CS Celebrates Launch of Themed Exhibition on Sui and Tang Civilisation from Shaanxi in Hong Kong

Speech by CS at "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Prosperity and Magnificence - Civilisation of the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province" exhibition

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Prosperity and Magnificence - Civilisation of the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province" exhibition today (July 14):

Deputy Commissioner Li (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Li Yongsheng), Gary (Chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), Mr Gary Chan), Holden (Vice-Chairman of the DAB and Chairman of the Liaison Committee of the DAB, Mr Holden Chow), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to join you today at the Hong Kong Museum of History, and to welcome you to this exclusive session of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Prosperity and Magnificence - Civilisation of the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province" exhibition.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong for making this meaningful event possible.

Hong Kong is deeply rooted in Chinese history and culture. At the same time, we are also strongly connected to the world. This gives us a clear and distinct national mission - to serve as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange - a national mandate set out in both the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans.

This important role calls on us to foster cross-cultural dialogue and tell China's stories in a true, clear and easy-to-understand way across borders.

To deepen public understanding of Chinese civilisation, we launched the flagship "General History of China Series" in 2024. The first two exhibitions - focusing on the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, and then the Qin and Han periods - attracted more than 420 000 visitors, including more than 15 000 students and teachers from nearly 400 schools.

This year, we turn to one of the golden eras of Chinese civilisation. After years of change, the Sui dynasty reunified the Chinese nation, built the Grand Canal, and reopened the Silk Road. The Tang dynasty then revitalised education and culture, expanded its influence, and opened a remarkable age of cross-cultural exchange. At the heart of this exchange, Chang'an became a vibrant capital renowned throughout the world.

Today's Hong Kong shares a defining characteristic with Chang'an in its time: we are open and inclusive, and we serve as a bridge between cultures. We bring diverse traditions together and we welcome global exchange.

As you explore this exhibition, I hope you will gain a deeper appreciation of the richness of Chinese culture. More importantly, I hope this shared experience opens new opportunities for mutual understanding and friendship among our nations.

Finally, I wish you all an inspiring and enjoyable visit. Thank you.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, speaks at "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Prosperity and Magnificence – Civilisation of the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province" exhibition today (July 14). Photo shows Mr Chan (centre); Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Li Yongsheng (second right); the Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), Mr Chan Hak-kan (second left); Vice Chairperson of the DAB and Chairman of the Liaison Committee of the DAB Mr Holden Chow (first right), and other guests at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs raids suspected illicit cigarette and manufactured tobacco storage centre on Lin Ma Hang Road

Hong Kong Customs shut down a suspected illicit cigarette and manufactured tobacco storage centre on Lin Ma Hang Road in the North District, New Territories, yesterday (July 13). A total of about 273 800 suspected illicit cigarettes and about 324 kilograms of suspected manufactured tobacco were seized. The total estimated market value was about $3.3 million while the duty potential was about $2.2 million. Two Mainland men connected with the case were arrested.

Customs officers searched a suspicious metal hut on Lin Ma Hang Road in the evening yesterday and found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes and manufactured tobacco. Two Mainland men aged 48 and 39, who respectively claimed to be unemployed and a designer, were arrested at the scene.

The case is still under investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source, as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.

Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs shut down a suspected illicit cigarette and manufactured tobacco storage centre on Lin Ma Hang Road in the North District, New Territories, yesterday (July 13). A total of about 273 800 suspected illicit cigarettes and about 324 kilograms of suspected manufactured tobacco were seized. The total estimated market value was about $3.3 million while the duty potential was about $2.2 million. Two Mainland men connected with the case were arrested. Photo shows the suspected illicit cigarettes and manufactured tobacco seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases