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2026
The Judiciary today announced its plan to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), a specialist division of the High Court, to adjudicate complex, high-value international and cross-boundary commercial disputes. Its establishment is designed to strengthen Hong Kong’s standing as both an international financial centre and a leading international dispute resolution hub, in alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Judiciary said the HKICC’s establishment marks a significant development in Hong Kong’s judicial system under the “one country, two systems” principle and comes in response to increasing demand for a specialist judicial forum dedicated to addressing the legal and factual complexities arising from the significant growth in international and cross-border commercial activities in recent years. It said the resolution of such disputes requires specialist judicial expertise, as well as tailored court procedures and practices to enhance flexibility and efficiency. The HKICC is designed to meet these needs, while maintaining the core values and safeguards of Hong Kong’s legal system, which is firmly rooted in the common law. The HKICC will complement Hong Kong’s existing dispute resolution framework. Besides arbitration and mediation, the HKICC will provide parties engaged in international and cross-boundary commerce with a comprehensive range of dispute resolution options. It promises transparency, authoritative judicial determinations, a structured appellate process, and the certainty of enforceable judgments, including their recognition and enforcement on the Mainland under relevant two-way arrangements. Local judges with substantial experience in commercial law will sit on the HKICC. Eminent senior judges or practitioners from other common law jurisdictions may also be invited to sit on an ad hoc basis in accordance with the existing legal framework. Assessors and experts may be engaged, where appropriate, to assist the judges in specialised areas. It is anticipated these arrangements will enhance the HKICC’s expertise and international standing, and promote the development of its jurisprudence in line with international best practices, while remaining solidly based on Hong Kong law. The High Court Ordinance and the Rules of the High Court provide the necessary legal framework for the establishment of the HKICC as a division of the High Court. A dedicated Practice Direction will be issued for the HKICC to prescribe the categories of cases within its jurisdiction and to set out detailed court procedures. These will include measures to streamline the litigation process, provide a more flexible regime for the handling of appeals, and ensure the timely disposal of cases and appeals, with reference to the best practices of other international commercial courts. A floor in the High Court Building will be designated for use by the HKICC. In line with international practice, and reflecting the international and cross-jurisdictional nature of cases, the HKICC will make extensive use of technology in handling cases, including remote hearings, electronic filing, electronic bundles, and voice-to-text transcription. The Judiciary stressed that the establishment of the HKICC represents its firm commitment to judicial excellence and professionalism, and to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a highly respected forum for dispute resolution, thereby reinforcing its enduring role within the global legal and commercial community. The Judiciary aims to establish the HKICC within the coming year. Preparatory work is already under way, and stakeholders, in particular the legal profession, will be consulted in due course. Welcoming the Judiciary’s announcement on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Chief Executive John Lee said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly points the way to strengthening the rule of law in foreign affairs; improving mechanisms for international commercial mediation, arbitration and litigation; supporting Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping, aviation and trade centre; and deepening its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Mr Lee stated: “The Hong Kong SAR is the only common law jurisdiction in the country. Hong Kong’s commercial and trade laws based on common law are internationally compatible, and well trusted by international businesses or investors. The establishment of the HKICC fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique advantages under ‘one country, two systems’ of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. “It will contribute new and greater strength to the country’s high-level opening up, while further promoting the development of international commercial rules. “The establishment of the HKICC will strengthen Hong Kong’s core capabilities and advantages in international litigation, complementing Hong Kong’s existing international arbitration and mediation services to provide global enterprises or investors with diversified and comprehensive options for dispute resolution. “This will further enhance the international competitiveness of Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services, propelling Hong Kong to a higher level of development in international dispute resolution services.” Secretary for Justice Paul Lam remarked that the HKICC will focus on handling complex and high-value international commercial disputes. He highlighted the jurists presiding over the cases will include not only judges from Hong Kong, but also judges with high prestige and experience in other common law jurisdictions. Mr Lam said that he Hong Kong SAR Government has the utmost confidence that the HKICC will not only deliver authoritative and convincing rulings in the cases it hears, but also make significant contributions through its jurisprudence to the development of international commercial law. He added that this will further consolidate the international reputation and status of Hong Kong’s common law system, enabling the city to better leverage its unique advantages in this regard under “one country, two systems”.
