Brussels Celebrates Chinese New Year with Prestigious Reception for Year of the Horse

Brussels ETO celebrates Chinese New Year in Brussels as Year of Horse begins

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Brussels, Belgium, on February 17 (Brussels time), celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Horse on its first day.

The Brussels reception has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious events within the European diplomatic community, attracting over 260 esteemed guests, including officials from European institutions, national governments and diplomatic missions, as well as senior representatives from the business, trade, academic, arts and cultural sectors, the media, and the local Chinese community. The event was supported by the Belgium-Hong Kong Society.

The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, opened her speech by welcoming guests to the festive occasion, noting that the Year of the Horse symbolises energy, loyalty, and perseverance. Ms Yung remarked that these traits define the enduring friendship between Europe and Hong Kong, particularly as both navigate an increasingly complex global environment.

While acknowledging that the past year posed significant hurdles for the global economy, Ms Yung highlighted that Hong Kong has weathered the storm and emerged more resilient and promising than ever. She emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong remains the world's freest economy and a "super connector", bridging global capital with the immense growth of Asia, in particular the Greater Bay Area.

With its strong economic fundamentals, Hong Kong provides international investors with a reliable platform to navigate global volatility. Beyond traditional strengths in finance and trade, Ms Yung shared that Hong Kong is rapidly evolving into a global hub for innovation, technology, and world-class talent, driven by strategic initiatives such as "Go Global via Hong Kong" and the development of the Northern Metropolis.

"We believe that prosperity is fostered by building bridges that connect people, ideas, and cultures," Ms Yung stated. She concluded with a call for continued collaboration, encouraging both Europe and Hong Kong to turn challenges into opportunities and build a more prosperous future together.

Moreover, Brussels ETO hosted another Chinese New Year reception in Paris, France, on February 19 (Paris time) which attracted more than 250 guests of various backgrounds including government representatives, businessmen, academic representatives, the media and members of the local Chinese community. The reception was co-organised by Brussels ETO and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with the support of the France Hong Kong Business Association.

In both receptions, guests were greeted by an enchanting performance from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, featuring a vibrant repertoire of traditional Chinese folk melodies, alongside a nostalgic medley of iconic Hong Kong television themes. The performance perfectly captured Hong Kong's lively cultural spirit and the exceptional skill of its musicians, earning high praise from local guests.

Photo shows (from left): the Director of France, Spain and Portugal of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Christopher Lai; the spouse of the Chinese Ambassador to France, Ms Zhang Hua; the Chinese Ambassador to France, Mr Deng Li; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung; and the Chairman of the France Hong Kong Business Association, Ms Bo Huang Launois, toasting at the Chinese New Year reception in Paris. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows local distinguished guests at the Chinese New Year reception in Paris. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, addressing the audience at the reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra performing at the Chinese New Year reception in Brussels. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows an impressive lion dance performance presented by Legends of Liondance Association and the Choi Lee Fat Belgium Kungfu Lion and Dragon Dance Association during the Chinese New Year reception in Brussels. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows distinguished guests from across the European diplomatic, business and cultural communities, attending the reception in Brussels. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows (from left) the Chairman of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr Alexander De Beir; the Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia and Israel of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Chris Lo; the Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, Mr Fei Shengchao; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung; the Head of the Mission of China to the European Union, Ambassador Cai Run; the Consul General of Belgium in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr David Lomastro; the Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO, Miss Fiona Li; and the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of the Invest Hong Kong Brussels office, Ms Paula Kant, toasting at the Chinese New Year reception in Brussels. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, addressing the audience at the reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Court of Appeal delivers judgement on appeals of conspiracy to commit subversion case

The Court of Appeal of the High Court today (February 23) delivered its judgment on the appeals in a case of "conspiracy to commit subversion", dismissing the appeals against conviction or sentence lodged by 12 defendants. Furthermore, with regard to one defendant against whom the evidence was insufficient for the trial court to be sure of his participation in the conspiracy offence, the Court of Appeal upheld the trial court's verdict.

