Remarks by newly appointed SCST at media session
Following are the remarks by the newly appointedSecretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at a media session today (December 5):
Reporter: First of all, what are your job priorities in your tenure of two and a half years? And also, what are the most critical areas of work for which you want to see improvements in the Bureau? Given that you had no previous experience in the Bureau, how do you plan to use your strengths to serve the general public? Thank you.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: There are several important areas in the portfolio of culture, sports and tourism. First of all, of course, in the National Fourteenth Five-Year Plan, it is clearly stated that Hong Kong is supported to develop into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. This will allow Hong Kong to fully leverage its strength in international creativity and experiences in external exchanges under the "one country, two systems". This is obviously an important priority. Hong Kong has distinctive advantages in enjoying the strong support of the Motherland while being closely connected to the world. With the strong support from the Central Government, we must leave no stones unturned in achieving this important goal.
On sports, obviously the most important thing is the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park. And with this, the successful organisation of the 15th National Games. We will have to work very closely with Guangdong Province and Macao SAR (Special Administrative Region). This will allow athletes to shine, Hong Kong people to strengthen their national identity, and for visitors to have a great time in Hong Kong.
For tourism, I am most grateful to the Central Government for the recently announced supporting measures for Hong Kong, including the new pair of adorable new pandas, and the resumption of the multiple entry policy for Shenzhen residents. Opportunities are everywhere. And so my priority would be to learn the latest development of my Bureau's work, and then to meet old friends, make new friends. Have candid, useful, constructive discussions with all stakeholders, with a view of bringing culture, sports, and tourism to new heights.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Remarks by newly appointed SCST at media session 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.