The Government today launched a one-month public consultation on proposed amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance and its related subsidiary legislation. The proposed changes aim to modernise the fire safety legislative framework, enhance public safety and streamline enforcement effectiveness, while meeting public expectations for improved fire safety. Following the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Government established the Task Force on Strengthening Fire Safety Governance, chaired by the Secretary for Security, to implement medium-to-long-term initiatives to improve fire safety governance. A core component of these measures is a comprehensive review of the ordinance, its subsidiary legislation and the statutory responsibilities of various stakeholders. The Security Bureau emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to maintaining high fire safety standards to protect lives and property. To consolidate Hong Kong's regulatory framework, the bureau proposed amending the principal ordinance alongside three pieces of subsidiary legislation: the Fire Service (Installation Contractors) Regulations, the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) Regulations, and the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation. These amendments will strengthen the registration regime for fire service installation contractors, enhance maintenance and inspection standards for building fire equipment and optimise fire hazard abatement procedures. The bureau noted that the updates will also bolster the Fire Services Department’s enforcement powers in specific areas, including combating illicit fuelling activities. In response to the public's expectations for enhanced fire safety, the Government will finalise the legislative proposal swiftly after the public consultation, aiming to introduce the Bill to the Legislative Council this year. Members of the public can submit their views in writing by email or by mail to the Legislation Amendment Working Group, South Wing, 5/F, Fire Services Department Headquarters Building, 1 Hong Chong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, on or before June 25. Click here for the consultation document.
The Department of Justice said today that allegations involving the newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and another officer are entirely fabricated, and called the spreading of false allegations a despicable act. The remarks came in a statement issued in response to media enquiries relating to a social media post. It said it had taken note that serious allegations involving the DPP and another DoJ officer were circulating online. The department said that a rigorous investigation was carried out, pursuant to an earlier anonymous complaint and in accordance with established procedures, and that it was confident that the allegations are completely without factual basis, entirely fabricated, and constitute malicious smearing. It condemned attempts to spread rumours online about dedicated prosecutors performing their duties and safeguarding national security as ill-intentioned, malicious and despicable, adding that these rumours were intended to defame public officers, the Prosecutions Division, and even the reputation of the entire department. It stressed that the public should not be misled by unfounded allegations, or become a party to the spreading of rumours. The department has referred the matter to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and corresponding actions to severely punish lawbreakers in accordance with the law. It emphasised that it attaches great importance to the integrity and professional conduct of its officers, and that all departmental personnel, regardless of rank or duties, perform their responsibilities with the highest standards of professional excellence and ethics. The department iterated that it will continue to provide professional legal services to the Government in accordance with the law.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Berik Assylov signed bilateral agreements on the surrender of fugitive offenders (SFO), mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) and the transfer of sentenced persons (TSP) today on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Kazakhstan. “Both Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are committed players in the international efforts to fight crimes. The signing of the agreements on SFO, MLA and TSP today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan,” Mr Tang said at the signing ceremony. 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 SFO agreement sets out the conditions for the surrender of fugitive offenders between the Hong Kong SAR and Kazakhstan and contains the usual safeguards found in similar international agreements, including that the conduct must constitute an offence according to the laws of both parties, and surrender may be refused if the offence is punishable with the death penalty. The MLA agreement between the Hong Kong SAR and Kazakhstan contains the essential features and safeguards of international agreements of this type. Assistance covered by the agreement includes identifying and locating persons, serving documents, taking evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, providing information and confiscating proceeds of crime. The TSP agreement embodies the shared conviction of Hong Kong and Kazakhstan that allowing sentenced persons to return to their places of origin, where there are no language or cultural barriers and where friends and relatives can pay more regular visits, is conducive to their rehabilitation. Hong Kong's policy is therefore to facilitate such transfers between Hong Kong and other jurisdictions as far as possible.
