief Executive and Hong Kong SAR Committee for Safeguarding National Security Chairman John Lee delivered a speech at the seminar. Also speaking at the seminar was Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Deputy Director of Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Zhou Ji. Mr Zhou is also Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR as well as National Security Adviser to the Hong Kong SAR Committee for Safeguarding National Security. Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Dong Jingwei also gave a speech at the event. Additionally, two keynote speakers were invited to provide an in-depth explanation of the white paper’s essence and key viewpoints. They are former Director-General of the First Bureau of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Vice President of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies and Tsinghua University School of Law professor Wang Zhenmi; and former Vice-chairperson of the Hong Kong SAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Maria Tam. Addressing the seminar, Mr Lee said the white paper offers guiding significance as an authoritative pronouncement to the Hong Kong SAR. It also offers a cautionary significance grounded in reality as well as an action-oriented significance for practical implementation. In particular, the white paper details the six principles required in creating high-standard security for the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. They are: upholding the unity of the central government’s fundamental responsibility and the Hong Kong SAR’s constitutional responsibility, keeping the power of governing the Hong Kong SAR firmly in the hands of patriots, respecting and ensuring human rights, safeguarding security under the rule of law, following a holistic approach to development and security, and safeguarding security with greater openness. “I will continue to lead the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in safeguarding national security and promoting economic development under the guidance of the holistic approach to national security. “We will uphold the six principles stipulated in the white paper in safeguarding national security under ‘one country, two systems’. We will do our utmost to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests, and create high-standard security for the high-quality development of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy,” Mr Lee said. Mr Zhou supplemented that the white paper is of great and profound significance in clearing up confusion and misunderstandings for building consensus, and consolidating Hong Kong's sound transition from disorder to stability and prosperity. He shared his insights in three areas: First, have a profound grasp of the historical logic behind Hong Kong’s safeguarding of national security, and always adhere to the highest principle of “one country, two systems”. Second, have a profound grasp of the institutional logic behind Hong Kong’s safeguarding of national security, and always effectively safeguard national security under the rule of law. Third, have a profound grasp of the practical logic behind Hong Kong's safeguarding of national security, and continuously implement the high-standard security for the high-quality development of “one country, two systems”. Mr Zhou said he strongly believes that the Hong Kong SAR will better co-ordinate development and security, openness and security, as well as traditional and non-traditional security. It will, he added, proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan with a view to continuously cultivating new drivers and advantages for Hong Kong’s development, thereby safeguarding the new development pattern with a new security framework. Mr Dong said it is of great significance that the CPG issued the white paper at the critical juncture of the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, a pivotal year for Hong Kong to take new strides in its transition from stability to prosperity. The document’s issuance, he added, also coincides with a pivotal moment in history when the landmark national security case in Hong Kong - the conviction and sentencing of Lai Chee-ying - was concluded according to law. Mr Dong highlighted that the white paper shows the great achievement where the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with President Xi Jinping at its core has fully, faithfully, and resolutely upheld the policy of “one country, two systems”, showcasing the new bright future of the city entering a new stage of progressing from disorder to stability and prosperity. With an unrelenting fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, the CPG has always prioritised the safeguarding of national security in matters pertaining to Hong Kong. With security as its safeguard, the “one country, two systems” principle is being upheld and improved for its steady and sustained implementation, he noted. In his keynote speech, Prof Wang explained why the CPG issued the white paper, its main content and underlying principles as well as ways to effectively utilise the white paper to safeguard the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy under high standard of security. The professor specifically outlined the need for Hong Kong to maintain security while remaining open, and suggested combining the study of the white paper with the study of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the national security law, in order to deeply grasp the essence and principles of the white paper. In her keynote address, Ms Tam stated that she agreed with the white paper's assertion that the Hong Kong National Security Law establishes for the first time a national security mechanism at both the central and Hong Kong SAR levels. It also clearly defines the authority and decision-making powers of the Hong Kong SAR Committee for Safeguarding National Security. She stressed that Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China and shares a common destiny with the Mainland. The Hong Kong SAR, she added, must be guided by a holistic approach to national security, to ensure that Hong Kong does not become a city that endangers national security. The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will continue, through various channels, to encourage all sectors of society to organise study and exchange activities to conscientiously learn and grasp the core principles and directives of the white paper, to deepen public awareness and the correct understanding of safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, to consciously uphold national security, and to make greater contributions to building China into a strong modern country and advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation.
