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2025
Police’s National Security Department yesterday arrested one man and four women, aged 24 to 38, for conspiracy to commit terrorist activities. Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were allegedly involved in sending messages to Police via telephone, email and instant messaging applications on multiple occasions between April 29 and May 13, the content of which included claims to detonate bombs planted within various offices of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong and Kai Tak Sports Park, as well as seditious messages inciting Taiwan independence and Hong Kong independence. With court warrants, Police conducted searches at the five people’s residences and seized electronic communication devices suspected to be involved in the case. The arrested man is being detained for further enquiries, while the four arrested women were released on bail pending further investigations.
I am delighted to join you on this historic occasion: to celebrate with you the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). Gathered here today, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, are high-level representatives of over 80 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe; and from the United Nations and about 20 international organisations. A very warm welcome to Hong Kong! It is a privilege for us to host this signing ceremony, and to serve as the IOMed headquarters, once the convention enters into force. This singular occasion is made possible by the ongoing and dedicated efforts of China, our country, in working with around 20 states, since late 2022, to establish an intergovernmental organisation devoted to mediation. After five rounds of intensive negotiation since 2023, co-ordinated by the IOMed Preparatory Office, the negotiating states concluded the very convention signed today. The IOMed will become the world's first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. It also reflects our shared confidence in mediation as a peaceful means to maintain international peace and security, as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations. The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries - regardless of culture, language and legal system - to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding. This is increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions. When protectionism threatens to derail the international trade order, and when unilateralism looms over global supply chains, it is dialogue - not division - that restores balance. China has long championed equity and unity. The Chinese virtue of “和而不同”, meaning “harmony in diversity”, is deeply rooted in our community and culture. This value of mutual respect in spite of differences also sits at the heart of mediation, the IOMed, and a world that seeks co-operation over conflict. Despite geopolitical turbulence, Hong Kong builds bridges, not walls. Under our unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has risen as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region. We are the only common law jurisdiction in China, and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in both Chinese and English. We have a long tradition of the rule of law, and our courts exercise their judicial power independently. Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal, which is vested with the power of final adjudication, has on its bench eminent jurists from both Hong Kong and overseas common law jurisdictions. Our robust, efficient and well-respected legal system is supported by world-class legal and dispute resolution professionals. Often bilingual or even multilingual, they are well-versed in international rules and practices, and help to position Hong Kong as a preferred venue for dispute resolution. In this year's International Arbitration Survey, Hong Kong is the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region, and shares second place globally with another jurisdiction. Our economy also came first in business legislation and international trade in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. In the latest Business Ready Report published by the World Bank Group, Hong Kong ranks eighth in dispute resolution among the 50 economies covered. All this underscores Hong Kong's effectiveness as a super connector and super value-adder among many economies. We contribute to cross-border investment and economic activity through our top-notch professional services. Our “one country, two systems” advantages make us well-placed to be the headquarters of the important institution of the IOMed. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is devoted to supporting the IOMed's provision of friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services. We actively promote a vibrant culture of mediation. In fact, it is a general policy to incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts. We are also enhancing the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession. And we go all out to build bridges with the world. Hong Kong will actively promote the IOMed's valuable work in settling international disputes through mediation, and advocate mediation as a global tool for peace and justice across borders. Ladies and gentlemen, the establishment of the IOMed's headquarters in Hong Kong is a great honour for our city. The headquarters, as you may know, will be based in the building that once housed the Wan Chai Police Station, just a stone's throw away from here. Built in 1932, this iconic building has a long association with law and order in Hong Kong. From its prime downtown location, it has also witnessed the transformation of our city that has long treasured unity. In its new role as the IOMed headquarters, the building will play a vital part in the future of Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services. We are working to complete the conversion of the building for its new mission. I am happy to say that it could open its doors as early as the end of this year. We look forward not only to welcoming its new occupants, but also to supporting them in building new bridges for a more connected, peaceful and prosperous future through mediation. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the central government for its staunch support of Hong Kong, allowing Hong Kong the honour of housing the IOMed headquarters here. My sincere gratitude also goes to the international community, for placing your trust and confidence in our city. Let's renew our commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law. Let's cultivate a mediation culture together. Let's build a strong IOMed for a global community of shared future founded on peace and prosperity. Please enjoy the day and enjoy Hong Kong. Thank you. Chief Executive John Lee gave this speech at the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation on May 30.
