Tag Archives: China

     The Department of Justice launched the English version of “Annotations of the Hong Kong National Security Law and Sedition Offences in the Crimes Ordinance” in December last year, collating and summarising judgments concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law as well as sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200). The Chinese version of the Annotation is launched today (June 8). The Chinese and English versions have been uploaded to and can be accessed by public at the new dedicated website www.hknslannot.gov.hk/en.

     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said, “All institutions, organisations and individuals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have an obligation to abide by the Hong Kong National Security Law and local laws for safeguarding national security. This body of case-law helps us understand the requirements of our national security laws and how they are being applied by the courts.” He expressed gratitude to Professor Albert Chen for his admirable guidance and contributions, serving as the project’s Honorary Consultant Editor.

     In addition, the Department of Justice and the Security Bureau, following the publication of the “Articles and Reference Materials on the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR” in 2021, have recently complied more than 10 speeches and articles regarding Hong Kong National Security Law or Safeguarding National Security Ordinance published by officials of the Central Authorities and the HKSAR, experts and scholars between 2022 and April 2024, as well as the important documents concerning the “Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of Article 14 and Article 47 of the ‘Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ “, in “Compendium 2024”, which is published today and uploaded to www.doj.gov.hk/en/publications/publications.html for public access. read more

     Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the National Security Legal Forum “Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development” today (June 8):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Welcome to the National Security Legal Forum “Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development” organised by the Department of Justice. In today’s forum, we aim at making two very important points.

     The first point is that Hong Kong has adhered faithfully to fundamental principles of the rule of law under our common law system in enacting and applying the national security law, and we will continue to do so in future. Judicial decisions concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law since its enactment about four years ago provide clear and cogent evidence that key principles such as the court exercising independent power of adjudication, open justice, and the presumption of innocence had been strictly followed. A careful study of the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance would demonstrate that essential elements of an offence are defined with sufficient clarity, human rights and freedoms will be fully protected and reasonable restrictions will be imposed if but only if they are really necessary to safeguard national security in accordance with applicable international standard and practice. These fundamental principles under our common law system constitute the unique characteristics and advantages of Hong Kong under the principle of “one country, two systems”. There is absolutely no conceivable reason whatsoever why we would shoot ourselves in the foot by giving up these valuable and indispensable principles.

     The second point is that our national security law is not only essential but also conducive to the future development of Hong Kong. The Government is working extremely hard to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international centre in finance, trade, logistics and other areas; and to improve the livelihood of our fellow citizens. History tells us that we cannot afford disregarding national security risks. Indeed, security and development have a symbiotic relationship: one cannot exist without the other, and one will benefit the other. This is sheer logic and common sense. Our national security law based on the principles of the rule of law provides high-standard security to guarantee and safeguard the better and sustainable development of Hong Kong in the long run.

     I firmly believe that, at the end of the forum, you will be convinced there is indeed a rational and objective basis for us to have full confidence in our national security law. And beyond any doubt, we can and shall stand tall and hold our heads high. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:

     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races which will be held from June 15 to 16 in Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.

     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (June 8) that like all other “M” Mark events, this event will not only promote sports development and showcase Hong Kong’s capability to host world-class sports events, but also add colour and vibrancy to Hong Kong, bring in more visitors from abroad and enhance Hong Kong’s position as a centre for major international sports events.

     “The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races has always been one of the highlighted events in Hong Kong’s summer. Top dragon boat teams from around the world will provide the spectators with thrilling dragon boat races. There will also be an array of cultural performances and delectable food stalls on the spot, allowing spectators to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s unique Eastern charm beyond the competition.” Mr Ng said.

     The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local “national sports associations” and private and non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be granted “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events.

     For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk. read more

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced toda… read more

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced toda… read more