Director of Immigration Benson Kwok said today that around 335 million passengers passed through Hong Kong's control points in 2025, representing an increase of about 12% over 2024 and marking a new record high that surpasses the 300 million figure recorded in 2019. Mr Kwok hosted a press conference to review the work of the Immigration Department over the past year and to look ahead to the future. He revealed that the total number of visitor arrivals last year was around 49.89 million, a 12% increase year on year. In 2025, the department won the Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service for the fifth time in the World Passenger Survey commissioned by Skytrax, an international specialist research agency for the air transport industry. On law enforcement, the department conducted a total of 19,980 operations against illegal employment activities, up 12% compared to 2024. It also conducted a total of 13,853 counter-terrorism related inspection operations at various immigration control points, with 22,207 passengers being intercepted for enquiries. Mr Kwok also mentioned that the department determined over 2,500 non-refoulement claims in 2025. As at the end of 2025, there were about 650 claims pending screening. Looking ahead, Mr Kwok revealed that the department will establish Hong Kong's first contactless clearance pilot checkpoint at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port. It will enable identity verification through facial recognition technology, allowing for unimpeded immigration clearance. The contactless clearance pilot scheme is anticipated for launch in the second quarter of this year. In addition, starting from the current quarter, a total of 26 new additional e-Channels will be installed gradually at the airport’s arrival hall, while the existing 26 e-Channels will be replaced in stages. Meanwhile, the applicable age of the Flight Token e-Channel service will be extended to 7 years old or above from the second quarter of this year onwards to benefit more departing eligible Hong Kong residents and visitors. The department is also working with the Marine Department on a proposal to conduct preliminary vetting of the information of the crew and passengers of visiting yachts by using the Marine Department’s electronic business system, thereby shortening the time for immigration clearance.
To facilitate festive events occurring on the first two days of the Lunar New Year, the Government will roll out special traffic and transport arrangements at various locations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon. In connection with the International Chinese New Year Night Parade due to be held in Tsim Sha Tsui at 8pm on February 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year, special road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases starting from 3.30pm that day. They will remain in place until the roads reopen at about 11.45pm. With regard to the Lunar New Year fireworks display, which will be staged at 8pm on February 18, special traffic arrangements will be in force on both sides of Victoria Harbour starting from 5pm. During the road closure hours for both events, taxi stands, including pick-up and drop-off points, public light bus stands, roadside parking spaces and private car parks on the roads affected will not be in use. In addition, the Marine Department will implement marine traffic control measures and strengthen inspections of spectator vessels to ensure that safety requirements are met.
The Customs & Excise Department handled a total of 38,869 cases in 2025, up 24% on the figure for 2025. Commissioner of Customs & Excise Chan Tsz-tat announced the figures today during a press conference reviewing the department’s work last year. Among the cases handled by the department, a majority of 75% were in relation to illicit cigarettes. This was followed by cases involving dangerous drugs and intellectual property rights infringement cases. Mr Chan highlighted that the number of cases involving illicit cigarettes in 2025 was up by 36% on 2024, reaching 29,037. The number of cigarettes seized stood at 604 million, about the same as in 2024. He explained that the increase in the number of illicit cigarette cases stemmed from a huge surge in those involving inbound individuals exceeding their duty-free allowances. Mr Chan also outlined that the department handled 961 drug cases in 2025, down 29% from 2024. About 7.5 tonnes of drugs were seized, a 19% rise year-on-year. Customs also detected 43 cases involving etomidate last year. About 25.2kg of etomidate and 4,387 etomidate capsules were seized, and 43 people were arrested. Meanwhile, a total of 286 smuggling cases, comprising a seizure value of $4.217 billion, were handled last year, representing a 22% increase in the number of cases, and a 2% drop in the seizure value as against the figures for 2024. As regards intellectual property rights infringements, Customs detected 723 cases last year, with the value of infringing items seized rising 35% to around $420 million. Mr Chan also outlined the department’s work on clearance and trade facilitation, noting that the Single Window Phase 3 services will be implemented in batches, with the first-batch service rolling out in the middle of this year to replace the existing Road Cargo System.