The Police Force has a target of recruiting 130 probationary inspectors and 1,140 police constables for the 2025-26 financial year. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung told legislators today that as at March 31 this year, the numbers of vacancies in the force for the grades of rank and file, inspectorate officers and gazetted officers, ie Superintendents and above, were 5,500, 236 and 29 respectively. The overall number of vacancies was 5,765, representing a vacancy rate of about 17.4%, which is similar to figures over the past three years. To enhance the effectiveness of recruitment efforts, the force has adopted a multi-pronged approach. Besides conducting recruitment exercises throughout the year, it organises various recruitment activities on a regular basis. Additionally, the force has expanded its recruitment network by conducting recruitment exercises at universities worldwide. Mr Tang said the rise in the number of people applying to join the Police Force in recent years shows that its recruitment strategies are effective. He added that the force will align with the Government’s requirement to reduce the civil service establishment by 2% each year in 2026-27 and 2027-28, while continuing to review and assess the effectiveness of using different resources. By re-establishing work priorities, appropriately redeploying staff and using technologies to enhance operational effectiveness, he stressed, the force will ensure that the adjustment in numbers does not affect the efficiency and provision of its services, and that it will continue to provide the public with high-quality and efficient policing.
The Security Bureau today submitted a regulation to the Legislative Council (LegCo) that aims to facilitate the implementation of the Registered Fire Engineer (RFE) Scheme on November 1. The Security Bureau said that currently, a person who intends to run various types of licensed premises can only rely on public services in making a fire safety risk assessment of the premises concerned and certifying fire safety compliance. To facilitate business operations and make good use of professional and qualified human resources in the market, the bureau proposed to introduce the RFE Scheme to leverage professional engineers and qualified people in the market for the provision of fire safety risk assessment and certification services. The Fire Safety Department will continue to deliver such services to members of the public if they so choose. Apart from offering an additional option to the market, the implementation of the scheme could promote the development of the fire engineering profession. The fees of RFE services would be determined by the market. The bureau highlighted that one of the key considerations for the Government in introducing the RFE Scheme is that it must not compromise fire safety and public safety. Hence, in formulating the regulation, the Government aims to regulate RFE registration, and the provisions will cover the registration mechanism and duties of RFEs, the disciplinary and appeal mechanisms as well as the issue of the code of practice. The Fire Services (Registered Fire Engineers) Regulation is subject to LegCo’s scrutiny by the positive vetting procedures. At a later stage, the Government will introduce into LegCo the other three pieces of subsidiary legislation which are relevant to the implementation of the RFE Scheme for negative vetting. Separately, the Secretary for Security will specify November 1 as the commencement date by notice in the Gazette, so that the scheme can start on the same day.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today led a delegation to attend the seventh Hong Kong Legal Services Forum in Xi'an to promote Hong Kong's international legal and dispute resolution services to the legal sector and enterprises in Shaanxi and the neighbouring regions. Minister of Justice He Rong, CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee Secretary Zhao Yide and over 800 local lawyers and legal sector representatives were also at the forum. With the theme of "Serving the Belt & Road Initiative: A New Chapter in Shaanxi-Hong Kong Co-operation", the forum this year explored issues of interest to Shaanxi enterprises as they go global in handling trade, commerce and foreign investment under the Belt & Road Initiative. It also introduced the international legal and dispute resolution services which Hong Kong can offer as a “super connector” for cross-border transactions and as a centre for dispute resolution services. In his opening address, Mr Lam said Shaanxi and Hong Kong have maintained close exchanges and co-operation over the years. He mentioned that the governments of the two places signed the Strengthening Hong Kong/Shaanxi Co-operation Agreement last year, which covers legal and dispute resolution services. The Department of Justice of Shaanxi Province and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Department of Justice (DoJ) also signed the Framework Arrangement on Co-operation in Legal Services to Support the Belt & Road Initiative to strengthen the exchanges and co-operation in legal services and talent-nurturing between the two places to better facilitate legal services bodies in both places. Mr Lam pointed out that the forum represented a significant concrete action in implementing the agreement. He added that he looked forward to strengthening exchanges and co-operation with Shaanxi to serve the country's needs. Yesterday, Mr Lam attended the graduation ceremony of the Hong Kong Common Law & Dispute Resolution Practical Training Course, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy with the assistance of the Shaanxi Province Lawyers Association. The programme is the first foreign-related legal talent training programme held by the academy in a Mainland city. A total of about 140 foreign-related lawyers, mainly from Shaanxi Province and the surrounding