The Court of Appeal, in its judgment on the appeals in this case, rejected each of the grounds of appeal against conviction or sentence raised by the respective defendants. With regard to the appeals against conviction, the Court of Appeal noted that the relevant provisions of the Basic Law establish an executive-led system headed by the Chief Executive (CE), recognises that the CE, the Government, the Legislative Council (LegCo), and the Judiciary have different constitutional roles. Interaction and co-ordination between them is inevitable in areas where both the executive and legislative authority are required. As seen from the budgetary process, examining the merits of a budget by reference to fiscal considerations to see if it warrants approval must form the core of the LegCo's powers and functions under Article 73(2) of the Basic Law. The LegCo must exercise its powers and functions in accordance with, and not in contravention of, the provisions of the Basic Law. In particular, it cannot act in contravention of the fundamental provisions of the Basic Law which establish the constitutional order in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the LegCo members cannot contravene the constitutional duty to uphold the constitutional order in the HKSAR under the LegCo Oath. In this case, as envisaged and publicised by the first defendant Tai Yiu-ting and known to any participant who chose to join it, the "Project 35+" was a "constitutional mass destruction weapon" aiming to compel the CE to resign, to paralyse the Government and to force the Central People's Government to declare an end to the "one country, two systems" policy, which constituted an unlawful means of subverting the constitutional order of the HKSAR. Pursuing that aim in the pretext of examining budgets necessarily amounted to a breach of a LegCo member's duty to uphold the constitutional order in the HKSAR. The defendants agreed to join the "Project 35+" and participate in the relevant course of conduct with the intent to achieve the subversive consequences, and therefore constituted the offence of "conspiracy to commit subversion".

The Court of Appeal also considered that the trial court was entitled to make the impugned findings based on the totality of the evidence adduced. With all the evidence considered in context, the conclusions that each defendant was a party to the conspiracy could not be faulted. The Court of Appeal further held that there was no unfairness in the conduct of the trial proceedings.

Regarding the appeals against sentence, the Court of Appeal pointed out that the trial court's categorisation of all defendants who ran for the "primary election" as "actively participants" could not be faulted. The goal of the "Project 35+" was to cause havoc to the constitutional order in the HKSAR, by getting the concerned defendants elected. The Court of Appeal further pointed out that the defendants exploited the system in such a way intending to bring about potentially devastating consequences to the HKSAR. Therefore, "ignorance of the law" was not a valid mitigating factor in this case. All the discounts that had been given by the trial court under this head must be regarded as entirely gratuitous.

A spokesman for the HKSAR government said, "45 defendants have been convicted in this case. The trial court pointed out clearly in its reasons for verdict handed down earlier that by March and April 2020, the ultimate aim and purpose of the so-called 'Project 35+' had been very clear and made known to the public, which was to undermine, destroy or overthrow the existing political system and structure of the HKSAR established under the Basic Law and the 'one country, two systems' principle. The court pointed out that the defendants, led by Tai Yiu-ting, have invested a great deal of time and money in premeditating and planning the so-called 'primary election'. The other defendants all participated actively and made every effort to ensure the success of the 'Project 35+'. Had the plan been fully implemented, it would have given rise to profoundly far-reaching negative consequences, the severity of which would have been no less than the overthrow of the HKSAR Government."

"During the trial, it was revealed that the persons concerned put forward the '10 Steps to mutual destruction' which would bring Hong Kong society to a standstill through large-scale street riots and other means at the same time. Coupled with international political and economic sanctions, 'mutual destruction' would be achieved, causing suffering to members of the public. The severity of the crime in this case was supported by irrefutable evidence. The convicted individuals deserved their punishment. The Court of Appeal's dismissal of relevant appeals against conviction and sentence demonstrates that any person who intends to commit subversion and endanger national security will be punished in accordance with the law."

"As for the decision to uphold the verdict of a defendant against whom the evidence was insufficient for the trial court to be sure of his participation in the conspiracy, the Department of Justice will study the judgment carefully and consider whether to lodge an appeal."

The spokesman pointed out, "Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law. The Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. The court’s judgment in this appeal case shows that the Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court."

"Safeguarding national security is the inherent responsibility of every citizen. The HKSAR Government is resolutely determined to crack down on acts and activities that endanger national safety, ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced, so as to bring offenders to account. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'."

Source: AI-found images