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2025
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements to co-ordinate and steer the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's preparatory work for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong for the New Year. Mr Chan noted at the meeting that a series of events will be held in Hong Kong during the New Year's Eve and New Year holiday, and New Year's day also marks the start of a three-day long holiday on the Mainland. Highlighting that a notable increase in the number of visitors during the period is expected, he said the Hong Kong SAR Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, including actively co-ordinating the ancillary arrangements of boundary control points (BCPs) and transportation, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade to ensure effective crowd management, information dissemination, and arrangements of public transportation and BCPs. The New Year's Eve countdown event this year will forgo the fireworks display and take place in an alternative format to welcome the New Year together with the public and visitors. The Tourism Board will separately announce the detailed arrangements for the countdown event. In view of a series of New Year's Eve countdown events, the Hong Kong SAR Government has discussed with the Shenzhen Municipal Government to extend the service hours of BCPs on New Year's Eve. Further details will be announced as soon as possible. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port and the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port will maintain 24-hour operation as usual on New Year's Eve. As for public transport arrangements, the MTR Corporation will extend its East Rail Line services to and from MTR Lo Wu Station, and the majority of MTR railway lines will run overnight on New Year's Eve. Furthermore, bus routes will be arranged between MTR Sheung Shui Station and San Tin Yellow Bus Station to enable passengers using the East Rail Line to cross the boundary via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, which operates round-the-clock, after the end of services to Lo Wu. An Interdepartmental Joint Command Centre set up by Police, the Immigration Department, the Customs & Excise Department and other relevant departments will be activated from December 31 to January 4 to monitor the real-time situation at various control points. The centre will maintain close liaison with Mainland port authorities and take timely contingency actions to flexibly deploy manpower at the BCPs. Moreover, the Security Bureau will activate the Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre from December 31 to January 4 to closely monitor and co-ordinate public order at BCPs and facilitate interdepartmental follow-up action where necessary in case of emergencies. The Transport Department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate 24 hours a day. It will closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services in all districts, as well as at BCPs and major stations across Hong Kong, take prompt measures to address service demands, and disseminate the latest traffic updates through various channels. Moreover, in view of the potential notable increase in the number of tourists visiting Sai Kung High Island Reservoir East Dam during the New Year's Eve and New Year holiday, Police have taken targeted measures, including deploying uniformed officers at strategic locations at Pak Tam Chung, Man Yee Road and East Dam, for traffic and crowd management during peak tourist arrival and departure periods. The Transport Department has co-ordinated with the operator to enhance the service of Green Minibus Route No. 9A, from Pak Tam Chung to the East Dam, subject to passenger demand.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today it strongly opposes malicious attacks, false statements and smears against the Hong Kong SAR made by the US and other western countries, as well as anti-China media, organisations and politicians, following the conviction of Lai Chee-ying. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed the court’s judgment was made strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, and that biased statements and malicious smears relating to the case disregard the rule of law. It added that such statements and smears reflect that the national security risks faced by the city are real. The Hong Kong SAR Government said that external forces showed no respect towards the court’s independent judgment of the case, which was made on the basis of facts and evidence, and refused to acknowledge the evidence against Mr Lai and the rationale for the verdict. Such forces chose to let politics trump the law by slandering and attacking the Hong Kong SAR Government, confounding right and wrong, it added. The statement highlighted that the court’s verdict clearly stated that Mr Lai was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. It said the 855-page document explaining the reasons for court’s conviction of Mr Lai and three defendant companies, and outlining its analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, is fully open to the public. The court found that Lai’s only intent, whether before or after the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even at the sacrifice of the interests of the people of Hong Kong and China. The statement also outlined that the court found that written articles under consideration were objectively seditious and written with a view to bringing the Hong Kong SAR Government into hatred and contempt and to exciting disaffection against it. The court also found that Lai consciously used Apple Daily and his personal influence to carry out a consistent campaign to undermine the legitimacy or authority of the Central People’s Government and the Hong Kong SAR Government and harm the relations between them and with the people of Hong Kong. The statement said that various countries, as well as anti-China media, organisations and politicians, attempted to smear the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong SAR courts by alleging political persecution against Lai, while choosing to ignore the reality that the court’s conviction was well-founded, reasoned, and made strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, free from any interference or political considerations. The Hong Kong SAR Government also stressed that Lai’s case had nothing to do with freedom of the press. It said that some media organisations, and organisations that claim to represent journalists, have conflated criminal acts in this case with freedom of the press, with the purpose of misleading the public and defaming the Hong Kong SAR’s human rights and rule of law. It added that, over the years, the defendants used journalism as a guise to commit acts that brought harm to Hong Kong and the