provinces, cities, autonomous regions and municipalities, participated. Mr Lam and the delegation also visited the Belt & Road Demonstration Zone for International Commercial Legal Services in Xi'an, and toured the Xi'an Arbitration Commission, Xi'an China-Europe Railway Express Assembly Center and the three centres of the Ministry of Justice. They learnt about Shaanxi's efforts in fostering an international first-class business environment and the local demand for foreign-related legal services in the Belt & Road context, and discussed how Hong Kong's international legal and dispute resolution services can provide relevant professional support. The seventh Hong Kong Legal Services Forum was jointly organised by the DoJ, the Department of Justice of Shaanxi Province and the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of Shaanxi Provincial People's Government, together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the X'ian Municipal People's Government as co-organisers. Mr Lam’s delegation comprised more than 120 representatives from the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong and other related sectors. He will conclude his visit this afternoon and return to Hong Kong.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group to co-ordinate the preparatory work for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Mainland’s Tuen Ng Festival long weekend. The Immigration Department estimates that around 3.2 million passengers, including Hong Kong residents and visitors, will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points from May 31 to June 2, among which 2.73 million are expected to pass through land control points. The peak period of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points (BCPs) will be May 31 and June 1, with around 570,000 and 540,000 passengers expected respectively. Passengers are advised to plan in advance, avoid making journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at BCPs are available on the department’s website. Residents and passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land BCP via the Immigration mobile app. In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, around 380,000 passengers are expected to visit Hong Kong via sea, land and air control points during the three-day Tuen Ng Festival long weekend. The daily average visitor arrivals will increase by 16% year-on-year. Special arrangements have been formulated at major tourist spots to cope with the increase of people flow. The Transport Department will enhance transportation services connecting various BCPs, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), and issue additional cross-boundary coach quotas to enhance services. Regarding local transport services, the department has approached public transport operators to enhance their capacity, and reserve vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. Among them, the MTR will enhance train services of the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau at different times from May 31 to June 2 for the convenience of residents and visitors. Meanwhile, the Tourism Board will launch a dedicated webpage to provide useful information including the operating arrangements of major tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Mr Chan said on the instruction of the Chief Executive, the working group has consolidated the experience gained from receiving Mainland visitors during the Labour Day Golden Week in early May, and the Government will closely liaise with relevant organisations and the travel trade to enhance various aspects in receiving visitors and offering a high-quality experience.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will lead a delegation to Xi'an from tomorrow to Tuesday to promote Hong Kong's international legal and dispute resolution services. The delegation will comprise more than 120 representatives from the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong and other related institutions. Mr Lam and the delegation will attend the seventh Hong Kong Legal Services Forum on Tuesday. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Department of Justice is the forum's leading organiser, with the Department of Justice of Shaanxi, the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and others acting as co-organisers. The forum has been held on a biennial basis in Mainland cities since 2010. During his visit, Mr Lam will attend a graduation ceremony for the Hong Kong Common Law & Dispute Resolution Practical Training Course, which is administered by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy. He will also have engagements to learn more about Xi'an's work on foreign-related rule of law. During Mr Lam’s absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it will make full preparations for the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation to be held in the city on May 30. Nearly 60 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, and about 20 international organisations including the United Nations will send senior representatives to attend the signing ceremony for the convention. A global forum on international mediation will be held in the afternoon to discuss topics such as mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes. In 2022, China and nearly 20 like-minded countries jointly initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). The negotiations on the convention have successfully concluded and a unanimous consensus has been reached to establish the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong. The IOMed will be the world's first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, and will be an important mechanism for upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Established more than half a century ago, the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (HKACC) has long been a foundation for the development of local