The Government today announced it issued the red outbound travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on public health considerations, reminding Hong Kong residents to avoid non-essential travel there. The Government announced on May 17 the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. The relevant departments are fully prepared. Once a suspected case is identified, testing and comprehensive prevention and control measures will be implemented immediately in accordance with established protocols to prevent the spread of the virus in Hong Kong. The Government emphasised that no confirmed cases of Ebola disease have ever been recorded locally. At present, the risk of Ebola disease is primarily confined to outbreak areas and the immediate public health impact to Hong Kong is currently low. The World Health Organization recently declared that the Ebola disease epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Department of Health (DH) has assessed the risk of local transmission spreading to other regions as very high. The Government has therefore issued a red outbound travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hong Kong residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who need assistance can call the Immigration Department (ImmD)'s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD's mobile app. They can also send message the 1868 WhatsApp or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form. Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at (243) 851474669. Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the DH and ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means or a timely manner when necessary. The DH has all along conducted health screenings for inbound travellers at all boundary control points. From May 17 to 20, 11 individuals who declared having visited the relevant regions underwent health assessments by the DH. No suspected cases of Ebola disease were identified. DH staff also provided these individuals with health information on the spot, reminding them to seek immediate medical advice at accident and emergency departments if they develop symptoms within 21 days of arrival in Hong Kong. In collaboration with the Hospital Authority, the DH has established procedures for handling high-risk specimens related to suspected cases to ensure that, should a suspected case arise in Hong Kong, testing can be conducted as quickly as possible.
The Department of Justice is presenting the interactive drama “Rule of Law Academy - Adventure to the Stars” starring Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre from today to tomorrow. This large-scale show, returning by popular demand, aims to promote rule of law education to senior primary students and parents. The two performances are expected to attract an audience of over 2,000. Through an engaging adventure story, the play integrates the concept of the rule of law into the plot in a lively and interactive manner. Mr Lam and Mr Cheung sing and dance as the Principal and Vice-principal of the Rule of Law Academy to convey the message of upholding the rule of law. By participating in the interactive sessions, the audience helps the protagonists overcome challenges to attain the “Rule of Law Star” distinction, experiencing how values such as fairness and equality, honesty and integrity, solidarity and mutual support, as well as a law-abiding spirit, can be practised in everyday life. Under the “Rule of Law through Drama” project, the Department of Justice has been promoting law-abiding awareness and the spirit of the rule of law through stage performances. The project has presented over 350 shows to local primary schools since its launch in 2021.
The Security Bureau today said it was notified by Guangdong Province's Nuclear Emergency Committee Office of an operational event at Ling Ao Nuclear Power Station, in which an isolation valve remained closed longer than required. This incident did not affect the safety of the power station’s Unit 1, the health of the workers, the nearby public or the environment, the bureau added. On May 7, Unit 1 was undergoing a planned overhaul for refuelling. During routine testing, station staff remotely closed one of the cooling water isolation valves of the standby equipment from the main control room to adjust the cooling water flow, and restored it to normal status on the same day. Since the isolation valve remained closed for a duration exceeding the requirement of the technical specification, this event was classified as a Level 0 deviation on May 8 in accordance with the International Nuclear & Radiological Event Scale and relevant nuclear safety regulations. The bureau stressed that Unit 1 remained in a safe condition throughout the event, while the three safety barriers remained intact and there was no release of radioactive substances.
