Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026 (with video)
Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026 today (June 12):
Let me now say a few words to our English-speaking friends.
Good evening. I am delighted to welcome you to the Opening Reception of the Chinese Culture Festival 2026. Let us savour the timeless charm of Chinese culture together.
Chinese culture is distinguished by its long history, vast scope and profound depth. Hong Kong is rooted in Chinese culture and enjoys a global vision. Under the "one country, two systems" principle, our city connects closely with both the Mainland and the world. We have wide-ranging experience in cultural exchanges. And we are determined to better integrate into national development, extending the reach of Chinese culture, presenting a credible and appealing China to the world, while telling the good stories of our country and Hong Kong.
To do this effectively requires sustained effort - it is not a short-term task. The HKSAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into our community and enhancing our people's sense of national identity, belonging and pride.
The Chinese Culture Festival, one of our annual flagship projects, features performances, exhibitions and outreach activities. It makes fine use of Hong Kong's international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.
The past two editions of the Festival were warmly received, attracting over 1.8 million participants. And the "Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series" benefited more than 15 000 teachers, students and community members, infusing patriotic education with a lively and dynamic presentation.
"Legends" is the theme of this year's Festival, presenting a rewarding variety of programmes related to Chinese mythology and folktales.
Tonight's opening programme, the dance drama "Lady White Snake", is masterfully produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Drawing from the beloved legend "The Legend of the White Snake", it fuses Western ballet with Chinese classical dance, weaving modern vision with timeless beauty.
Beyond tonight's performance, this year's Chinese Culture Festival presents an inviting selection of Chinese operas and original local works, along with themed exhibitions and community outreach activities. Together, they allow you to appreciate the boundless diversity of Chinese culture.
The Chinese Culture Festival promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Mainland, while reaching out to the world.
I wish this year's Chinese Culture Festival great success and its audiences unforgettable performances from beginning to the final curtain call. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
Hong Kong Customs and Fire Services Department shut down two illegal fuelling stations
Hong Kong Customs and the Fire Services Department (FSD) mounted a territory-wide blitz operation targeting illicit fuel activities on June 10. During the operation, officers of the two departments detected two related cases and seized about 3 200 litres of illicit motor spirit, with an estimated market value of about $104,000 and a duty potential of about $20,000. Two persons were arrested, and one vehicle connected with one of the cases was also seized.
In the afternoon on June 10, during a joint anti-illicit fuel operation in Tung Chung, officers of Customs and the FSD raided an illegal fuelling station at Shek Lau Po and seized about 1 600l of illicit motor spirit and a batch of oil filling equipment. The case is under investigation. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
In the evening on the same day, Customs and FSD officers continued the joint operation in Kwai Chung and raided an illegal mobile fuelling station at the roadside of Kwai Tai Road. About 1 600l of illicit motor spirit, a batch of oil filling equipment and a lorry connected with the case were seized. Two non-local men, aged 57 and 33, were arrested. They were suspected to be the operator of the illegal fuelling station and the driver of the lorry used to transport illicit motor spirit respectively.
They were suspected of dealing with illicit fuel, violating various ordinances including the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance(DCO) (Cap. 109) and the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, and have been charged with dealing with goods to which the DCO (Cap. 109) applies.
According to the DCO, any vehicle found conveying illicit motor spirit, as well as any tools, equipment, or articles used or intended to be used in connection with the commission of related offences, shall be liable to forfeiture whether or not any person is convicted of any offence. Anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit motor spirit commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation, it is an offence to possess or control any controlled substance for the business purpose of transferring it into vehicle fuel tanks. The Dangerous Goods Ordinance also provides that no person shall manufacture, store, convey or use any dangerous goods unless they possess a licence or exemption granted. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for the first offence is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months. For each subsequent offence, the maximum penalty will be a $200,000 fine and imprisonment for one year.
Customs and the FSD will continue to take enforcement action against illicit fuel activities. Members of the public may report suspected illicit fuel activities via the Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or the FSD's 24-hour hotline 5577 9666. The public may also report through the Illicit Fuelling Activities on the Fire Hazard Electronic Complaint Portal of the FSD(fhcp.hkfsd.gov.hk).
Hong Kong Customs and Fire Services Department shut down two illegal fuelling stations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs and Fire Services Department shut down two illegal fuelling stations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs and Fire Services Department shut down two illegal fuelling stations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs and Fire Services Department shut down two illegal fuelling stations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs and Fire Services Department shut down two illegal fuelling stations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs and Fire Services Department shut down two illegal fuelling stations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
