Remarks by S for S at media session on sentencing of Lai Chee-ying's case (with video)
Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session on the sentencing of Lai Chee-ying's case this afternoon (February 9):
Reporter: What's the significance of this case, given that Jimmy Lai's sentencing of 20 years is the longest in all national security cases so far?
Secretary for Security: I think the sentence of a total of 20 years' imprisonment has reflected the grave nature of the case. If you look at the judgment, in fact, for each of the conspiracy to commit collusion offences, the sentence has been increased from 15 years to 18 years with an additional sentence of three years. It is because the court has considered the grave nature of the case. I think the sentence in this case illustrates very clearly that any offence against national security, in particular colluding with foreign forces or external elements, is a very serious offence.
Reporter: I have a follow-up question about what you said on the United Kingdom (UK) situation. As his side or his children had said that Jimmy Lai is only a British citizen, he only holds a British passport, how do you compare that to the version of what you just said? And if the UK asks for a transfer of sentenced persons agreement, how do you think the Government will respond?
Secretary for Security: Lai Chee-ying, according to the law of Hong Kong and the law of China, is a Chinese, and we do not recognise dual nationality. Being a Chinese who committed an offense in Hong Kong, China, he serves his sentence in Hong Kong, China, which is a very logical stance. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks)
Source: AI-found images
Mainland delegation visits Hong Kong to ensure sufficient supply of variety of food during Chinese New Year
The Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Ms Li Na, today (February 9) led a delegation to Hong Kong to observe the situation of the food supply from the Mainland to Hong Kong andto ensure that people in Hong Kong have sufficient supply of a variety of high-quality food during the Chinese New Year. Members of the delegation include representatives from the General Administration of Customs of the PRC, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province.
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, met with the delegation at noon and expressed gratitude for their annual visit to Hong Kong ahead of the Chinese New Year to observe the situation of the food supply from the Mainland. He said that the relevant Mainland authorities have strengthened the sources of supply and enhanced contingency plans to ensure the stability and safety of the food supply, fully demonstrating the Central Authorities' care and support for Hong Kong. Mr Tse also shared with the delegation on how the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government rolls out various new food-related initiatives to align proactively with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
The delegation visited the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse in the morning to observe the transportation, auction and slaughtering of live pigs supplied to Hong Kong. Accompanied by representatives of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the delegation visited the Wan Chai Market and the Western Wholesale Food Market in the afternoon to observe the distribution and sale of fresh food.
The Mainland is the primary source of agricultural products, especially live and fresh food, for Hong Kong. Relevant agencies on the Mainland have long attached great importance to the quality, safety and stability of food supplied to Hong Kong and have established a close liaison mechanism with Hong Kong. As the supply businesses of fresh food to Hong Kong have continued to grow on the Mainland, the quality and variety of food products supplied to Hong Kong have continued to improve, demonstrating the Central Government's care for the HKSAR and playing a crucial role in stabilising the supply and prices of fresh food to Hong Kong.
Mainland delegation visits Hong Kong to ensure sufficient supply of variety of food during Chinese New Year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Mainland delegation visits Hong Kong to ensure sufficient supply of variety of food during Chinese New Year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Mainland delegation visits Hong Kong to ensure sufficient supply of variety of food during Chinese New Year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