country, with the court proceedings revealing Lai’s hands-on control of the editorial direction of Apple Daily and his repeated and personal collusion with foreign forces, whom he begged for sanctions and hostile actions against the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government. The statement iterated that Hong Kong citizens enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech as protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. It outlined that the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. It said the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civic & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to the Hong Kong SAR, including freedom of the press, freedom of speech and freedom of publication, are protected in accordance with the law. The Hong Kong SAR Government also emphasised that, just as in other places in the world, journalists in Hong Kong, like all other citizens, have an obligation to abide by the law. It highlighted that according to the principles established by Article 19 of the ICCPR, the European Convention on Human Rights, and other relevant jurisprudence, when the media and journalists publish opinions, information and articles, they must observe and discharge “special duties and responsibilities”, including protection of national security and public order. It said that journalists must, in accordance with the tenets of “responsible journalism”, act in good faith on an accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information, so as to be entitled to the protection of freedom of speech. The Hong Kong SAR Government also reiterated that Lai Chee-ying used his media outlet, Apple Daily, to wantonly create social conflict, incite social antagonism, incite hatred, glorify violence and openly beg for foreign sanctions against China and the Hong Kong SAR. It said he had harmed the fundamental interests of the country and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong through actions that were shameful and malicious. The statement added that righteousness has been upheld by the law and the core values of Hong Kong safeguarded by the court’s verdict. It said the law never allows anyone, regardless of profession or background, to harm their country and compatriots under the guise of human rights, democracy, and freedom. The Hong Kong SAR said it has a responsibility to safeguard national security, and will continue to resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security, and to ensure that laws are observed and strictly enforced so as to bring offenders to account.
The Correctional Services Department today announced the full implementation of the Video Visit e-Booking Service, which offers an additional way of paying visits to persons in custody (PICs). The department introduced a trial run of the video visit service at different correctional institutions in phases from November 11, and received a positive response. Starting from today, declared PIC visitors can make bookings for video visits through the department’s General Visit e-Services Platform. This service is open only to declared PIC visitors who have a registered account on the platform. Visitors can make bookings for the next seven days at any of the five Multi-purpose Family & Rehabilitation Service Centres in Mong Kok, Shau Kei Wan, Sheung Shui, Tuen Mun and Sha Tin, or at the Lai Chi Kok Video Visit Centre. They can also use an e-ordering service to buy approved “hand-in” articles for prisoners, meaning they do not have to physically visit shops or carry items into correctional institutions themselves. The CSD added that the video visit service aims to bring convenience to the public, and that visitors can still visit correctional institutions in person according to their needs.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and foreign anti-China media for turning a blind eye to the court’s conviction judgment in Lai Chee-ying’s case, in an attempt to mislead the public, deliberately whitewashing criminal Lai Chee-ying under the cloak of so-called democracy. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the court verdict was made strictly in accordance with the law and evidence. It pointed out that such an attempt aims to obscure Lai Chee-ying’s shameless acts and subversive work as an agent of external forces, in order to infiltrate and brainwash young people, through manipulating the media to incite the public, the interests of the country and the people. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the HKJA has no credibility, lacks recognition and representativeness, and has even been refusing to disclose the list of its latest executive committee members. It is despicable for an organisation of such a nature to call itself the representative of the press. The HKJA, as with other foreign anti-China media outlets, has been intentionally misleading the public by consistently and deliberately conflating the criminal acts in Lai Chee-ying’s case with press freedom. It has even played up, with ill intent, different cases to discredit the Hong Kong SAR’s human rights and rule of law situation, aiming precisely to confuse the public and smear the Hong Kong SAR. These are extremely despicable political manipulations that must be strongly condemned, the Hong Kong SAR Government said. It reiterated that the conviction verdict was entirely free from any political considerations, as the court clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The 855-page reasons for verdict in this case are fully open for public inspection, and include the court’s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for convicting Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies in full detail. Furthermore, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that the case has nothing to do with press freedom at all. Over the years, it explained, the defendants have used journalism as a guise to commit acts that brought harm to our country and Hong Kong. Lai Chee-ying was fundamentally the mastermind behind a series of anti-China and destabilising activities in Hong Kong, and was no doubt an agent of external anti-China forces. The public trial of this case revealed Lai Chee-ying’s close management and hands-on control of the editorial direction of Apple Daily, and one of the senior managers even said they were free within a “bird cage”. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urges the HKJA and other foreign anti-China media to understand the facts relating to Lai Chee-ying's case as soon as possible, and do the right thing to stop any form of infiltration and activities of a subversive nature, including “brainwashing” young people of the Hong Kong SAR for external forces. It will absolutely not condone any acts endangering national security that incite the public to betray the interests of the country and the people.