A total of 89,137 crimes were reported in 2025, representing an increase of 5.9% compared to the figure for 2024, Police said today. The vast majority of major crimes recorded decreases. Robbery and burglary cases both marked the lowest figure since records began in 1969. There were 66 robbery cases, a decrease of 26.7%, with the detection rate reaching a high of 90.9%. A total of 816 burglary cases were recorded, representing a drop of 33.1%. The force noted that it began deploying drones for anti-burglary operations on high-risk days during long holidays last year. Consequently, burglaries during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays fell by 23.9% to 50%. Following the implementation of the SmartView project - a Government-led initiative to install closed-circuit television in public places - the detection rates for various street crimes rose by 2.5 to 22.8 percentage points, while crime figures dipped by 3.1% to 71.8%. As to the national security situation, since the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance came into force as at the end of 2025, Police's National Security Department arrested a total of 385 people, with more than half having been charged. The overall detection rate was 30.3%, similar to that of 2024.
The Security Bureau said today that the Secretary for Security intends to recommend that the Chief Executive-in-Council order the Registrar of Companies to strike three companies relating to Apple Daily off the Companies Register. The Secretary for Security has issued written notices to the three companies – Apple Daily, Apple Daily Printing and AD Internet – affording them an opportunity to make written representations by February 25 before a recommendation is made. Any written representations submitted by the three companies will be submitted together to the Chief Executive-in-Council for a decision on whether or not to make the order, the Security Bureau said. In a statement, the bureau noted that Lai Chee-ying and the three companies related to Apple Daily were convicted on December 15, 2025, of three charges involving offences endangering national security. The court handed down sentences on Monday, ordering each of the three companies to pay a fine of HK$3,004,500. The statement added that Article 31 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) stipulates that the operation of an incorporated or unincorporated body such as a company or an organisation shall be suspended or its licence or business permit shall be revoked if the body has been punished for committing an offence under the law. It also pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has a responsibility to enforce the relevant provisions in Article 31 of the HKNSL regarding the three companies related to Apple Daily. Citing the serious nature of the offences and recent convictions, the bureau stated that the Secretary for Security now considers it necessary to prohibit the operation of the three companies related to Apple Daily to safeguard national security. Consequently, the Secretary for Security plans to recommend that the Chief Executive-in-Council exercise the powers under section 360C of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance to order the Registrar of Companies to strike the three companies off the Companies Register. The statement noted that if the Chief Executive-in-Council eventually decides to order the Registrar of Companies to strike the three companies relating to Apple Daily off the Companies Register, the three companies will become “prohibited organisations”. It added that any person who engages in the acts specified in sections 62 to 65 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance commits an offence, including acting as an office-bearer or a member of a prohibited organisation and giving aid of any kind to a prohibited organisation, and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.) Chief Executive John Lee has welcomed the publication by central authorities of a white paper on Hong Kong’s efforts to safeguard national security, and pledged the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s full support in implementing the document. The State Council Information Office today released a white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”. Mr Lee said in a statement that he will lead and co-ordinate Hong Kong’s executive authorities, legislature and judiciary in implementing the content and requirements of the white paper, fully safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. The white paper covers five areas: the unrelenting fight to safeguard national security in Hong Kong; the central government’s fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning Hong Kong; the Hong Kong SAR’s achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security; Hong Kong’s transformation from disorder to stability and prosperity; and establishing high-standard security to support high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will roll out publicity and public education on the matter through various channels, and that it will lead and encourage all sectors of society to thoroughly study and better comprehend the white paper’s substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizens’ awareness of national security. The