The Global Mediation Summit, the first international conference organised by the International Organization for Mediation, or IOMed, was held at the Convention & Exhibition Centre today, with Chief Executive John Lee officiating. Speaking at the event, Mr Lee noted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan has expressed support for IOMed, and emphasised that this backing ensures Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of international disputes through mediation in the long term. “As IOMed’s headquarters, Hong Kong is at the very heart of global dispute resolution and its promising future,” Mr Lee said. “The National 15th Five-Year Plan, I am pleased to note, has expressed support to IOMed. That ensures that Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of disputes by mediation, long down the road,” he added. “Hong Kong will continue to build on our partnership with IOMed. Together, we will work to develop Hong Kong as a global mediation centre, and we invite governments, companies, investors and others to make optimal use of the mediation services provided by IOMed.” Mr Lee also highlighted that since its inauguration last October, the number of signatory states to the IOMed Convention has climbed from 37 to 41, while the number of contracting states has risen from eight to 13. The summit drew over 400 leaders, senior officials and professionals from 48 countries and regions to share their experience and insights on international mediation. IOMed Governing Council Vice-chairperson Willy Bett noted that establishing the headquarters in Hong Kong significantly bolsters the trust of many countries. “IOMed's positioning or location in Hong Kong, and the support the Hong Kong SAR and the People's Republic of China in general, has made IOMed gain confidence with many countries,” he said. “And Hong Kong has a lot of experience in handling international matters. And therefore, even the location of Hong Kong in itself being at the heart of Asia and the Pacific, it puts it in a unique position to be a more central place to settle most of these disputes,” Mr Bett added. Another speaker, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Conciliator Panel Member Wolf Von Kumberg, who is an independent arbitrator and mediator himself, said Hong Kong is well positioned to become a global mediation capital. “For mediation to work, you have to ensure that the parties feel comfortable in going to a particular venue that is both stable and also is a safe place to go,” he noted. “Hong Kong is very well placed because for decades, Hong Kong has been a commercial hub where investors could come from all over the world into a very stable environment,” he added. “By putting a mediation institute here, it is a place that is recognised by global stakeholders to help them then to resolve these disputes.” With the support of the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy as the key sponsors, the summit concludes Mediation Week 2026. The event has explored international cross-cultural mediation, financial and investment dispute resolution and the development of a global mediation ecosystem.
The Global Mediation Summit, organised by the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), will be held tomorrow at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, with Chief Executive John Lee officiating and delivering a special address. With the support of key sponsors the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, the summit is geared towards establishing Hong Kong as a global mediation capital. It will bring together leading mediation experts, policymakers and industry leaders from around the world to explore topics such as cross-cultural international mediation, financial and investment dispute mediation, and the development of a global mediation ecosystem. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will give opening remarks. Keynote speeches will be delivered by IOMed Governing Council Vice-Chairperson and Kenyan Ambassador to China H.E. Willy Bett, and by Director General of the Treaty & Law Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qi Dahai. The summit will feature three panel discussion sessions, enabling former government officials, law professionals, academics and leaders of international institutions in the field of dispute resolution, from China and around the world, to share their insights and experience in relation to three core themes: “The Facilitators of Peace: Wisdom from World-class Mediators”; “The Clients’ Voice: Why States and Investors Choose Mediation”; and “Beyond the Horizon: Developing the Global Mediation Ecosystem”. The event will take place from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with in-person attendance augmented by live-streaming. It will be conducted in English. Simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua and Cantonese will be provided.
The Security Bureau was notified today by Guangdong's Nuclear Emergency Committee Office regarding an operational event at the Taishan Nuclear Power Station involving the discovery of foreign material. While the station’s Unit 1 was undergoing a planned overhaul on April 30, foreign material was identified during a video inspection of steam generator number 3. Following the completion of inspections on May 2, two pieces of curled, chip-like material, measuring approximately 1.5cm by 1.5cm and 3.5cm by 1.3cm, were successfully removed. The station is currently conducting traceability analysis of the objects. The bureau stressed that Unit 1 remained in a safe condition throughout the event. All three safety barriers remained intact and there was no release of radioactive substances. The incident had no impact on the unit’s safety, the health of workers, the public or the environment. The event was classified as a Level 0 deviation on May 1 in accordance with the International Nuclear & Radiological Event Scale and relevant nuclear safety regulations.