The Fire Services Department said today that in response to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, it has maintained close collaboration with property management organisations and stepped up inspections of fire service installations and equipment (FSIs) in buildings since December 4. The department has redeployed manpower internally to enhance inspections of FSIs in buildings, particularly those undergoing major maintenance, and has proactively inspected the functional status of fire alarms. Should any non-compliance be identified, the department will conduct thorough investigations and decisively take enforcement action. At the same time, the department has redeployed personnel to promptly follow up on reports of abnormal operation of FSIs in buildings and will take appropriate enforcement action accordingly. Additionally, it earlier engaged in in-depth exchanges with the Property Management Services Authority, the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies, the Housing Authority, the Housing Society, and the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong. The department emphasised that apart from ensuring annual inspections of FSIs are conducted in their premises in accordance with the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) Regulations, property management bodies must also proactively discharge their management duties and assist property owners in properly maintaining the FSIs in common areas to ensure their continuous and effective operation. The FSD also reminds property management personnel to inspect the FSIs regularly during daily work and assist owners and their organisations to handle any damage or malfunction of the FSIs in a timely manner. To address public concerns regarding the performance of building fire alarms, stakeholders have agreed to promote voluntary fire alarm testing to safeguard public safety. The scope of the testing includes checking that manual call points are intact and capable of activating the fire alarm system; ensuring stable power supply to FSIs and reliable operation of standby power supply; and verifying that signals transmitted from fire control panels are normal with no false alarms or failures. The department will continue to lead the Inter-departmental Fire Investigation Task Force to probe the cause of the fire at Wang Fuk Court, including investigation of the FSIs. As the investigation has revealed that the condition of the buildings' FSIs may involve criminal elements, the case is being followed up by Police.
As of this morning, a total of 1,236 residents affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po have been accommodated through the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, in youth hostels, camps, or hotel rooms. Another 3,354 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau, units from the Housing Society or Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun. Currently, there is still an abundant supply of more than 1,000 units that can provide affected residents with longer term accommodation. The transitional housing and the Housing Society projects in different districts can altogether provide around 400 units at the moment. Additionally, Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 at Kai Tak can provide a supply of around 900 units. As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.4 billion. Combined with the $300 million startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.7 billion. On the Government's online platform for donated supplies, about 1,900 registrations have been received, with approximately 30% submitted by organisations. Over 24,000 donation items, covering various categories, have been distributed.
Starting today, the Sexual Conviction Record Check Scheme has been expanded to cover volunteers, with a view to strengthening protection for children and mentally incapacitated people, the Government announced. Volunteers include, but are not limited to, volunteer teachers and volunteer sports coaches. The Government noted that the scheme remains voluntary in nature, allowing recruiting organisations to decide whether the check is necessary after assessing the risks. Applications are to be submitted by eligible applicants. It also announced that three additional police stations in Tseung Kwan O, Sheung Shui and Lantau North (Tung Chung) can provide applicants with a 24-hour fingerprint taking service. Previously, the service was only available at the Police Headquarters in Wan Chai, and at six police stations in North Point, Yau Ma Tei, Ngau Tau Kok, Tuen Mun, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan. Eligible applicants can submit applications through an online application platform and make appointments for fingerprint taking. The Government added that after reviewing relevant experiences, it will consider expanding the scope of the scheme to cover all existing employees and self-employed individuals.