Government will hold a seminar on the white paper and will upload its full text to various government websites. Mr Lee encouraged all sectors of the community to hold study and exchange activities related to the white paper. Separately, the Chief Executive commented on the Lai Chee-ying case ahead of today’s Executive Council meeting. He iterated that Mr Lai betrayed the country and Hong Kong, and has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. The Chief Executive said the punishment “sends a solemn warning against malicious plots of collusion with external elements and endangering national security.” He added: “Poisoned by Lai and Apple Daily, under his control, some of our citizens, especially young people, have been misled to break the law and become radical and violent. “As of the end of last year, more than 2,400 individuals have to face legal consequences for unlawful acts during the period of ‘black-clad violence’. It is plain to see that the evil deeds committed by Lai Chee-ying and his syndicate were beyond measure.” The Chief Executive said the Hong Kong SAR Government will do its best to prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security. “We will resolutely fulfil our duty to safeguard national security despite all the political attempts that try to smear our righteous actions of safeguarding national security,” he remarked.
The Court of First Instance of the High Court today handed down sentences for Lai Chee-ying and the other eight defendants, as well as three companies relating to Apple Daily in respect of their convictions of a total of three charges of offences endangering national security. The total sentence for Lai Chee-ying was imprisonment for 20 years. As for the other eight defendants, their imprisonment terms ranged from six years and three months to 10 years. The three companies relating to Apple Daily were each sentenced to a fine of $3,004,500. Chief Executive John Lee said Lai Chee-ying has committed numerous heinous crimes and his evil deeds were beyond measure. Mr Lee added that the severe sentence imposed on Lai Chee-ying manifests that the rule of law is upheld and justice is done, and also brings great relief to all. “Lai Chee-ying had long used Apple Daily to poison the minds of our citizens, by inciting hatred, distorting facts, deliberately stirring up social antagonism and glorifying violence. He had openly begged for external forces to impose sanctions against China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, sacrificing the well-being of the people of China and the Hong Kong SAR. He betrayed our country and harmed Hong Kong, causing damage to the interests of our country and the Hong Kong SAR. His conviction is supported by overwhelming evidence, and he for sure deserves his punishment after all the harm he has done,” Mr Lee said. "Lai Chee-ying's malicious acts endangering national security have harmed the interests of our country and the Hong Kong SAR, as well as the interests of our citizens. The court, after 156 days of fair and impartial public hearings and having considered the irrefutable evidence of up to 2,220 exhibits, over 80,000 pages of documents and statements of evidence from 14 prosecution witnesses, concluded that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind behind those anti-China and destabilising activities. His acts are despicable and shameless,” he added. The Chief Executive also pointed out that the conviction of the heinous crimes committed by Lai Chee-ying was the first convicted case of the offence of collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). “This marks an important milestone in the Hong Kong SAR's efforts to safeguard national security, manifesting the role of the HKNSL as a key stabilising force. This case also admonishes that villains who endanger national security could never escape the sanctions of the law and would surely be severely punished in accordance with the law. The Hong Kong SAR will continue to steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.” Mr Lee also remarked that Hong Kong as a whole has already paid a heavy price as some of the Hong Kong citizens, especially young people, have been misled to break the law and become radical and violent. As of the end of last year, more than 2,400 individuals have been held accountable for unlawful acts during the period of “black-clad violence”. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the court pointed out clearly in its verdict handed down earlier that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind of the case, adding that he had manipulated and exploited Apple Daily to poison society, and repeatedly colluded with external forces to beg for sanctions and hostile activities against the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government. It added that Lai Chee-ying's malicious plot spanned across both the periods before and after the promulgation of the HKNSL. The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that Lai Chee-ying's intent was to collude with external forces to harm the interests of China and the Hong Kong SAR, as well as those of Hong Kong citizens. It added that Lai Chee-ying also shamelessly acted as a pawn of external forces to endanger national security. After hearing the submissions of the