HKETO, Brussels supports screening of Hong Kong films at Spain Moving Images Festival
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) supported the screening of Hong Kong films in the eighth Spain Moving Images Festival (SMIFest), taking place in Madrid, Spain from December 2 to 9 (Madrid time).
The SMIFest is paying tribute to the renowned Hong Kong director, Wong Kar-wai, featuring a retrospective of his iconic classics, presented by celebrated Spanish cinema critics and filmmakers. As part of the SMIFest programme, a masterclass will be organised at the TAI School of the Arts, exploring the influence of Hong Kong cinema on the global film landscape.
HKETO, Brussels hosted a media presentation and networking reception on December 2 (Madrid time). Speaking at the reception, Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Grace Li, highlighted the unique position of Hong Kong as a leading force in the Asian film industry. She also remarked on the Government’s commitment to nurturing talent, enhancing local productions, expanding markets and building audiences.
The SMIfest is the festival of Asian audiovisual experimentation, art-house cinema, and video art. It is dedicated to emerging Asian filmmakers and artists, alongside with the work of pioneering and classic creators. Four movies of Wong Kar-wai, "Happy Together", "Chungking Express", "In the Mood for Love", and "2046" will be screened at the eighth SMIFest.
HKETO, Brussels supports screening of Hong Kong films at Spain Moving Images Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSARG responds to reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under HKHRDA incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 26) strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects US' reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (HKHRDA) incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
A spokesman for the Government said, "In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security, the US has exposed its double standards by pointing the finger at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security."
"The Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the related Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity, aiming at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts and activities of endangering national security. It targets only an extremely small minority of people without affecting the basic rights and freedoms lawfully enjoyed by Hong Kong residents."
He said, "The US openly clamour for so-called 'sanctions' with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called 'sanctions' and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."
The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We have long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions. At the same time, the HKSAR Government has been implementing a comprehensive and robust control regime over the import and export of strategic commodities and maintaining active participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People's Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners and internationally.
The US has substantial economic interest in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, it registered a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong. Currently, some 1 390 US companies operate in Hong Kong. If the US insists on its acts, it will ultimately undermine the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US, harming the interests of the US and its companies.
The spokesman reiterated that foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR.