aviation talent. Until recently, however, training was carried out at borrowed school and community centre facilities. HKACC Commanding Officer Chan Mang-lang highlighted the challenges faced over the years. “Venue limitations restricted our ability to hold training activities according to our needs or introduce professional equipment like flight simulators.” Renovation project To improve its training environment, in 2018 the corps began looking for a suitable location to establish a new headquarters and training centre. Ultimately, in 2023, it chose a vacant school on Shiu Fai Terrace in Wan Chai. HKACC Deputy Officer Commanding Operations Group Martin Choi explained that the original school had 12 classrooms and an assembly hall, meaning the refit could be accomplished without major renovations, allowing for time and cost savings. After over a year of refurbishments, the new headquarters officially opened in March. Classrooms were transformed into multi-purpose rooms, conference rooms and other facilities, providing cadets with ample training and learning areas. The corps also added several small flight simulators and a helicopter simulator. “As Hong Kong integrates into the Greater Bay Area’s aerospace developments, the new headquarters equip the youth with cutting-edge facilities to explore aviation careers,” said Mr Choi. “These professional facilities could enhance the cadets’ technical skills. In future, we will also introduce one-to-one fixed-wing aircraft simulators for cadets.” Overcoming challengesAs a youth uniformed group, foot drill training is vital for the corps. The original playground has been converted into a parade ground for Chinese-style foot drills and a flag-raising training zone. During reconstruction, however, technical challenges arose when it came to installing flagpoles. Due to the lack of road access, which prevented large machinery from entering the site, the contractor opted to use manual labour and small machines to lift and install three steel sections for the 15m main flagpole and the two 13m flagpoles on either side of it. Building prideThe new headquarters also features a national education corner aimed at strengthening young people’s national identity and pride through showcasing the country’s achievements and development. HKACC No. 402 Squadron Non-commissioned Officer-in-charge Lui Wai-fung, who joined the corps five years ago, outlined that the new training centre offers numerous opportunities for training and growth, as well as increasing cadets’ sense of belonging. Vital supportFrom April 2024, the corps has been supported and funded by the Government Flying Service (GFS), which also assisted in establishing the new headquarters. GFS Air Crewman Officer III Nicholas Choi stated that the service participated in site selection meetings led by the Security Bureau and the Development Bureau to ensure that the facilities at the new headquarters would meet the corps’ future development needs. Having offered technical and professional advice to assist the corps in setting up its flight simulation equipment and teaching facilities, it also provides ongoing virtual reality and flight simulator training for cadets. In addition, it hosts cadets at GFS headquarters on enriching educational field trips. Bright prospectsGFS Acting Senior Pilot Martin Yu explained that on such visits, “when the cadets enter the hangar, they may actually have a quick touch on the helicopters, so they are usually very happy and become more interested in our daily job for GFS and aviation on the whole.” Mr Yu also revealed that over 10% of current flight personnel in the GFS are former cadets, and said he hopes this percentage can rise even further in the future. “Apart from that, many cadets has become a professional in aviation industry, including in many different streams, like the air traffic controllers, like in the maintenance industry, in the aviation, as well as a pilot.”
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned US senators who requested a review, through a so-called bill, that includes a number of judges and the Department of Justice’s prosecutors in a so-called list of sanctions, in an attempt to intimidate Hong Kong SAR personnel who safeguard national security. In a press statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, and the implementation of the National Security Law is free from any intervention. It further pointed out that the US politicians, however, insisted on turning a blind eye to facts and even clamoured for so-called sanctions against the Hong Kong SAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security. Stressing that it despises any so-called sanctions and shall never be intimidated, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the city shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. It also strongly urged the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs. Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government said its law enforcement agencies have been taking enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. It also emphasised that the Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions of the Hong Kong SAR and makes all its prosecutorial decisions on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws. Furthermore, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. It explained that the courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. Additionally, the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that any attempt to interfere with Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the city’s rule of law. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice. Moreover, it elucidated that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance 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. The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will uphold the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.