defendants on sentencing in the hearings of January 12 and 13, the court provided a detailed account of its considerations in every respect in its reasons for the sentence handed down today. The court held that the offence of conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications in this case fell within the most serious category for its type, and the two offences of conspiracy to commit collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security fell within the category of offences of “a grave nature”. The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that as the court pointed out in the reasons for the sentence, the offences took place at a time when Hong Kong had hardly recovered from the social turmoil caused by the anti-extradition law amendment bill movement. It added that the conspiracies were meticulously planned, involved multiple parties, and were clearly premeditated. The conspiracies involved the use of online platforms and a large number of seditious articles, targeting both local and overseas audiences, and some criminal activities were even conducted outside the Hong Kong SAR. The conspiracies were persistent ones, resulting in many acts rather than a single incident. The Hong Kong SAR Government also made it clear that after the enactment of the HKNSL, even though Lai Chee-ying's requests for foreign countries to impose sanctions or blockades, or engage in other hostile activities became more implicit and subtle, the change was only in form rather than in substance, with all the defendants continuing with their agreement for some time until after they were arrested by Police. It added that the sanctions imposed by foreign countries against the Hong Kong SAR, as well as against officials of China and the Hong Kong SAR have not been removed even up to today. The Hong Kong SAR Government said it is wholly unrealistic to say that Lai Chee-ying and others' activities were not a contributing cause. It emphasised that the court unequivocally identified Lai Chee-ying as the mastermind and the driving force behind the conspiracies, which constituted an aggravating factor and therefore enhanced the starting point for his sentence. The Government would forfeit the offence-related property of Lai Chee-ying in accordance with the law. It will also initiate the procedures pursuant to the Companies (Winding Up & Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance to have the three companies relating to Apple Daily struck off the Companies Register to safeguard national security.
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.) Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said the court's judgment in the Lai Chee-ying case illustrates that the rule of law in Hong Kong is robust, criminal acts will never be tolerated and no one is above the law. The court today sentenced Lai Chee-ying to 20 years’ imprisonment, given the grave nature of the case. Mr Tang told a media session this afternoon that the heavy sentence clearly reflects the very serious nature of the offences committed by Lai Chee-ying. “The court pointed out that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind and driving force in the case. He has colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions against his country. The court has emphasised that Lai had harboured his resentment and hatred of China for years. His only intent was to seek the downfall of the Chinese Communist Party and even though the ultimate cost would be the sacrifice of the people of China and that of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.” The court held that the offence of "conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications" in this case fell within the most serious category of its type, and the two offences of "conspiracy to commit collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security" fell within the category of offences of a grave nature. In the reasons for the sentence, the court pointed out these offences took place at a time when Hong Kong had hardly recovered from the social turmoil caused by the black-clad violence. The conspiracies were meticulously planned, involved multiple parties and were clearly premeditated. Even after the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the defendants continued with their crimes for some time until after they were arrested by the police. Mr Tang added: “The heavy sentence clearly reflects the very serious nature of the offence committed by Lai Chee-ying. The court's judgment illustrates that the rule of law in Hong Kong is robust, criminal acts will never be tolerated and no one is above the law.” He emphasised that both the reasons for the verdict and the sentence handed down fully demonstrate that the court has arrived at the judgment in strict accordance with the law and the evidence, not with any underlying matters of political, policies or other non-legal considerations. In addition, the Lai Chee-ying case has nothing to do with freedom of the press. The security chief noted that although Lai Chee-ying and other defendants will face legal sanctions they deserve, Hong Kong is still facing national security risks. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to unwaveringly and fearlessly prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law.