The court verdict in the national security case involving Lai Chee-ying and three companies related to Apple Daily illustrated Hong Kong’s ability to interdict all the attempts to affect national security. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung made the remarks today while meeting the media following Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies' conviction on three charges of offences endangering national security. Welcoming the verdict, Mr Tang said: “For whatever criminal cases, including those relating to national security, if we have evidence, we will arrest. If we have sufficient evidence, we will prosecute. No one is above the law. “Regarding international concerns about this case, I think a lot of foreign consular staff, they have been attending the trial throughout. And they are witness to how this trial is being openly and fairly (tried). “I think this illustrates these kind of activities, if it happened in any country, if someone (was) using the media to try to overturn a regime, I think this is not bearable by every government. “I think this case illustrates how safe Hong Kong is, and how we are able to interdict all the national security concerns, all the attempts to affect our national security. “I think this is a good showcase to show that we are safe, and we are safe to do investment in Hong Kong.”
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the Court of First Instance's verdict today in the case of Lai Chee-ying and three companies relating to Apple Daily involving three charges of offences endangering national security. The charges included “conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” and “conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications”. The court convicted Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies on all charges. It adjourned the case of Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies, as well as the related cases of eight people who previously pleaded guilty, to January 12, 2026, for mitigation, and the date for sentencing will be announced afterwards. Chief Executive John Lee stated that the court found Lai Chee-ying and the three companies relating to Apple Daily guilty, confirming that Lai Chee-ying had indeed used Apple Daily to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security. Mr Lee said: “Lai Chee-ying has long been using his media outlet, Apple Daily, to wantonly create social conflicts, incite social antagonism, incite hatred, glorify violence and openly beg for foreign sanctions against China and the Hong Kong SAR, attracting external interference. “He has harmed the fundamental interests of the country and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong; his actions are shameful and his intentions malicious. His wanton crimes were committed in full view of the public, and the evidence is compelling. “The court's conviction demonstrates that righteousness is upheld by the law and the core values of Hong Kong are safeguarded. The law never allows anyone, regardless of profession or background, to harm their country and compatriots under the guise of human rights, democracy, and freedom. “The Hong Kong SAR has a responsibility to safeguard national security and will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security. Hong Kong is underpinned by the rule of law, and the Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. We will do our utmost to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security to fulfil this perfectly justified responsibility.” The Chief Executive emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government's stance is unequivocal, and that the Judiciary acts confidently, undaunted by any threats. “We will resolutely fulfil the responsibility of safeguarding national security,” he added. The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that the court's reasons for verdict in this case are 855 pages long, clearly pointing out that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court's verdict of guilty is reasoned and well founded, and fully demonstrates that the court arrived at the verdict in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, free from any interference, and entirely devoid of political considerations. The court clearly pointed out in its reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying had harboured his resentment and hatred of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for many years. His only intent, whether pre- or post-Hong Kong National Security Law, was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the PRC and the Hong Kong SAR. The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that throughout the enforcement, prosecution and trial stages of Lai Chee-ying's case, there were smears and attacks as well as interference and pressure from all sides. However, any reasonable person who can distinguish between right and wrong, upon carefully examining the reasons for verdict handed down by the court today, would agree that the court adjudicated the case fairly and impartially, and the despicable attempt of external forces is futile and doomed to failure. Besides, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the open hearing of the case revealed that Lai Chee-ying repeatedly colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions or blockade, or engage in hostile activities against the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government. It added that Lai Chee-ying's case has absolutely nothing to do with press freedom. The defendants have merely used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed the country and Hong Kong.
The Police Force’s National Security Department has charged two men jointly with one count of "conspiracy to commit subversion", with the case due to be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow. The duo, aged 24 and 25, are among nine people arrested on Friday on suspicion of committing "unlawful drilling" offences under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The department has also arrested a 26-year-old woman, also in connection with the “unlawful drilling” offence. She and the other arrestees have been released on bail and told to report back to Police in mid-January 2026.