Tag Archives: China

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.      To prevent heat stroke, avoid pro… read more

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (September 11) strongly condemned the United States (US) House of Representatives for making use of the so-called Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act to slander laws on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong and smear the human rights situation in Hong Kong. The US House of Representatives’ fact-twisting attack on Hong Kong is politically driven, violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and grossly interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong. The HKSAR refutes this action resolutely and condemns it strongly.
 
     The so-called Act is a self-deception of double standards. Despite the US having the most stringent national security legislation, the Act maliciously slanders against the just and legitimate objective of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), disregards the constitutional obligation and inherent rights of the HKSAR to safeguard national security, smears the fact that human rights and the rule of law are properly protected in accordance with the law by the HKSAR Government, and grossly interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong. Such a political manoeuvre not only maliciously attacks the work of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) in the US on promoting normal economic and trade relations and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the US, but further advocates for their closure, severely damaging the normal economic and trade relations. The HKSAR refutes this action resolutely and condemns it strongly.
 
     The HKSAR Government has been establishing and maintaining economic and trade relations with places around the world in accordance with the “one country, two systems” principle and has, pursuant to Article 156 of the Basic Law and legislation of the host countries, set up 14 overseas ETOs as the official representatives of the HKSAR, including the three ETOs established in the US.
 
     In their respective jurisdictions, the ETOs in Washington, DC, New York and San Francisco have been operating in accordance with local legislation and maintaining close liaison with interlocutors in government, business, think tanks and various sectors to enrich ties between Hong Kong and the US in different areas such as trade, investment, and arts and culture. The smooth operation of the three ETOs in the US contributes to strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and the US in different areas, and is mutually beneficial to both places.
 
     In fact, the US enjoys significant economic benefits in Hong Kong. The US has realised a trade surplus of US$271.5 billion with Hong Kong during the past 10 years, the largest among its global trading partners, and more than 1 200 US companies have set up businesses in Hong Kong. If the US insists on undermining the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US through the so-called Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, it will ultimately harm the interests of the US and its companies.
 
     The three ETOs of the HKSAR in the US will continue to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages, tell the good stories of Hong Kong and, where necessary, refute erroneous reports and clarify misconceptions without fear or favour, so as to foster economic and trade relations and co-operation on different fronts between Hong Kong and the US on a mutually beneficial basis.
 
     The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China. The enactment of the NSL and the SNSO aims to, among others, improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, as well as maintain the prosperity and stability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the NSL and the SNSO to prevent, suppress and punish in accordance with the law, acts and activities that endanger national security.
 
     The HKSAR Government firmly safeguards the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents protected by law. Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights of Hong Kong residents have been firmly protected by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law. Hong Kong residents enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other relevant laws. The NSL clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, which Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, including freedom of speech, press, publication, association, and assembly, shall be protected in accordance with the law.
 
     Law enforcement actions taken by HKSAR law enforcement agencies, including those taken under the NSL, the SNSO and other Hong Kong laws, are based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law, and have nothing to do with the occupation, background or political stance of the persons concerned. The Department of Justice (DoJ), by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions free from any interference. Independent prosecutorial decisions for each case are made in a rigorous and objective manner, strictly based on evidence and applicable laws, and are in accordance with the Prosecution Code. Prosecutions would be instituted by the DoJ only if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction, and if it is in the public interest to do so.
 
     The legal system in the HKSAR is robust and transparent. The Basic Law guarantees that the common law system continues to be practised in Hong Kong, and that the HKSAR shall be vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. The courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from interference. The rule of law in Hong Kong is strong and robust, and withstands the test of time. The rule of law in Hong Kong is based on the institutional safeguards of the Basic Law and is the fruit of the collaborative efforts of the judicial sector and the legal profession of Hong Kong over the years, and has already taken root in the heart of every citizen in Hong Kong society. The HKSAR Government will continue to support the Judiciary in adjudicating cases independently in accordance with law and resolutely safeguard the rule of law in Hong Kong. read more

     The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is highly concerned about the temporary business suspension announced by a chain fitness and beauty group on September 6. An inter-departmental dedicated investigation team has been set up with a view to handling the cases as soon as possible.
      
     Hong Kong Customs and the Police will conduct intensive investigation into offences under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) with respect to the unfair trade practices and whether other criminal offences are involved respectively. Should there be any violation found, the authorities will take appropriate enforcement action.
      
     As of 4pm today (September 10), Customs and the Police had received 733 and 19 complaints respectively regarding the chain group concerned. 
      
     Customs appeals to consumers who have purchased fitness or beauty services from the chain group to contact Customs as soon as possible. Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
      
     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Consumers are also reminded to procure services at reputable shops and consider prudently before making decisions for consumption with prepayment. After purchasing services, they should keep the relevant records, such as transaction receipts and contracts, which can become basic information in case a complaint is lodged in the future.

     Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence if at the time of acceptance of payment, the trader intends not to supply the product or intends to supply a materially different product, or there are no reasonable grounds for believing that the trader will be able to supply the product within a specified or reasonable period. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
      
     In response to the above incident, the Commercial Crime Bureau of the Police has set up a task force to investigate into the fraud and false statement offences. The police urge members of the public to report any relevant information to the Police’s 24-hour hotline 2860 5012. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 10) investigating a suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 11 tourists of two inbound tour groups comprising 61 tourists from the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.
 
     The cluster involved eight males and three females aged between 55 and 68, who developed abdominal pain, diarrheoa, nausea, vomiting and fever after having lunch and dinner at two restaurants in To Kwa Wan on September 9.
 
     All affected persons sought medical advice. None of them required hospitalisation. All patients are in stable condition.
 
     Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the affected persons had consumed common food. The personnel from the CHP and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have conducted an inspection at the restaurant where the affected persons had dinner, took food sample for laboratory testing. The CFS’s personnel also instructed the concerned premise to suspend operation with immediate effect, carry out cleaning and disinfection of the premises, and improve food preparation process and food hygiene. The officers do not rule out that the causes of food poisoning include cross-contamination of food, premature preparation of food and failure to reheat thoroughly. The personnel from the CFS will conduct inspection at the restaurant where the affected persons had lunch. The CHP and CFS’s investigations are ongoing.
 
     The CHP has contacted with the Travel Industry Authority and the travel agencies. Preliminary information shows that no other tourists have been affected. The CHP will maintain liaison with relevant parties and continue to monitor the situations of relevant tourists.
         
     To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
 

• Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
• Avoid eating raw seafood;
• Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters, at a buffet;
• Pre-cooked or leftover foods should be stored and reheated properly before consumption;
• Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;
• Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
• Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;
• Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
• Drink boiled water;
• Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
• Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.

     â€‹Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 9) and today (September 10) detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment and seized about 10 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, 10kg of suspected ketamine and 3.8kg of suspected MDMA, with a total estimated market value of about $10.3 million, at Hong Kong International Airport. Three men were arrested. 
      
     In the first case, a 28-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine and suspected MDMA concealed inside his check-in suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.
      
     Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on the same day conducted a controlled delivery operation and arrested a 52-year-old man who claimed to be a driver at Kennedy Town. 
      
     After the investigation, the first arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (September 11). The second arrestee has been released on bail pending further investigation.
      
     The second case involved a 20-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected methamphetamine was found concealed in the food packages inside his check-in suitcase and the man was subsequently arrested.

     An investigation of the second case is ongoing.

     Following the increasing number of visitors to Hong Kong, Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
      
     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).